Lenovo ThinkPad G40 Series Service manual

IBM System Information Center
Administrator’s Guide


IBM System Information Center
Administrator’s Guide


Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in
Appendix C, “Notices,” on page 95.
First Edition (October 2004)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2004. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . .v
Who should read this guide . . . . . . . . .vi
Additional information . . . . . . . . . .vi
Chapter 1. About the System
Information Center program . . . . . .1
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
The System Information Center program . . . .1
The System Information Gatherer program . . .1
Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 2. Installing the System
Information Center program on a server .5
Installation requirements . . . . . . . . . .5
Server requirements . . . . . . . . . . .5
System Information Center console . . . . . .6
Installing and configuring a Windows server . . .6
Installing Windows 2000 Server . . . . . . .6
Installing Windows Server 2003 . . . . . . .6
Disabling Internet Information Services (IIS) . . .7
Installing the System Information Center program . .7
Quick installation . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Custom installation . . . . . . . . . . .9
Securing your network with Secure Sockets Layer
(SSL) security . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Chapter 3. Installing the System
Information Gatherer program . . . . .15
Minimum requirements . . . . . . . . . .15
The client computer . . . . . . . . . .15
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Considerations for installing the client agent . .16
Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Performing an attended installation . . . . . .17
Permanently installing the client agent . . . .17
Temporarily using the client agent . . . . . .18
Performing an unattended installation . . . . .18
Setting up an unattended installation from a
shortcut . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Performing an unattended installation from a
command line . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Chapter 4. Using the System
Information Center program . . . . .21
Understanding user accounts and functions . . .21
Creating accounts . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Creating the primary Administrator account . .23
Creating user accounts . . . . . . . . .23
Setting user account privileges . . . . . . .24
Registering an asset . . . . . . . . . . .24
Registering a remote asset . . . . . . . .24
Registering an asset connected to the network . .25
Performing other basic functions . . . . . . .26
Chapter 5. Performing System
Information Center advanced functions .27
Working with tasks . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Creating a task . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Editing a task . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Running a task . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Working with reports . . . . . . . . . . .32
Generating a common report . . . . . . .33
Creating a custom report . . . . . . . . .34
Generating a custom report . . . . . . . .35
Sending a specialized e-mail . . . . . . . . .36
Sending an e-mail to all users . . . . . . .36
Sending an e-mail to a selected user or users . .36
Reprocessing the database . . . . . . . . .37
Working with the ISIC.PROPERTIES file . . . . .37
Editing the ISIC.PROPERTIES file . . . . . .37
Exporting information using the System Information
Center program . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Importing information into a database . . . . .41
Performing other advanced functions . . . . . .42
Chapter 6. Problem solving . . . . . .45
Recovering when the System Information Center
program is not running . . . . . . . . . .45
Using log files to solve a problem . . . . . . .45
Viewing the server status to solve a problem . . .46
Improving server performance to solve a problem 46
What you need before calling IBM . . . . . . .47
Setting up the Trusted Sites zone . . . . . . .47
Chapter 7. Getting help and support . .49
Using the documentation and help system . . . .49
Using the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Contacting a System Information Center technical
expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Obtaining support . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Appendix A. Modifying the
ISIC.PROPERTIES file . . . . . . . .51
Template of field information . . . . . . . .51
Example: ISIC.PROPERTIES file . . . . . . .51
Appendix B. Using database
information . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Asset and user information tables . . . . . . .79
Internal system tables . . . . . . . . . . .88
Appendix C. Notices . . . . . . . . .95
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 iii

iv

About this guide
The IBM
®
System Information Center program is an IBM ThinkVantage
™
Technology aimed at helping enterprises reduce costs by providing efficient ways
of managing asset information. With this program, you can effectively manage
assets and details regarding each asset without using a large resource-dependent
client application. Assets that can be managed include servers, desktop computers,
mobile computers, and options such as monitors, printers, uninterruptible power
supplies (UPS), and tape drives.
This guide offers information on the following areas:
v Installing the System Information Center program
v Preparing your IBM and non-IBM assets for the IBM System Information
Gatherer program installation
v Creating separate User, Super-User, and Administrator accounts and
understanding the functions each user account can perform
v Performing advanced functions
v Solving problems
v Getting support
This
guide also supplements the System Information Center help system, which
provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform specific tasks within the
program.
This guide is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, “About the System Information Center program,” on page 1 introduces
the System Information Center program, providing an overview of features and
design details.
Chapter 2, “Installing the System Information Center program on a server,” on
page 5 contains a list of installation requirements and instructions for installing the
System Information Center program.
Chapter 3, “Installing the System Information Gatherer program,” on page 15
instructs how to install the client portion of the System Information Center
program through either an attended or an unattended installation process.
Chapter 4, “Using the System Information Center program,” on page 21 explains
how to create user accounts (User, Super-User, and Administrator) and information
about each account, how to register an asset, and other basic functions.
Chapter 5, “Performing System Information Center advanced functions,” on page
27 details how to customize the System Information Center program to work with
tasks, reports, and e-mails and how to reprocess the database, export, and work
with the ISIC.PROPERTIES file.
Chapter 6, “Problem solving,” on page 45 describes what to do if the System
Information Center program displays poor performance.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 v

Chapter 7, “Getting help and support,” on page 49 explains how to get support for
the System Information Center program and describes the scope of the support
that is available.
Who should read this guide
The IBM System Information Center Administrator’s Guide is intended for
administrators, system engineers, network administrators, and customer engineers
who need a flexible and affordable asset-inventory management tool that does not
require a large client application.
To successfully install the program and perform Administrator account level tasks,
the following skills are necessary:
v Ability to install and configure the Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server
2003 operating systems.
v An understanding of how SQL-compliant databases store information.
v Ability to follow detailed instructions on configuring files to customize aspects
of the System Information Center program so that it fits your enterprise
environment.
Additional information
You can obtain additional information about the System Information Center
program from the following web site:
http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?Indocid=MIGR-56187
This IBM System Information Center Administrator’s Guide might be updated
periodically. The updated versions will be made available at this Web site.
vi

Chapter 1. About the System Information Center program
The System Information Center program provides ways for you to efficiently
manage asset inventory and details regarding each asset. Asset information is
gathered on client computers and delivered to a central built-in database provided
with the program. Or, information can be manually entered for non-personal
computer assets. After the information is entered in the database, you can
manipulate it and view it to generate a variety of reports or to perform a
multitude of tasks and advanced functions.
This chapter describes the following information about the System Information
program:
v “Components”
v “Architecture” on page 2
v “Features” on page 3
Components
The System Information Center program consists of two major components: the
IBM System Information Center program and the IBM System Information
Gatherer program. Each component has prerequisites for the System Information
Center program to run correctly.
The System Information Center program
The System Information Center program resides on a Web application server and
populates a database with information provided by the client agent (also called the
System Information Gatherer program). The program also renders information
provided by the client agent in a Web-based graphical user interface (GUI) where a
variety of functions (including generating reports, tasks, and specialized e-mails)
are performed.
Three types of user accounts can use the System Information Center program:
User, Super-User, and Administrator. Each user account has its own privileges,
with the Administrator having the most comprehensive authority. For details about
creating user accounts and the functions related to each account, see Chapter 4,
“Using the System Information Center program,” on page 21.
The System Information Gatherer program
The System Information Gatherer program (also called the client agent) scans
computer assets (such as desktop, mobile, and server computers) for important
hardware and software information as well as for client security settings. In
addition, the client agent scans for other IBM ThinkVantage Technology
deployment information. ThinkVantage Technologies are predominantly software
innovations delivered through the IBM ThinkPad notebook and ThinkCentre
desktop computer brands. ThinkVantage Technologies make computing simpler
and safer by helping protect data, reduce costs, and increase user productivity. The
client agent also gathers a rich set of hardware information, including client
network name, serial and model number, processor type and speed, device drivers,
BIOS level and settings, network settings, and memory information.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 1

The client agent can be permanently installed on a client computer by
downloading it from the Web, from the System Information Center program CD,
or from the System Information Center program menu structure. Or, it can be
temporarily used when a User uploads asset information to the database. The
client agent can also be activated from the client using a command-line interface.
Information is added to the database either when Users initiate a scan or when
Administrators create schedules that perform periodic scans of one or more assets
across an enterprise. A scan can be performed without requiring any changes to
the client computer; however, the client agent must be permanently installed on
the asset to perform a scheduled scan. In cases where a client computer is
disconnected from the network during a scheduled scan, the most recent scan will
be uploaded upon re-connection.
Note: For each license of System Information Gatherer purchased, you may install
and use one (1) copy of System Information Gatherer. Any machine on which
System Information Gatherer is installed must have a separate Proof of
Entitlement. Your System Information Gatherer license constitutes one (1) System
Information Gatherer Proof of Entitlement. Additional System Information Gatherer
Proofs of Entitlement for non-IBM systems may be purchased separately from IBM.
All IBM PCs automatically include such an authorization. Your PC invoice
constitutes your System Information Gatherer Proof of Entitlement for that system.
For additional information, refer to the License Information included with the IBM
International License Agreement for Non-Warranted Programs. You will be given
an opportunity to view this license and agree to its terms during the installation
process. You also can view this license from the Help menu of the administrator’s
console.
Architecture
The following figure shows the architecture of the System Information Center
program after you install it (see Chapter 2, “Installing the System Information
Center program on a server,” on page 5). The System Information Center program
uses Apache Tomcat and an embedded SQL-compliant database such as the IBM
Cloudscape
™
database, both of which rely on Java
™
SDK. The Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Server operating system (OS) is the foundation for the entire
architecture. If you choose to enable e-mail functions provided by the System
Information Center program, the following figure illustrates how an e-mail SMTP
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server interacts with the System Information
Center. The SMTP server requires a server operating system; however the Java
component is optional. An SMTP server is not included as part of the System
Information Center program.
IBM System Information Center program
Server OS
JAVA SDK
Apache Tomcat IBM Cloudscape database
Server OS
JAVA
SMTP
Figure 1. The System Information Center program architecture after installation on the left; on
the right, the architecture of the optional e-mail server
2

Features
The System Information Center program is cost-effective software that helps you to
manage your inventory without significant resources from the client computer. The
program provides the following features:
v Easy browser accessibility: Because the System Information Center program is
Web-based, you can access it using the Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (or
higher) Web browser. Authorized users can access and update asset information
easily and quickly with a familiar Web interface.
v Minimal resource on client computer: Unlike some inventory-management
tools, the System Information Center program uses the System Information
Gatherer program, which is a small, non-resident application you can program
to run periodically, meaning it is active only when needed. If a computer is
disconnected from the network, the client agent will scan and send the gathered
information when the computer is re-connected.
v Software entry-level license tracking: One of the major costs related to
computer asset management is expensive software licenses. With the System
Information Center program you can track software application licenses in your
enterprise. As a result, you can reduce costs associated with licenses by
identifying and uninstalling expensive software licenses that are not being used
on client computers.
v Tracking asset status: Tracking the status of each asset is extremely helpful. The
System Information Center program tracks assets in a variety of ways, including
identifying transferred assets and checking for security protocols.
v Central management system: Because the System Information Center program,
the built-in database, and the Java Web application server can all exist on the
same physical server, you can manage both computer and non-computer assets
from a central location. In addition to desktops, notebooks, and servers, you can
also track other assets such as monitors, printers, and Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs).
v Scheduling tasks: Some user accounts are authorized to generate reports
provided by the System Information Center program or to develop and schedule
reports customized for a specific environment. Scheduling tasks and reports to
run periodically over a defined period of time ensures that your enterprise has
the latest and most relevant asset information.
v Generating, e-mailing, and exporting reports: Generating reports is one of the
vital tasks associated with the System Information Center program. You can run
a multitude of reports based on the type of asset information you need. After
viewing a report, you can export that data as a .CSV file to be viewed in most
spreadsheet programs, as well as e-mail the file to a specific address. Exported
report information can be made compliant with other SQL-compliant databases
such as IBM DB2.
v Online documentation: The System Information Center program has an
integrated help system and Administrator’s Guide. The help system assists you
in accomplishing tasks that are accessible through the GUI. It is designed to help
you identify the tasks and the user accounts that are allowed to perform those
tasks. The Administrator’s Guide helps you understand and install the program,
and provides administrators additional information about performing advanced
functions.
Chapter 1. About the System Information Center program 3

4

Chapter 2. Installing the System Information Center program
on a server
The server portion of the System Information Center program is a Java-based Web
application. Instead of interacting directly with the operating system, the server
portion interacts with components such as Java, the Web application server, and
the built-in SQL-compliant database.
This chapter guides you through the steps of configuring the server portion of the
System Information Center program and the installation of the System Information
Center program itself. Two IBM programs (Java SDK and the IBM Cloudscape
database) are included in the installation. During the installation of the System
Information Center program, you will make a brief detour to download the
Apache Tomcat Web application server, which is free on the Internet. You need to
have entitlement for the operating system and software you are using.
If you choose to use any SQL database or Web application server other than IBM
Cloudscape and Apache Tomcat, you can receive fee-based support through IBM
Global Services. For more information, see Chapter 7, “Getting help and support,”
on page 49.
This chapter describes the following information about installing the System
Information Center program:
v “Installation requirements”
v “Installing and configuring a Windows server” on page 6
v “Installing the System Information Center program” on page 7
v “Securing your network with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security” on page 12
Installation requirements
To successfully install the server portion of the System Information Center
program, you must install it on a dedicated, single-function server that has no
other applications running on the server platform.
Server requirements
The computer on which you install System Information Center must have the
following items or capability:
v At least a 550MHz Intel
™
or AMD processor
v A minimum of 1 GB of memory
v At least 3 GB of hard disk space for the operating system and required
applications plus 2 MB per client
v A network card that supports TCP/IP
In
addition, you must have the following items or capability:
v A Microsoft Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 operating system
v A fixed IP address to assign to the Web application server (and if required, a
fixed subnet mask address and default gateway address)
v An IBM System Information Center installation CD
v Access to the Internet for downloading additional software
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 5

System Information Center console
The console uses the System Information Center program GUI to render the
information that is stored in the database. Typically, the console is a computer other
than the client or the Web server; however, the console can be either of the two.
The console has the following requirements:
v A Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system
v Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) Web browser
v A resolution of 1024x768 (or greater)
v A network card that supports TCP/IP
Installing and configuring a Windows server
The System Information Center program is only supported on Windows 2000
Server and Windows Server 2003. Start with one of the following procedures:
v “Installing Windows 2000 Server” on page 6
v “Installing Windows Server 2003” on page 6
If
you choose to use any other server platform, you can receive fee-based support
through IBM Global Services. For more information, see Chapter 7, “Getting help
and support,” on page 49.
Installing Windows 2000 Server
Install the Windows 2000 Server operating system on the computer you intend to
use as the Web application server. During the installation, perform the following
actions:
1. Accept all of the default Windows component settings.
2. When the Configure Your Server window opens, mark the I will configure this
server later option box and remove the check mark from the Show this service
at startup check box.
Note:
Depending on the networking card, video controller, and other hardware
devices installed in your computer, you might have to acquire and install updated
device drivers. Ensure that all devices are working correctly.
When the installation is complete, continue with “Obtaining Windows 2000 Server
critical updates and service packs” on page 6.
Obtaining Windows 2000 Server critical updates and service
packs
Go to http://www.microsoft.com and then download and install all of the critical
updates and service packs for Windows 2000 Server. After you have installed all
critical updates and service packs, continue with “Disabling Internet Information
Services (IIS)” on page 7 to start modifying your server configuration.
Installing Windows Server 2003
Install the Windows Server 2003 operating system on the computer you intend to
use as the Web application server. During the installation, perform the following
actions:
1. Accept all of the default Windows component settings.
2. When the Manage Your Server window opens, mark the Don’t display this
page at logon check box.
6

Note: Depending on the networking card, video controller, and other hardware
devices installed in your computer, you might have to acquire and install updated
device drivers. Ensure that all devices are working correctly.
When the installation is complete, continue with “Obtaining Windows Server 2003
critical updates and service packs” on page 7.
Obtaining Windows Server 2003 critical updates and service
packs
Go to http://www.microsoft.com and then download and install all of the critical
updates and service packs for Windows Server 2003. After you have installed all
critical updates and service packs, continue with “Disabling Internet Information
Services (IIS)” on page 7 to start modifying your server configuration.
Disabling Internet Information Services (IIS)
The System Information Center program is set up to use port 80, which will
conflict with Internet Information Services (IIS) provided by the operating system.
Disable IIS on your Web application server to avoid this conflict. Disabling IIS also
disables the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name
System (DNS) servers (which interfere with Apache Tomcat) and the Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server (which interferes with any e-mail program you are
using).
To see whether IIS is installed, complete the following procedure:
1. Select Start.
2. Click Settings.
3. Select Control Panel.
4. Double-click Add/Remove Programs. The Add/Remove Program window
opens.
5. Click Add/Remove Windows Components. The Windows Component Wizard
opens.
6. Locate the Internet Information Services (IIS) entry in the list of components.
v If IIS is not installed, a mark will not be in the Internet Information Services
(IIS) check box. To complete the installation process, click Next, and then
click Finish. Close all open windows.
v If IIS is installed, a mark is in the Internet Information Services (IIS) check
box. Remove the IIS service as follows:
a. Remove the mark; then click Next.
b. When the Completing the Windows Components Wizard opens, click
Finish.
c. Close all open windows.
This concludes installing the Windows Server. When the installation is complete,
continue with “Installing the System Information Center program” on page 7.
Installing the System Information Center program
After you have installed the Windows server operating system, obtained critical
updates and service packs, and disabled IIS, you can install the System
Information Center program from the installation CD. During this installation
process several events take place:
v IBM Java 1.4.2 is installed.
v Apache Tomcat 4.1.30 is downloaded and installed.
Chapter 2. Installing the System Information Center program on a server 7

v The JAVA_HOME environment variable is created.
v The System Information Center Web application is installed, along with the IBM
Cloudscape 5.1 database.
v Information is gathered and entered into the ISIC.PROPERTIES file.
Note:
After you have finished installing the System Information Center program,
which produces a customized ISIC.PROPERTIES file, you have the option later of
manually changing this file if changes in your environment require it. You can find
details on the configuration of this file in Chapter 5, “Performing System
Information Center advanced functions,” on page 27.
In order to install the System Information Center program, complete the following
procedure:
1. Insert the System Information Center program installation CD. In most cases,
the installation program will start automatically. If the program does not start
automatically, complete the following procedure:
a. Click the Windows Start menu.
b. Click Run.
c. Type D:\SERVER\ISIC_SETUP.EXE (where D is the letter of your CD drive).
2.
The ″Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for IBM System Information Center
program″ window opens.
3. Click Next. The Apache Tomcat 4.1.30 Required window opens.
Note: The following step requires that you temporarily leave the wizard and
open a Web browser.
4. Create a folder named C:\TOMCAT4.
5. Using your Web browser, go to: http://jakarta.apache.org/site/binindex.cgi
and download the Tomcat 4.1.30 zipped file to the C:\TOMCAT4 folder.
Note: When you install the System Information Center program, this file will
be unzipped.
6. Return to the wizard and click Next. The License Agreement window opens.
7. Read the license agreement; if you agree, mark the I accept the terms in the
license agreement option button, and then click Next. The Setup Type window
opens.
8. At this point, you can choose to do a Quick installation or a Custom
installation.
Note: A Custom installation provides more features than a Quick installation.
The following features are provided when you choose a Custom installation:
v E-mail capability
v The ability to check assets for standard Windows security settings
v The ability to schedule tasks that automatically perform functions such as
generating reports and uploading asset scans.
Quick installation
To perform a Quick Installation, complete the following procedure:
1. In the Setup Type window, mark the Quick check box. (Click Browse if you
want to choose a different destination folder than the default C:\ISIC for the
installation.) The Web site Settings window opens.
8

2. Information in the Web site Settings fields are inserted into e-mails that are
automatically generated and sent out by the server. Type the addresses of the
following items:
v Server name for asset scans: This is the name of the server. Example:
http://servername/isic (where servername is the server name).
v Administrator’s e-mail address for reporting problems: The e-mail address
of the administrator for reporting problems.
3.
Click Next. The Ready to Install window opens.
4. Click Next. The Setup Status window opens and the progress indicator displays
the progress of the setup. After completing, the ″Restart required to complete
installation″ window opens.
5. Mark an option button to restart your computer now or restart later. Click
Finish.
6. If you have chosen to restart your computer, close any open programs and
remove any disks from their drives; your computer will shut down and restart.
This
concludes the installation of the System Information Center program on a
server.
Note: After you install the System Information Center program, the first user
account you will create will be the Administrator account. Once you have created
that account, you can manually add a User account or change the authority of a
User account. A User can create their own account by registering assets. For more
information, see “Creating accounts” on page 22.
Custom installation
To perform a Custom installation, complete the following procedure:
1. In the Setup Type window, mark the Custom check box. (Click Browse if you
want to choose a different destination folder than C:\ISIC for the installation.)
The E-mail Settings window opens.
2. The System Information Center program can operate without e-mail.
However, e-mail functionality allows the administrator to receive the output
of various scheduled tasks and to send requests and asset information to asset
owners. Perform one of the following actions:
v If you choose to enable e-mail functions, mark the Enable e-mail functions
check box. The following information establishes your server name, IP
address, and any user IDs or passwords needed to connect to the server:
– Type the address for the SMTP server you are using for e-mail in the
SMTP server name/IP address field.
– Type the e-mail address to which users respond after receiving certain
e-mail requests in the Return e-mail address field; in some cases, this is
the same as the administrator’s e-mail address.
– If you want to require that the SMTP server authenticate the SMTP
userID and password, mark the Enable SMTP authentication check box
and type userid and password information in the SMTP Userid and
SMTP Password fields.
– Click Next. The Web site Settings window opens.
v If you choose not to enable e-mail functions, click Next. The Web site
Settings window opens.
3. Information in the Web site Settings fields are inserted into e-mails that are
automatically generated and sent out by the server. Type the addresses of the
following items:
Chapter 2. Installing the System Information Center program on a server 9

v Server name for asset scans: This is the name of the server. Example:
http://servername/isic (where servername is the server name).
v Administrator’s e-mail address for reporting problems: The e-mail address
of the administrator for reporting problems.
4. Click Next. The Action Authority Settings window opens.
5. With the Action Authority Settings window you can associate specific tasks
with specific user accounts. Mark an appropriate user account (as described in
the following list) for each of the tasks. Default settings are provided. You can
restore defaults by clicking the Defaults button.
v User: Works with asset information belonging only to the user. Can add
assets, view asset history, compare and edit asset information and process
an asset transfer request.
v Super-User: Can perform all of the tasks of a User, plus more advanced
functions such as developing specialized asset reports and viewing asset
information across an enterprise.
v Administrator: Can perform all of the tasks of a User and Super-User and
have the ability to modify asset information across an enterprise, e-mail
asset information, schedule asset scans, and approve asset requests.
For
more information on user accounts, see Chapter 4, “Using the System
Information Center program,” on page 21
6. Click Next. The Scheduling window opens.
7. In the Scheduling window, you have two scheduling options:
v Under Client Agent Scheduling, mark the Automatically upload revised
asset information check box if you want the client agent to automatically
upload revisions of asset information.
– Upload interval (days): Type the number of days for the interval
between uploads.
v
Under Server Task Scheduling, mark the Automatically run specified
reports and send e-mails check box if you want the server to automatically
perform tasks on a set schedule.
– Check for scheduled tasks every: Type the frequency that the server
should check for scheduled tasks and then mark the appropriate option
button for the value (minutes, hours, or days).
– Specify the interval units to be used when scheduling tasks: Mark the
appropriate option button (minutes/hours/days) to specify globally the
interval unit to be used when setting a task’s frequency.
8. Click Next. The Password Settings window opens.
9. In the Password Settings window you define how to manage and create user
account passwords that are required to access the System Information Center
program.
v Under Password Control Settings, complete the following fields, if
appropriate:
– Encrypt passwords stored in the database: Mark this check box if you
want passwords encrypted. If this setting is modified at a later date, all
passwords will retain the encryption setting defined during the install
until the passwords are changed.
– Allow users to reuse passwords: Mark an option button to determine
how often a user can reuse a password (always/never/after XX days,
where XX signifies number of days after a password has expired).
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– Create new passwords as expired so that users must change after first
logon: Mark this check box to require users to establish their own
password after receiving the computer-generated password.
– Expire passwords after XX days: Mark this check box and then type the
maximum number of days a password is accepted. (Default is 186 days,
or approximately six months.)
v Under Password Creation Rules, mark the check box for Enable password
rule checking if the creation of passwords must follow certain rules; then
respond to the following options:
– Passwords must contain: Mark a check box for the type of characters
(non-numeric, numeric, or non-alphanumeric) a password must contain.
(Default is non-numeric and numeric.)
– Minimum length: Type the minimum length of the password. (Default is
6.)
– Maximum length: Type the maximum length of the password. (Default
is 15.)
– Maximum number of matching sequential characters: Type the
maximum number of sequential password characters that can match.
(Default is 2.)
– Maximum number of sequential characters reused from previous
password: Type the maximum number of sequential password characters
that can be reused in a new password. (Default is 3.)
10. Click Next. The Form Settings window opens.
11. The Form Settings window displays fields you can select as ″required″ in
order for an asset or user to be successfully added to the database. These are
fields that users must complete during the asset registration process before
adding an asset or uploading an asset scan. Default settings are provided. You
can restore defaults by clicking the Defaults button.
v The Asset Demographics Form includes information specific to the asset.
Mark the check box for all fields required at the time the asset is registered.
v
The User Demographics Form includes information specific to the user.
Mark the check box for all fields required at the time the asset is registered.
12.
Click Next. The Security Settings window opens.
13. In the Security Settings window, you can choose to have the following options
enabled. These options are helpful if you want to use the security report that
lists all assets that are in violation of security policies.
v Verify that all File Shares on client computers are password-protected:
Mark this check box if you want the System Information Center program to
check and verify that all file shares on client computers are
password-protected each time the asset is revised.
v Verify that all Windows screen savers are password-protected: Mark this
check box if you want the System Information Center program to check and
verify that the Windows screen saver password is set on all client
computers each time the asset is revised.
v Verify that all Windows accounts are password-protected: Mark this check
box if you want the System Information Center program to check and
verify that the Windows account password is set on all client computers
each time the asset is revised.
v Windows accounts require passwords: Mark this check box if you want the
System Information Center program to check and verify that the Windows
Chapter 2. Installing the System Information Center program on a server 11

account password is required. If you mark this option, type information in
the Minimum Windows password length and Maximum Windows
password age fields.
v Required antivirus application*: Mark this check box if you want the
System Information Center program to check and verify that the required
antivirus application is installed on all client computers each time the asset
is revised. Type the name of the application in the Application field and the
version number in the Version field of the required antivirus application
(must appear in Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Programs list).
Note: In the event that more than one antivirus program is used in your
enterprise, you can modify the ISIC.PROPERTIES file to check computer
assets for more than one antivirus program. For more information about
modifying the ISIC.PROPERTIES file, see “Working with the
ISIC.PROPERTIES file” on page 37.
v Required firewall application*: Mark this check box if you want the
System Information Center program to check and verify that the required
firewall application is installed on all client computers each time the asset is
revised. Type the name of the application in the Application field and the
version number in the Version field of the required firewall application
(must appear in Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Programs list).
Note: In the event that more than one firewall application is used in your
enterprise, you can modify the ISIC.PROPERTIES file to check computer
assets for more than one firewall application. For more information about
modifying the ISIC.PROPERTIES file, see “Working with the
ISIC.PROPERTIES file” on page 37.
14.
Click Next. The Ready to Install window opens.
15. Click Next. The Setup Status window opens and the progress indicator
displays the progress of the setup. After completing, the ″Restart required to
complete installation″ window opens.
16. Mark an option button to restart your computer now or restart later. Click
Finish.
17. If you have chosen to restart your computer, close any open programs and
remove any disks from their drives; your computer will shut down and
restart.
This
concludes the installation of the System Information Center program on a
server.
Note: After you install the System Information Center program, the first user
account you will create will be the Administrator account. Once you have created
that account, you can manually add a User account or change the authority of a
User account. A User can create their own account by registering assets. For more
information, see “Creating accounts” on page 22.
Securing your network with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security
In most cases, you do not need SSL. However, if your clients communicate with
the server using the Internet and are not protected by a firewall, the
communication will require encryption. You will need to:
1. Modify the ISIC.PROPERTIES file by replacing all occurrences of HTTP:// with
HTTPS://. (For more information, see Appendix A, “Modifying the
ISIC.PROPERTIES file,” on page 51.)
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