Packages

Introduction

The following information is the description of the Configuration Management packages and their purpose and flow.

Each installation package stored in the Configuration Management Points is listed in Configuration Management. The packages are divided into three categories corresponding to the two types of packages: Computer and User packages. Further organization of the packages can be done by creating custom Folders.

CapaInstaller distributes each of these packages as required to the various clients, where they are then installed. You will use Configuration Management to control which packages should run on which computers. You might assign packages to run on all computers, on specific individual computers, or assign them to entire groups at once.

To help you organize the various computers in your organization, Configuration Management enables you to establish groups manually by collecting computers that you know will require similar installations. You can also set up dynamic computer groups whose membership depends on hardware requirements, existing software and/or other criteria such as Active Directory membership. Adding a package to such a group will cause the package to be installed on all the unit members of the group.

Configuration Management enables you to track which packages have run where and to control the status of packages assigned to run on any computer. Units can be dragged and dropped onto specific packages in order to make them run the package.

Computer packages
User packages

Package Types

Element	Description
Computer Packages	These are run on selected computers and are independent of users, so all users on the affected computers will be able to see and use the installed software. They are installed using a user account with full access to the computer, but cannot access individual user settings (such as those in under HKEY_CURRENT_USER in the Windows Registry). The Computer Packages node shown in Configuration Management contains both the computer packages generated by the CapaInstaller Package Creator and the default inventory packages.
User Packages	These are run for specific users and can run again on any computer where the specified users log in. They usually do not install software, but instead, make configuration and preference settings. They are run under the associated user's account and therefore may not have full access to the computer, but they will have access to HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry entries.

Note!
All options and controls are identical for the various types of packages. Except when otherwise stated, all of the tasks described in this chapter can apply to any type of package.

Icon	Description
	The grey box indicates that the package is not scheduled.
	The grey box with a clock indicates that the package is scheduled, but the schedule is disabled.
	The package is enabled and scheduled, and ready to be installed on clients.

Right-click on a package brings you the following opportunities:

Element	Description
Promote items	Brings the possibility to promote the folder or the package to another Configuration Management Point.
Update now	This causes the synchronization service to synchronize the package to all the Management Servers the package is linked to.
Rebuild CapaInstaller.kit	Rebuilds the package's kit file. (CapaInstaller.kit)
Edit Installation Script	Will open the install script in the preferred text editor specified in Options.
Edit Uninstallation Script	Only available if the package contains an uninstall script. Will open the uninstall script in the preferred text editor specified in Options.
Edit User Configuration Script	Only available if the package contains a user configuration script. Will open the user configuration script in the preferred text editor specified in Options.
Edit Postscript	Only available if the package contains a postscript. Will open the postscript in the preferred text editor specified in Options.
Adding to the buffer	Add the package to the buffer for further management.
Paste unit*	Only available if one or more units of the same type as the package is stored in the unit buffer. It will add these units to the package.
Clear package buffer	This will clear the package buffer list.
Delete	This will delete the package. Will not be available on Capainstaller’s default packages.
Export a package	Import and export a package.
Scheduling of packages	Add a schedule that determines when the package is allowed to run.
Open folder in Windows Explorer	Will open windows explorer at the directory of the package.
Package Properties	Provide you with the specific properties for the package in the package properties window.

*This will indicate the type of units to be pasted, along with
the number of units to be added to the package.

Tip!
To learn more about...

If you want to...	You can...
Assign package to Units or Groups	Assign packages to units or groups.
View or modify current package assignments	View or modify current package assignments.
Change package status	Change package status.