Uncle Block's Advice

I need advice on deploying an application out to about 400 computers. I have some remote control software that I need to install and I was wondering if there is some software (or some other way) that I could use to 'Push' it out to those systems. They're on a Novell network. Any help you could give would be GREATLY appreciated.

Uncle Block Replies:

This could be an easy job or... it could be a hard job.

If these 400 computers are not networked in any way then you will have to be physically present at each computer to install the software^[1]. Unless the software comes on very large number of disks, "Pushing" may not be necessary at all. You may be able to put the disks in your pocket or carry them in a bag.

If, in fact, there are so many disks that you cannot carry them all to each of the remote computers you may require a mechanical aid of some sort... like a dolly or a wagon or someting. If you prefer to "Push" the software out to these remote systems, you'll probably want to go with the dolly.

Depending on the exact nature of the task (I would require more detail for a firmer recommendation) a wagon may be a better idea. Instead of "Pushing" is out to those systems it may actually be easier to "Pull" it out to those systems in your wagon.

I knew a guy once who had a great idea for making big money in the costume shop business. He wanted to import a bunch of illegal Mexicans into Canada so he could pay them peanuts to do all the sewing and what not.

This same idea might work as a solution to your problem. Have the labourers install the remote control software on all 400 computers. Now that you have remote control capabilities with all of these computers it should be pretty easy to install your remote control software remotely.

Make sure you pay the Mexicans enough money to purchase sufficient food to complete the job. If you are too cheap, your employees will not be able to consume enough calories in their meals to provide them with the physical energy required to actually get to the remote computer locations and perform the desired tasks.

Again, without more complete information regarding the task you have described it is difficult for poor old Uncle Block to provide a more definitive recommendation. Should you want me to investigate this situation further I am willing to act as a consultant. My fee will be competitive.

[1]There is little point really in installing remote control software on stand alone computers. This would make about as much sense as installing tits on a board.back]