Application Administration

Installing a new application on a computer running Windows XP Professional requires membership in either the power users or administrators group. In environments where administrators allow users administrative privileges over their own computers, users can install and maintain their own applications and typically operate under a set of rules and guidelines that outline their responsibilities. However, in tightly managed environments where users do not have administrative authority, administrators are responsible for software installations.

Windows XP Professional allows administrators to install software locally and via domain-based group policy. Local application installation is performed by using the Add or Remove Programs utility or by directly executing the application's setup program.

Note 

Domain-based group policy requires that managed computers are part of a domain-based network. Using Active Directory and a management tool known as Organizational Groups, Windows 2000 and .NET domain administrators can create policies that can deploy new applications to any computer managed within the organization unit. Domain-based group policy is beyond the scope of this book. However, more information can be found in Que's Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Server by Roger Jennings, October 2000.

The installation of new software represents only one facet of the administrator's responsibility in performing application management. Administrators must track and manage applications throughout their life cycles and perform the following tasks:

• Upgrading applications to newer versions

• Performing program updates (for example, applying fixes and patches)

• Repairing damaged applications or partially installed or partially uninstalled applications

• Removing or uninstalling applications once they are no longer needed

• Troubleshooting problems with application installation, operation, and removal

• Managing resources shared by applications to ensure that the installation or removal of one application does not create problems for other applications

Windows XP Professional provides administrators with a number of tools that assist in managing applications. These tools are listed below and discussed throughout the rest of this chapter or where noted.

• Error reporting. Administrators can specify whether application error reporting should be enabled and if it is, whether Microsoft or non Microsoft applications should be reported. In addition, administrators can select specific applications that should and should not be reported. More information about error reporting is available in "Configuring Windows XP Error Reporting" in Chapter 3, "Help and Support".

• Monitoring the Application Event log. Administrators need to keep an eye on the Application Event log. Windows XP Professional uses this log to record application related events such as error messages. The information found here often assists in resolving application problems.

• Optimizing application performance. Administrators can tweak the manner in which Windows XP Professional allocates resources to applications and network services to create a proper balance between the two.

• Scheduling application execution. Administrators can set up automated execution schedules for applications, allowing them to be run during off hours or during times when the users' processing requirements may be lower.

• Configuring applications with compatibility issues. Not every application will install and operate on Windows XP Professional right out of the box. When problems occur, administrators can attempt to apply application compatibility settings to the application to get it working.

• Terminating nonresponsive applications. Applications sometimes stop responding to users and yet continue to run and consume resources. When this happens, administrators can assist by terminating the application.

• Resolving application file conflicts. Sometimes applications overwrite or remove critical files that are needed by other applications or the operating system, creating stability and reliability problems. Administrators need to be able to help users prevent and recover from these situations.

In order to administer and manage applications on a computer running Windows XP Professional, administrators need to know what software is already installed. There are a number of different places that administrators must go to collect this information. Administrators can begin by examining the programs listed on the Start menu under All Programs. Another place to look is in the Add or Remove Programs utility. This utility lists all applications that have registered themselves as part of their installation procedure. The information found here will include the names of applications, their size, usage information, and controls for modifying or removing the applications from the computer.

Unfortunately, not all applications are designed for Windows XP Professional. As a result, they may not register themselves or their installation information and there may be no sign of them on the Windows Start menu or in the Add or Remove Programs utility. An examination of the file system using Windows Explorer may be required to track down these applications.