How do I make packages out of non-package installers?

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Level 1

12 points

How do I make packages out of non-package installers?

Hi,

I want to use Apple Remote Desktop to install software on the Macs in our office, but I find a lot of the time, that the installers come as an application bundle (not the actual application which could simply be copied, but an executable that has to be run). An example of this is Adobe Flash. Is there a way to convert or "wrap" these type of installers in a package so that ARD will recognise and be able to deploy them? (ARD only seems to recognise .pkg files).

T.I.A,

GAM

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on May 15, 2016 5:13 PM

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Answer 1

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

May 15, 2016 5:31 PM in response to gamcall64

Virtually all OS X apps are "packages." A package can be part of another package, but I don't believe that is the solution to your problem. I think you need to be using Network Restore. This is out of my area, but you might check at www.bombich.com which has been long involved in network installations.

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Answer 2

gamcall64 Author

Level 1

12 points

May 15, 2016 6:27 PM in response to theratter

Well yes - I'm aware that apps are packages, and, at one level the Adobe Flash installer looked like one as when you right-clicked it, "Show package contents" was an option. However, Get Info on the same file gave its type as an application. If all apps are packages, is it as simple as changing the extension (on an installer app) from .app to .pkg? All I really want is for ARD to recognise and process it.

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Answer 3

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

May 15, 2016 10:49 PM in response to gamcall64

A package is an executable if its extension is .app rather than, say, .pkg, .dmg, or .zip. The Flash Installer is an application that installs Flash, but Flash itself is not an application. On the other hand the Office installer is an application that installs all of the Office applications. However, a .pkg file does not become and application simply by changing its extension.

If I knew anything about what ARD does, then I could probably give you a better understanding. However, if ARD can process a package of applications you wish installed, then what you want to do can be done. By the same token you can use a third-party utility that will create a distributable package of files and data and run scripts that perform the actually installations of each. That is what most application installers do. For example, Packages is one such utility.

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Answer 4

gamcall64 Author

Level 1

12 points

May 15, 2016 10:58 PM in response to theratter

Thanks. I'd just come across the excellent Packages as well & that will pretty well solve it for me. Not sure what you mean by "knowing what ARD does" or rather why you need to. It's remote installation feature requires a .pkg file. Anything else, won't do. However, there are other ways you can install non package installers I've become aware of, like using the remote Copy files feature and then following that up with opening the copied (installer) file. Perhaps that's what you meant?

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Answer 5

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

May 15, 2016 11:02 PM in response to gamcall64

I don't know anything about ARD. I have never used it nor learned what it does and how it does it. I do know a little about utilities like Packages from some long ago experience. I just don't remember much about it without going back to relearn it. I know its basic functions, etc. However, if you find it is what you need, then I'm sure you will sort it out in no time at all.

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