Updates with Software Distribution Channels
Software distribution channels enable automatic software distribution over the Internet or an intranet. This allows an administrator to make a software update available on a server, and either notify users of the update, or have the update automatically "pushed" to their computers.
This section shows how to set up a software channel for Internet Explorer updates. For more information about software distribution channels in general, refer to the Internet Client SDK.
After Internet Explorer is initially installed, channels provide an effective way to distribute browser updates. The Internet Explorer distribution channel can take on several different functions. The following topics describe the different varieties of distribution channels and the different situations in which their use is most appropriate. Templates in .cdf format for each variety are also provided. In each of the templates, the values in bold should be changed to reflect your server settings and preferences.
- Template 1: Internet Explorer "Advertise Only" Channel: This type of channel notifies users when a new version of Internet Explorer is available for download from the server. The user must manually download and install the new version.
- Template 2: Internet Explorer "Automatic Download" Channel: When the administrator makes an Internet Explorer update available, this type of channel downloads the necessary files onto the user's local computer. The user manually initiates installation of the new version.
- Template 3: Internet Explorer "Automatic Installation" Channel: This type of distribution channel does everything for the user. It downloads and automatically installs updates for the user. The user does not need to worry about manual download or installation.
- Template 4: Internet Explorer "Download Once" Channel: This type of channel provides the same functionality as that provided by Template 2 (Automatic Download Channel), except that the Internet Explorer files are downloaded only for the next new version. After successful manual installation by the user, this .cdf file unregisters itself with the system. Subsequent new versions are not downloaded unless another subscription is made.
- Template 5: Internet Explorer "Install Once" Channel: This type of channel provides the same functionality as that provided by Template 3 (Automatic Installation Channel), except that Internet Explorer is installed only for the next new version. After successful automatic installation, this .cdf file unregisters itself with the system. Subsequent new versions are not downloaded or installed unless another subscription is made.
- Template 6: Internet Explorer "Green Test " Channel: This type of channel shows how you can automatically notify users about new program versions when they click shortcuts. This example is based on a fictitious program named "Green."
Notes for Templates 2 through 5