I was wondering if there is an easy and lightweight method to viewing what programs are installed on a remote machine? I am tempted to use Spiceworks but I would like something more lightweight like a script. I have been playing around with WMIC a little and can get a list of programs for my computer but I don't know if I can do the same with it for a remote computer. Any ideas?
Edit: Sorry that I forgot the OS, we are using mostly Windows XP and 7, I use Windows 7. I am looking for something to be run in the background without a user that is currently using the computer knowing. I would like to be able to do it during the workday while people are working and do so without interrupting them. I do appreciate the Linux answers since I am trying to learn more about Linux and plan to personally change over sometime.