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Tools That Manage Both Macs and PCs

Posted by kdawson on from the one-tool-to-rule-them-all dept.

johannacw writes "Ryan Faas takes a look at nine tools that handle system management tasks in both Mac and Windows environments for both clients and servers. The tools span a range of tasks such as remote installation, license management, and helpdesk functions. The author gives opinions on each tool's strengths and weaknesses and does not pick an overall winner."

21 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. I'd appreciate... by theantipop · · Score: 3, Funny

    if you didn't call me a tool. Thanks.

    1. Re:I'd appreciate... by syousef · · Score: 2, Funny

      if you didn't call me a tool. Thanks.

      Don't worry the official job title is "System administrator"
      - Signed HR

      --
      These posts express my own personal views, not those of my employer
  2. This link actually works: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Tried to RTFA but didn't succeed (good thing I can read an address)...

    http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?com mand=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9024079

    -Anony Mouse

  3. Re:Obligartory... by CrashandDie · · Score: 5, Funny

    Do they even need management tools for Windows ? Isn't it supposed to be easy ?

    I mean, put the CD in, install, reboot, install, reboot, the use it, reboot, use it, reboot, then after the weekend's over, install, reboot, inst...

    brb, gotta reboot...

  4. Re:Obligartory... by Sorthum · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Our desktop folks (used interchangeably here with "idiots") recently purchased LANdesk, and they're quite pleased that it can reportedly manage linux/unix, and immediately asked to test it on my (BSD) desktop.

    So supposedly it can, but damned if I'm going to let the monkeys screw with my BSD desktop...

  5. Re:For sure by jptechnical · · Score: 3, Informative

    A hammer, or a 16 ounce adjusting tool like my grandpa likes to call it.

    --

    Boredom's not a burden anyone should bear.
  6. Re:Obligartory... by fsmunoz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Actually, it does, but as usual the article's title is wrong. Somehow "Manage Macs and PC's" translantes to "Manages OSX and Windows", as if OSX runs on some different hardware - it doesn't - and Windows is the only non-OSX OS to also run on it - it isn't.

    This isn't the 90's. They're over, go listen to "Ace of Base" in iTunes while reading the PowerPC Assembly Manual to relive it, and stop with this "Macs and PC's" crap. OSX, Windows, Linux, BSD, etc all run on "PC's" now. What's more it's condescending to assume PC==Windows. Seing that in /. is even more embarassing.

  7. For those that hate paged articles by drpimp · · Score: 5, Informative

    Especially those with a list of apps, mashups or what ever the buzzword is today on top of that without links. Make your own decisions. BTW I only count 8.
    There is also the printable version
    - FileWave
    - NetOctopus
    - LANrev
    - Radmind
    - ManageSoft
    - LANDesk
    - Timbuktu
    - NTRsupport

    --
    -- Brought to you by Carl's JR
  8. Re:Obligartory... by dotpavan · · Score: 4, Funny

    ahem, may I suggest a cron job? :D

  9. Re:For sure by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 2, Funny

    A hammer, or a 16 ounce adjusting tool like my grandpa likes to call it.

    I prefer a hammer AND a 16 ounce adjusting tool, although the cylindrical 12 ounce adjusting tools work just as well...

    --
    This guy's the limit!
  10. Missing by kandresen · · Score: 4, Interesting

    They missed Webmin... http://www.webmin.com/

    Can simplify management tasks quite well for Windows, Mac, Linux, and most other flavors of Unix...

    1. Re:Missing by AdamWeeden · · Score: 2, Interesting

      And Altiris also, which I use to manage 1500 boxes (with about 1% of that being OS X and the rest Windows).

      --
      I was quoted out of context in my autobiography...
    2. Re:Missing by phillymjs · · Score: 2, Insightful

      "Altiris: Now Part of Symantec"

      No thanks! After seeing how Symantec acquired, ruined and then discontinued other good products that at one time supported the Mac, I'll pass.

      ~Philly

  11. Windows SMS by Vince+Ferg · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I havent tried any of these but after looking by most of them it didnt seem like there were to many differences between these applications and Windows System Management Server. I understand that these allow for cross platform compatability but aside from that are there a lot of differences?

  12. Re:Obligartory... by TheSkyIsPurple · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is insightful? Really?

    You do realize the term "PC" has evolved to mean more than just "Personal Computer", right?
    It even evolved beyond just being "IBM Compatible PC".

    You do realize that context and usage can change the meaning of a word?

    PC, in that context, means "Windows running machine".
    Mac meant Mac OS running machine.

    The usage is clear, it's concise, it's useful, it's obvious, it's not harmful.

    Pedantry is not a good thing =-)

  13. Re:For sure by Miseph · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's called "percussive maintenance".

    --
    Try not to take me more seriously than I take myself.
  14. Re:Best/Cheapest Tool by poopdeville · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You're better off selling them, especially since they don't depreciate anywhere near as fast as generic PCs.

    --
    After all, I am strangely colored.
  15. Re:Obligartory... by MyOtherUIDis3digits · · Score: 4, Funny

    You're lucky all the Win fanboys are busy re-installing or downloading A-V/A-malware/A-whatever updates. Tomorrow, when they get into work, you're gonna get so flamed.

    --
    Ignore anything I said above, I actually agree with everything you believe - mod accordingly.
  16. Re:Obligartory... by cyphercell · · Score: 2, Informative

    Um, no the term "PC" has not evolved.

    http://www.google.com/search?q=PC

    More than likely the term "PC" was used to fit in the title space, no other reason. When dealing with cross-platform anything it's beneficial to be specific about platform. Confusing "PC" with "Windows" is analogous to confusing "The Internet" with "Internet Explorer".

    --
    Under the influence of Post-Cyberpunk Gonzo Journalism
  17. Re:Obligartory... by TheSkyIsPurple · · Score: 2

    The first hit is Wikipedia, which has been criticized for being too pedantic.
    I'm pretty sure I saw a Slash on it, but can't find it. I did find this article though.

    If I choose to go to Urban Dictionary, the third definition is:
    "a personal computer (only refers to Windows, not Macs)"

    Sorry, we're going with first definitions? Look up pc at Merriam Webster
    It's first definition is "parsec", second is a latin abbreviation for "post cibum".

    And yet, in the midst of all that confusion, everyone knew exactly what the article referred to though. =-)

  18. Re:Veggie Burgers at local take away. by Max+Littlemore · · Score: 2, Funny
    To answer a question with a question:

    Sorry, I haven't read TFA, and I'm having trouble thinking straight cause I been hitting my own melon head with a 15 ounce adjusting tool, but I fail to see the difference between the local take away and Bob's Big Beef Burgers. I understand that vegetarians can't eat at Bob's, but aside from that are there a lot of differences?
    --
    I don't therefore I'm not.