Last Modified June 25, 2024
Introduction #
This guide provides detailed instructions on how to import and manage computers in System Frontier, focusing on both manual and bulk import methods, as well as creating and organizing collections.
Prerequisites #
- Access to System Frontier with administrative privileges.
- A prepared CSV file for bulk import (if using the bulk import method).
- Knowledge of your network setup, including IP addresses, serial numbers, and distinguished names for devices.
Steps #
Manually Adding a Computer #
- Navigate to Computers:
- Open System Frontier and click on theÂ
Computers
 tab.
- Open System Frontier and click on theÂ
- Add a New Computer:
- ClickÂ
Add New
 and select the type of computer (e.g., Server, Workstation). - If you don’t select a type, it defaults toÂ
Unknown
.
- ClickÂ
- Fill in the Details:
- Name:Â Enter a unique identifier for the computer.
- Remote Management Address:Â Enter the IP address for out-of-band management cards (e.g., IPMI, HP ILO).
- Serial Number:Â Provide the serial number of the computer.
- Status and Environment:Â Set these based on your organizational standards.
- Distinguished Name:Â If using Active Directory, provide the fully distinguished name.
- Is Virtual:Â Check this box if the machine is virtual.
- Save the Entry:
- ClickÂ
Save
 to create the entry. You will now have access to various management tools and options for this computer.
- ClickÂ
Bulk Importing Computers #
- Prepare the Import File:
- Create a CSV file with the necessary details for each computer.
- Import the File:
- Go to theÂ
Import
 section in System Frontier. - Drag and drop your prepared CSV file or browse to select it.
- Go to theÂ
- Upload the File:
- ClickÂ
Upload
. The system will validate and import the entries. - Ensure there are no errors during the import process.
- ClickÂ
Creating and Managing Collections #
- Navigate to Collections:
- Click on theÂ
Collections
 tab.
- Click on theÂ
- Create a New Collection:
- ClickÂ
Create
. - Enter a name for the collection (e.g., All Computers, Lab Servers).
- ClickÂ
- Set Membership Type:
- Choose betweenÂ
Dynamic
 andÂStatic
 membership:- Dynamic: Uses SQL where clauses to define membership.
- Static:Â Manually add members.
- Choose betweenÂ
- Define Membership Criteria:
- For dynamic collections, set the criteria (e.g.,Â
name LIKE 'lab%'
).
- For dynamic collections, set the criteria (e.g.,Â
- Set Security Credentials:
- Define the credentials that will be used to manage the members of this collection.
- Save the Collection:
- ClickÂ
Save
. The collection will now be available, showing all members that meet the criteria.
- ClickÂ
Editing and Managing Collections #
- Edit a Collection:
- Select the collection you want to edit and clickÂ
Edit
. - Make necessary changes and save.
- Select the collection you want to edit and clickÂ
- Creating Sub-Collections:
- Navigate to the parent collection and clickÂ
Create
. - Define the name and membership criteria for the sub-collection.
- Inherit security settings from the parent collection or set new ones.
- Navigate to the parent collection and clickÂ
Notes #
- License Restrictions:Â Be mindful of the type of computer you are adding, as it affects your license count (servers vs. non-servers).
- Community Edition Limitations:Â Certain management tools (e.g., Storage, Services, Processes) are not available in the Community Edition.
- Dynamic Membership:Â Use SQL syntax to create flexible and automatically updating collections.
- Credential Management:Â Organize your environment with collections and map appropriate credentials to ensure seamless management.
Conclusion #
By following these steps, you can efficiently import and manage computers in System Frontier, ensuring your system is organized and easy to navigate.