›› Application Management

The Application Management service allows network administrators to manage software installations at their site. Typically, this service is used over large networks, in a corporate environment, in which it is necessary for a network administrator to decide which users and computers will gain access to various pieces of software. Since network administrators in a large, corporate environment are typically dealing with massive amounts of computers and users, using this service assists them in keeping their software installations legal.

There are a few things that a network administrator can do with a piece of software that comes across their desk. They can choose to either publish that software to specific users, assign that software to specific users, or assign that software to specific computers. If the network administrator chooses to publish software to specific users, the network administrator will make the software available on the network for specific users to install on an as-needed basis. If the network administrator chooses to assign software to specific users, the network administrator will choose specific users to gain access to that software, and the whole application will install the next time the computer starts or when the user logs on. If the network administrator chooses to assign software to specific computers, the network administrator will choose specific computers to gain access to that software, and the software is installed the next time the computer restarts or the user logs on.

Once a network administrator has decided how to handle the software, users are able to utilize the Application Management service to install, remove, or view the list of software available to them on the network. For example, let's say that User A has just been informed that he has been given access to a new e-mail application on the network. He would then go into his computer and click on Add in Add/Remove Programs in order to view his list of programs. Once he clicked on Add, the Application Management service springs into action by retrieving the list of programs that User A can use. The Application Management service is also used when User A installs the new e-mail application to his computer, and when he decides to remove it later that day.

It is important to note that once this service is started, it cannot be turned off. If you do not require this service, it is wise to simply disable it to prevent it from starting. However, if you do disable this service, be aware that your computer will not be able to retrieve or view any application information in Add/Remove Programs.

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