| 摘要 |
Methods for managing the distribution of client bits to client computers are disclosed. The methods of the present invention are particularly suited for use in a network environment in which one or more clients are networked with at least one server via a communications network. The communications network can be a LAN, WAN, intranet, or the Internet. The client version of one or more selected applications software components (the "managed components") is determined on the client computer. The client queries the server to determine the most current version of each of the managed components. If the client version is not the most current version, or if the client version is missing on the client computer, a determination is made whether to download the most current version onto the client. If the determination is made to install or upgrade one or more managed components, the most current version of each of the selected managed components is downloaded onto the client computer. The installation or upgrade package is authenticated as it is being downloaded by validating a signature that is appended to the package. After the installation or upgrade package has been authenticated and downloaded onto the client computer, the package is installed onto the client. |
