Hi John,
Active Directory sound exciting, if I can afford it. I know Linux can provide a professional quality install of an app, because I installed Star Office 5.0 and 5.1 over server upgrade of my RedHat Linux system. Star office installed just about like any window app, complete with splash screen, desktop icon, and it was added to the Linux menu. It would be a nightmare to try and distribute a Windows app without using a professional tool like wise or installshield. Perhap such tool are also available for Linux and Apple.