Note: Many topics at this site are reduced versions of the text in "The Encyclopedia of Networking and Telecommunications." Search results will not be as extensive as a search of the book's CD-ROM.

Electronic software distribution takes two forms. One form is downloading software from Internet sites. In this case, online software retailers have software packages that can be purchased online and downloaded, usually at a reduced charge because the packaging costs less. This topic is not about downloading retail software, although some sites that offer software download and licensing are listed on the related entries page.

This topic is about the automatic installation and configuration of software on users' desktops. A "distribution server" transfers software code to a client machine, and then installs and configures the software based on preconfigured settings and policies. This form of electronic software distribution saves network administrators the time and expense of traveling to each client's computer and installing the software manually.