Deployment Windows clients from a Linux server with Opsi
Windows with a View

© Joy Fera, 123RF
Opsi extends Linux's convenient software distribution methods to Windows PCs on heterogeneous networks.
Corporate networks with a large number of client workstations often rely on some form of network service for installing operating systems upgrades and software updates. Installing updates on a Linux system is very easy because almost every Linux distribution comes with some form of package manager. However, the concept of package management is not as familiar to the Windows world.
Many Windows programs support automatic online updates, but everyday users often do not have sufficient privileges to complete the installation. On top of this, online updates consume a huge amount of bandwidth if, for instance, all of your clients attempt to download the latest Office update at the same time.
Several proprietary solutions offer deployment and software management services for Windows clients. Windows Active Directory has a rudimentary software deployment solution, but only for Microsoft's MSI package system. Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS, now replaced by System Center Configuration Manager), Materna DX-Union, Novell Zen for Desktops, some HP OpenView components, and IBM Tivoli offer similar features. Community projects such as WPKG [1], Unattended [2], and Unattended GUI [3] have also gotten in the game.
[...]
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.
-
EndeavorOS Mercury Neo Available
A new release from the EndeavorOS team ships with Plasma 6.3 and other goodies.
-
Fedora 42 Beta Has Arrived
The Fedora Project has announced the availability of the first beta release for version 42 of the open-source distribution.