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Installing Nebula Software

How does Nebula deliver software?

Nebula delivers software to each computer through a centralized process. We can deliver software to an individual computer, to a department, or to all Nebula computers. For a number of years, you saw a window in the lower right corner on login, which informed you of software installs. Recently, we started using a new method which doesn't depend on logins. Instead, it uses the Run Advertised Programs or RAP feature in the Control Panel. This lets you control the timing of installing a new piece of software. Below is more information about this new process.

NOTE: The RAP process is not used for critical software, such as patches and services packs. These are delivered on a regular basis using the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). It is important that your computer is left on at night and over the weekend so these critical patches can be installed.

How do I use RAP to install software?

  1. Nebula will advertise the software package to your computer.


  2. To install the software, open the Control Panel.
    • The Control Panel is usually accessed via Start->Control Panel, but depending on your configuration, you may need to choose Start->Settings->Control Panel.
    • If you are not in "Classic View", click on the "Switch to Classic View" link in the left hand column.


  3. Open Run Advertised Programs.

    Run Advertised Programs


  4. Click on the desired program and then click on Run.
If you don't see the program right away, try again after an hour or two. It can take a little while for the advertisment process to complete.

The program should install right after that, although it may hide itself for the duration.