Assigning an application is a similar process to publishing, but has a few other options you can select.

When assigning an application, you can assign it too a user or computer, and you can automatically install it upon logon. To start lets create a new GPO to install Mozilla Firefox.

Drill down to User Configuration | Software Settings and right-click Software Installation. Select New, then click Package.

Type in the UNC path to the MSI file for the application you wish to install. You MUST use a UNC path!!!!

Select Assigned and click OK.

Now we are really ready to go, however lets look at the properties and further customize the package.

We can specify that the application will install upon logon, and be uninstalled when it falls out of the scope of the GPO. Also, just like publishing, we can list the application in Add New Programs and install it manually.

All done, logon to the workstation and Firefox will install.

Software Installation requires Windows Installer packages (MSI files), repackaged files, or .zap files. An MSI file holds the information necessary to describe to the Windows Installer how to set up an application. Most Microsoft applications come with an MSI file but you can create MSI packages with a free tool called MakeMSI. You can also use a ZAP file. A ZAP file is a text file that provides information about how to install a program, the application properties, and other information required to install the application.