Installing QGIS on a network
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The University of Edinburgh successfully installed QGIS 2.14.3 on its extensive managed desktop system, which supports over 50,000 users. The process involved a simple command script for installation and uninstallation, and manual tidying was necessary to clean up the start menu and registry entries. The experience highlighted the effectiveness of open-source software on large networks and emphasized the importance of community consultation for updates.
Installing QGIS on a network
- 1. Installing QGIS on a Network How the University of Edinburgh made QGIS available on its Managed Desktop system
- 2. The University Network • Serves over 13,000 staff and over 37,000 students • Largest campus computing network in Britain • More than 3000 computers across open-access and specialist labs
- 3. The Human Network • Identify • Connect • Inform
- 4. Mailing List • Poll users: • When to update • Which version to update to • Inform users of the changes • Share links to resources
- 5. Options & Conditions • 64 Bit • Version 2.14.3 (LTR) • No Desktop Icons • Must be easy to cleanly Uninstall
- 6. How wasn’t it done? • Usually use App-V but not in this case • Not sure that this would support the use of user downloaded plugins • No MSI or other standard installer • No well known scripting installer • Silent installer is not well documented • Needed to search QGIS forums for details
- 7. How was it done? Using a command script to manually install then customise: • A very simple command defines the installer QGIS-OSGeo4W-2.14.3-1-Setup-x86_64.exe /S /D=<installationlocation> • Where /S means silent install and /D is the location i.e. C:Program Files • Manual tidy up cleans the start menu & removes desktop icons
- 8. How is it undone? • Another simple command defines the uninstaller C:Program FilesQGIS EssenUninstall- QGIS.exe /S _?=c:PROGRA~1QGIS Essen • There are some registry items to clear: • HKLMSoftwareQGIS Essen • HKLMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallQGIS Essen • Manual tidy removes the QGIS installation directory
- 9. Conclusions • Very easy by normal standards • Best to avoid virtual installers for plugins • Get a community to consult on changes • There is no need to be afraid of OpenSource software on large network installations • Can’t wait to run the process for QGIS 3.2!