Apple Remote Desktop Help
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# Using Installers from Other Companies

The Install Packages command only works with installers that use the .pkg or .mpkg file format, and some applications can't be installed by simply copying the application to the hard disk. To install software using installers with different file formats, you use a combination of tasks.

WARNING: When a controlled computer is restarted after a package installation, some package installations may have processes that run as the root user in the login window. These processes can be a security risk. Test your install packages before installing them on controlled computers to make sure they don't run processes in the login window.

1. Select a computer list in the Remote Desktop window.
2. Select one or more computers in the selected computer list.
3. Choose Interact > Lock Screen and then click Lock Screen.

   By locking the screen, you prevent the package installation interface from appearing on the controlled computer's screen during installation.

4. Choose Manage > Copy Items.
5. Add the software installer to the "Items to copy" list.

   For more information, see Copying Files.

6. Select a copy destination.
7. Select After Copying Open Items.
8. Click Copy.

   The software is copied to the indicated destination. If the copy is operation unsuccessful, an error message appears in the task feedback window.

9. Select a computer that received the copy of the installer.
10. Choose Interact > Control.
11. Control the screen of the selected computer and complete the installation process interactively.

See also:

- Installing by Package and Metapackage
- Installing Software on Offline Computers
- Installing by Using the Copy Items Command