Controlling other Linux desktops from a central one

In our school lab, we have 20 computers and we want to set up Linux on them. Is it possible to control them (I mean tasks like updating, upgrading and so on) from a central computer? > *N.B:* Zorin Grid can do the task I want, it is currently in the development phase. Is anything like it available? **Edit: Thanks to all for helping me. As I'm new to Linux and still learning about cli, I was unaware about the usage of ssh. ssh is just an awesome tool for remote access.**