Is it possible, and if so..how, to install applications using JumpStart? I need more than just freeware or packages, I have specific, locally developed software that I need to push. Can this be done with Jumpstart?

Yes. In a Custom JumpStart you can use Begin and Finish scripts. These run before and after a jumpstart and can be used to tailor the jumpstart to your specific needs. In your case you could write Finish scripts to add the packages you wanted after the OS install is complete. You would add the specific script name in the rules file. The was an entire book written on jumpstart which gives many examples.

PaulS, Thanks, what about installing apps that require feedback, user input. I've heard about a program called "Expect" that automates this. Can this be used with Jumpstart? Is that the best way to go?

You don't have a fully functional system during jumpstart, so I think you would have a very hard time getting Expect to run. I don't think you can do it. The Begin/Finish scripts may only run in the Bourne shell. But if your packages need simple input in order to install, you could use a "here-document" inside your script to handle that. install_program_1 << EOF y 1 n EOF something like that might work.