Installing by Package (pkg) and Metapackage (mpkg)

You can install new software automatically and without user intervention by copying installer packages (.pkg or .mpkg files) to one or more remote clients using Mac OS X version 10.2 or later. Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) copies the package to the computers you choose, runs the installer with no visible window or user interaction required, and then erases the installer files upon completion.

You can install multiple packages in succession. When you execute installation of multiple packages, ARD copies over a package, installs it, and then copies and installs the next package until finished.

It is not possible to stop the installation of a package. Once the installation starts, it will complete (assuming no errors occur on the client). However, you can click the Stop button to stop any additional packages (in a multiple-package install) from being copied over and installed.

Alternatively, an administrator with access to Apple Developer Tools can use the PackageMaker application to create a "metapackage" that contains several installers to be run in sequence. In addition to creating metapackages, you can also use PackageMaker to create packages for custom software that your organization may have developed. More information about making and using packages and metapackages is available through the Apple Developer Connection website:

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/SoftwareDistribution/index.html

1. Select a computer list.
2. Select one or more computers in the Remote Desktop window.
3. Choose Manage > Install Packages.
4. Select a .pkg or .mpkg file to install.
5. Click Install.

During installation, a progress bar appears on the administrator's screen. No progress bars appear on the client computer. The package copied is deleted from the client computer if an error occurs during installation. However, a failed installation may leave behind other files created by the installer.

Note: Client computers are not restarted automatically after an installation is complete. If restarting is necessary, use the Restart command to restart selected computers after using the Install Packages command.