I’ve been trying to build an automated install of MacromediaShockwave Player 10 for the past week or so without the success I need. The ability to script the Windows Installer (MSI) version works, but when pushed through Microsoft’s Systems Management Server 2003 (SMS), it fails. The failure is because the Shockwave MSI package requires a user profile to write some files to, and SMS uses the SYSTEM account to install distributed software – the SYSTEM account does not have a user profile, so the folders the Shockwave MSI package is looking for do not exist, and the install fails.
Perversly, Macromedia Flash Player 8 MSI package works fine through SMS, so its not like Macromedia doesn’t know how to build the package correctly. There’s even a thread on the Macromeda support forum which explicitly details the issue, but Macromedia has not responded to anyone (other than a forum moderator) to correc the problem.
Macromedia has great products, but need to support corporate customers better for mass automated deployments.
Russell Beattie has gone “old school” as he puts it in his blog this weekend. He mentions how much time responding to comments takes up, and I’m sure it is a time-sink though I don’t have as much experience with that sort of blogging traffic.
Russ, in case you’ve missed it, there is a new comment-tracking tool that is currently in limited beta called coComment, and may be of help to you as you deal with comment overload. Interesting timing actually, the anouncement of this tool and your decision to turn comments off on your blog. Well I hope it goes well for you, and you find that extra time you’re looking for. In many ways, I don’t blame you, but I’m sure that you’ll get some feedback on the negative aspect as well. See ya round!
I’m a little slow this week – SBSH Software released updates to both PocketBreeze and ContactBreeze this week. Congratulations to Amit and the team at SBSH! Download the updates below:
Apparently, Verizon Wireless is changing its policy on tethering laptops & PDAs to mobile phones for data connectivity! Users of high-end, high-speed data capable phones will be able to use their mobile phone as a modem for their laptop. This is good news for those on Verizon!
Kudos to Verizon for making this policy change – I would be surprised if they did not see an increase in subscribers of data plans. This is one of the reasons that I would never consider Verizon in the past, with this change Verizon is becoming a viable alternative if I leave T-Mobile.
As governor, the State Capitol will stand for unity and common sense.
In addition to the POW/MIA flag that has long flown over the State Capitol, we will fly two flags when I am governor: the Wisconsin state flag and the American flag.
