Distribute traditional Windows applications and Microsoft* Windows Installer applications. Traditional Windows applications include their own installation programs. Windows Installer applications utilize the Windows Installer and an .msi file for installation.

Distribute Web applications. Web applications run on a Web server, so the distribution typically involves making the URL available to the user.

Distribute applications from the network (while connected to eDirectory) or from removable media, such as a CD, Jaz* drive, or Zip* drive (even while disconnected from eDirectory).

Determine which users an application is distributed to. You must associate an application with a user through eDirectory before the application is available for distribution to the user. You can also associate applications with workstations so that they are available on the workstation regardless of which user is logged in.

Create application dependencies. Through application dependencies, you can require that Application B is installed and running before Application A can be launched.

Determine how distributed applications are presented to users on their workstations.

For a user to receive applications you've configured in eDirectory and associated with him or her, Novell Application Launcher must be running on the user's workstation. Application Launcher accesses eDirectory to know which applications are associated with the user and performs all distribution processes (including installing and uninstalling) for the applications.

Application Launcher provides three views through which applications can be presented: 1) the Application Window, a standalone window that displays icons for the distributed applications, 2) Application Explorer, a component that includes a standalone window like the Application Window and also includes Windows Explorer integration so distributed application icons can be displayed on the Windows desktop, the Start menu, the system tray, and the Quick Launch bar, and 3) the Application Browser, a Web browser view that displays icons for the distributed applications. All three views are made available to users when Application Launcher is installed.

Distribute applications to newly imaged workstations as part of the imaging process.

Control which non-distributed applications can be run on a workstation. For example, if you don't want users to be able to launch the Microsoft Calculator because you want them to use a calculator application you've distributed to them, you can disable their ability to launch Calculator even though it was not distributed through Application Launcher.

Uninstall any distributed applications. The uninstall includes the deletion of all non-shared files, .ini entries, and registry entries associated with the distribution of the application.