Similar program to Apple Remote Desktop, but for managing Windows

Question

I'm looking for an application similar to Apple Remote Desktop, but for managing Windows XP machines. I would like similar features, such sending a command to several computers at once, sending installation packages, and other features found in Apple Remote Desktop.

I am not looking for a program that just simply provides a remote desktop/VNC connection. Rather, I am looking for one that provides a way to administrate multiple computers at once.

Does anyone have any good suggestions? They can be commercial, open source, or freeware.

Thanks!

Answer 1

System Center is the official Microsoft solution.

Alternatively, you can do scripting with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) or Windows Remote Management.

Answer 2

Active Directory with GPOs and RDP for remote management ?

Answer 3

teamviewer is at least a neat solution for quick remote help. I don't know if it is a good solution for multi computer administration as well.

Not to forget the iphone client which works astonishingly well.

Answer 4

Windows has a built in feature for this. (I dont know what it is called in XP as I am using W7 at the moment) http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx

Sorry if this wasnt what you were looking for.