[Tutor] Windows software reporting

[Branimir Petrovic]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Justin Heath [mailto:justin at unixremedies.com]
> Sent: Friday, August 08, 2003 3:41 PM
> To: tutor at python.org
> Subject: [Tutor] Windows software reporting
> 
> 
> All,
> 
> I am currently writing a program that queries Linux, Solaris 
> boxes for 
> installed software and software versions and comparing this 
> information 
> against a database. It appears this could be useful to our 
> Windows guys 
> as well. My question is how to get this information on a Windows box. 
> Currently for Linux I am using os.popen("rpm -qa", "r"), for example. 

Have a look at project that does exactly that but is unfortunately done all 
in JScript (except one lone VB script class):

	http://poormanssms.sourceforge.net/

If it for any reason you can not/will not use this already done tested
and working solution, then have a look at SoftwareMeteringCLS.vbs either
among project files or here:

	http://www.interclasse.com/scripts/SoftwareMeteringCLS.php

to see how to do it, then use the "right tool for the right task"...

Be warned though that should you base your solution on WMI (and DCOM) as 
I did with mine, you might eventually be in for unpleasant surprise sooner 
or later (hint: late RPC DCOM vulnerability and ill fated MS03-026 security 
patch... I have little doubt that M$ will not manage to mess up either WMI 
or the DCOM on which it relies on security grounds if not for any other).

Branimir