[Casper] Dealing with laptops that are on/off the network

[Thomas Larkin]

This is how I massively updated the machines (6,000 macbooks) when the
10.5.5 and airport update came out that was supposed to address roaming
in large WiFi network connectivity issues. 

I downloaded the combo update separate from Apple, and dropped it into
Casper Admin.  Since Casper will install PKG files just fine no need to
create a package.  Then I created a self service item that installed the
10.5.5 update and the airport update and forced a reboot.  I was also
sent out messages saying that if you did not manually update the
software by a certain date it would be pushed out to you with out your
consent.   

Another option I explored but didn't do was push it out to cache and
then install from cache.  The problem is, most of my users never reboot
and hardly ever log in/out with their laptops.  So after that grace
period of self service I changed the policy to ongoing and to hit every
machine once, those not already installed or updated got it then. 

I also of course updated my images as well so that when a machine gets
freshly imaged all the updates are applied.  I really don't know a
better method, other than just opening up software update, which you can
do, and you can hack the Unix back end to ensure that admin rights are
not needed to install updates but that probably opens up some sort of
security loop hole, so that was something else I explored but then
ultimately said no after looking into it. 

Any suggestions beyond this I would also appreciate. 

Thanks 

Tom


___________________________
Thomas Larkin
TIS Department
KCKPS USD500
tlarki at kckps.org
blackberry:  913-449-7589
office:  913-627-0351





>>> "Ernst, Craig S." <ERNSTCS at uwec.edu> 04/27/09 12:25 PM >>>

In terms of laptops the issue for me is users hardly ever login or
logout, which means they aren’t hitting the startup, and so what’s left?
Hoping they hit a random schedule task time.

Care to share with all, Tom?

Craig E

On 4/27/09 12:17 PM, "Thomas Larkin" <tlarki at kckps.org> wrote:


  

  

Updates, like software updates, or what are you talking about
specifically?  I have tons of laptops that go off and on campus, so I
may be able to send you some input, feel free to contact me off the list
too. 

   

       

  

Tom


>>> "Nesbitt, Sean M." <sean.m.nesbitt at lmco.com> 04/27/09 12:07 PM >>>
    
 



 I have some users who have company laptops, however, they do not use
them as their primary computer. In fact, these company laptops are only
sporadically on the company network. As a result, the laptops are
significantly behind in updates once they access the company network.

I would like to set either a procedure or policy that would catch these
laptops once they initially logon to the network, yet, I have been
unable to find an acceptable solution. I am wondering if other users
have this situation and how they have dealt with it.

Thanks,

Sean
 



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