[dwstovall]

I'm a SysAdmin on a predominently Windows network. We have about 30 Macs that have heretofore been left out in the cold with regards to software updates, largely because nobody knew how to integrate them into the network.

I've been searching in vain for guides to integrate the Macs (OD into AD, remote management, and software updates).

One of our Apple servers was allegedly configured by an "Apple Expert" to manage updates; but he is gone, and we suspect that updates are not being pushed out to the Mac machines.

Is there a good reference site that has simple guidance for a "Mac Idiot" who wants to integrate Macs into a Windows environment? Particularly, I need to know how Apple manages updates in network/managed environment.

Thank you...

DavidS

[smax013]

dwstovall said:

I'm a SysAdmin on a predominently Windows network. We have about 30 Macs that have heretofore been left out in the cold with regards to software updates, largely because nobody knew how to integrate them into the network.

I've been searching in vain for guides to integrate the Macs (OD into AD, remote management, and software updates).


One of our Apple servers was allegedly configured by an "Apple Expert" to manage updates; but he is gone, and we suspect that updates are not being pushed out to the Mac machines.


Is there a good reference site that has simple guidance for a "Mac Idiot" who wants to integrate Macs into a Windows environment? Particularly, I need to know how Apple manages updates in network/managed environment.


Thank you...


DavidS

If you want to get the updates at a central location and then "push" them to the other Macs, then I cannot help...never dealt with such a system.



In the mean time, however, if the Macs have Internet access, then you can just use the built in Apple Software Update function. You can set it to automatic (much like you can with Windoze Update) or do it more manual. I realize that this is not likely what you are looking for as in most enterprise situations IT likes to test stuff out before deploying, but it could be an interim solution.

[dwstovall]

Thanks for the response, but I really want to avoid having to go to each machine, and I need a way to remotely manage so that I can ensure that the updates actually get to the machine. I can instruct the Mac users how to do somethin, but there is no assurance that it actually gets done. Not that I don't trust the users - I just have to ensure it gets done.

[smax013]

dwstovall said:

Thanks for the response, but I really want to avoid having to go to each machine, and I need a way to remotely manage so that I can ensure that the updates actually get to the machine. I can instruct the Mac users how to do somethin, but there is no assurance that it actually gets done. Not that I don't trust the users - I just have to ensure it gets done.

You might see if this helps.

[dwstovall]

I'm surprised that nobody provided this answer, but Mac OS X Server incorporates Software Update Server that extends the manageability of software updates on the network.

http://images.apple....r/pdfs/SoftwareUpdateServerTBv10_4.pdf

This streamlined feature allows
administrators to control how and when users view and download software, increasing
network flexibility, saving the costs of multiple downloads, and reducing bandwidth
consumption. Using the local software update server, client computers are able to
access approved software updates only—which evades the pitfalls of uncontrolled
environments where users handle their own updates, clogging network bandwidth
and selecting software unsuitable for the organization.*

At least tha's what the website says. If I can just get it to work properly life will be grand.

I guess I get the points for answering my own question.

DS

[dwstovall]

I answered my question...

[Macsalot]

dwstovall wrote:
I'm a SysAdmin on a predominently Windows network. We have about 30 Macs that have heretofore been left out in the cold with regards to software updates, largely because nobody knew how to integrate them into the network.
I've been searching in vain for guides to integrate the Macs (OD into AD, remote management, and software updates).

One of our Apple servers was allegedly configured by an "Apple Expert" to manage updates; but he is gone, and we suspect that updates are not being pushed out to the Mac machines.

Is there a good reference site that has simple guidance for a "Mac Idiot" who wants to integrate Macs into a Windows environment? Particularly, I need to know how Apple manages updates in network/managed environment.

Thank you...

DavidS





David,

Check and see if he already has Apple Remote Desktop on the server. With that application you can run terminal commands on groups (or all) the Macs in your environment. You can also change settings as well. It's like SMS where you can install packages, remote control and push updates etc.

Some good sites to do research and ask questions in their forums:

<http://afp548.com/>

<http://macenterprise.org/>

<http://bombich.com/>

<http://macwindows.com/>

The best place to start though may be Apple's site for mail lists. There is a Mac OS X Server admin list as well as a client management list. There are tons of people on those lists who can clarify the documentation on Apple's site. Speaking of documentation. It's a drag but there is no way around it. If you want to understand it, you will have to start with the documentation. It's really the best place to start. Many on the lists will scold you if you ask questions that are readily available in the docs.

You can find the Server Documentation here:

<http://www.apple.com/server/resources/>

The Apple lists can be found here:

<http://lists.apple.com/>

Happy Administration!