A software distribution method and system are provided. In a software distribution application, packages including instructions specifying the actions to be carried out on each target computer for installing or removing selected software products are prepared in a central site. Each package is transmitted to the target computer, and the corresponding instructions are interpreted so as to enforce the desired software products meeting the current configuration of the target computer. The configuration of the target computer is monitored to detect any hardware upgrade. In response thereto, the target computer generates a list of actions for removing software products not meeting the new configuration any longer and a list of action for installing software products now meeting the new configuration. These lists are transmitted to the central site, and they trigger the building of a delta package. The delta package is then distributed to the target computer.