How to remotely deploy software updates?

[topcat]

Hi all,
We have a xserve running 10.4 server and the software update service. We also have a copy of Apple Remote desktop v3. All our macs log in via active directory with group managemnet from the open directory on the xserve.

Software update service works, in that it mirrors the apple updates, but it doesnt do enough in a managed enviroment. None of our users have admin access on the clients, so can not install the updates. So somebody still has to walk round, log in with an admin account, and then install the updates, which isnt much better than not having the software update service.

Is there a way to remotly deploy the updates without having a users with an admin account using the client?
Thanks

[topcat]

Thanks, we have only just got ARD 3 and had yet to look at the new features. Just tried the software updates, and it works quite well, although it makes the server remote update service a waste of time.

The trouble I have now is that in order to use the software install part of ARD3 you need ARD3 client installed on the clients. If I were to do that, the teachers that use ARD2 to teach with can not use it anymore without upgrading, and they have no budget to upgrade to v3, espesially as they would see little benefit.

Also it seems v overkill for teachers to have all the features of ARD3, and a security risk letting them have access to it. They only use the remote control, observe, and share one screen to many. Do you know of any software that will only do these parts of ARD? I wish Apple would create a ARD light for this purpose, I know they pitched it as software to help teachers with version 1, and now the teachers have bought into the idea, it has become much too much for them in terms of money, and stress in security!

[topcat]

Thanks for pointing me towards radmind, it looks v good.
I still think its a shame though thatthe teachers will have to update to ARD3, but see or need no new features. I wish Apple would make it so newer versions of ARD work with the older client version to do what the older clients used to be able to do, but just need the clients upgrading if you want to use the new features.

So what I want is to upgrade all the clients to version3. Then the ARD2 people can still do what they do, but I can use ARD3 to do the more advanced stuff. Im not sure if I can twist their arm to get ARD3 when they dont want or need it.

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