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| Q1. What is "WhatChanged® for
Windows"? |
"WhatChanged®? For Windows" is
a diagnostic tool that targets the broad area
of Change Management.
The program takes and stores snapshots which
include detailed information about the file
system, registry
and system configuration.
Unlike first generation products, only differences
are stored to maximize speed and minimize
disk space usage.
Snapshots can be scheduled to be automatically
taken at off-peak times or taken on command.
Detailed comparisons to previous snapshots
are possible.
System registry
can be restored to a previous known good state with one click.
The following categories of information are
maintained:
File Information
System Information
Drive Information
Directory Information
Registry Information
For each category, a comparison between two
Snapshots or a Snapshot and your current
configuration can be viewed.
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| Q2. What are the program components? |
WhatChanged® for Windows
is composed of 2 main modules, namely the WCW
Console and the WCW
Agent. The WCW Console in turn consists of a
Console GUI, a Client Manager and a Manager Service.
The
WCW Agent consists of an Agent Configuration
utility and an Agent Service. The WCW Agents
can be distributed
from the WCW Console system using the Client
Manager or can be manually installed using the
install
script. |
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| Q3. How much disk space does
the program use? |
Unlike first generation products, WhatChanged®?
For Windows stores only differences thereby minimizing
the usage of disk space.
The program stores binary files in two locations
on the local machine (to guard against corruption
due to unforeseen circumstances). One is
the Working Folder
which defaults to the same location as program location (you can change this
via the Configuration menu). The other is the location you choose during
installation (default is C:\WCSnapshots).
Each location may grow to occupy about 40MB
depending
on the size of the machine and the number of objects. If both locations are
on the same disk, plan to have about 80MB
of disk space.
In addition to the above, the Enterprise edition,
stores snapshot in a shared common directory.
This directory may group to 40xN MB in size
where N is
the total number of participating machines. |
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| Q4. What are the requirements
for the Enterprise edition? |
The Enterprise edition is targeted towards installations
that are running a Windows NT network with domain
authentication. Installations based on Novell Netware
or those running Peer-to-peer networks are not
supported in this release. The next planned release
of the Enterprise version will remove this limitation.
Administrators involved in complex and large
installs (multiple domains, more than 50
machines) are encouraged to call Prism Microsystems
so that we can best
advise you during the planning steps.
The installation step of the Enterprise edition
differs from the Standalone edition in one
way.
A login with Domain Admin privilege is required;
the program operates within defined security
policies. |
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| Q5. Is a trial version available? |
A fully functional trial
version is available at www.WhatChanged®.com.
After 14 days from the first install, the program
will continue to
take new snapshots but the GUI cannot be used
to view changes. |
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| Q6. Is a standalone edition
available? |
The program may be installed in Standalone mode.
Change snapshots are limited to the single machine
where the program is installed. Changes to the
file system and registry are tracked. All features
are available however snapshot data from other
machines are not accessible. |
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| Q7. What extra features are
available in the Enterprise edition? |
In addition to all features of the Standalone
version, snapshots can be initiated remotely and
changes viewed from a central location. This feature
permits system management from a single location.
The issConsole and issExplore utility is also
installed along with the WCW Console.
The Client Manager can be utilized to remotely
install/uninstall WCW Agents.
When used in conjunction with a backup system, "WhatChanged®? For Windows" can
provide a highly efficient targeted backup/restore function. |
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| Q8. Where can I get Sales
and Support information? |
Prism
Microsystems, Inc.
6990 Columbia Gateway Drive
Suite 250,
Columbia MD 21046
Email contacts:
Product sales:
Product support:
Website:
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| Q9. What are the minimum requirements
for using the scheduled (email) reports in
WhatChanged for Windows? |
For
scheduled (email) reports the following is a
must
- The SMTP server mentioned must be accessible
from the Console system.That is either the system
must be able to access internet or the SMTP server
must be
reachable over the LAN.
- Ensure valid email id's are provided in both "To Address" and "From
Address". |
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Q10. What are Snapshots? |
Snapshots are binary data
files, which contain detailed information on
the file system, registry
and system configuration. They may be taken automatically
at preset intervals or on command.
As the system changes over
time, changes may be compared from previous snapshots.
The program manages up 64 previous snapshots. Unlike first generation products,
only differences are maintained thus minimizing disk space usage.
Snapshots are identified by the date/time of
the capture. A Description may be assigned
to each snapshot.
The pull down menu on the main screen allows
you to select a previously stored snapshot
for comparison. |
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| Q11. How can I compare Snapshots? |
The latest snapshot can be compared with any
previous snapshot. The previous snapshot may be
selected by using the pull down menu in the main
screen. |
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| Q12. Can I take a snapshot on demand? |
On Demand Snapshots can be taken by the user
at any time to record the current system configuration.
It is often helpful to take a Snapshot both
before and after making any major changes to
your system.
This type of Snapshot can be very helpful if
the change doesn't go well, as it enables you
to quickly restore the configuration that was
working just
prior
to the change. |
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| Q13. Can snapshots be scheduled? |
Snapshot Scheduling can be used to automatically
perform Snapshots at periodic intervals such as
hourly, daily, weekly, monthly.
This helps ensure that your most recent working
configuration is captured in a Snapshot for
use by the Restore function - if your system
develops a problem.
The time and the frequency of automatic snapshots
may be configured via the Options|System
Configuration menu. |
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| Q14. What is the Change View? |
You may choose to see only those files or registry
items that have changed by selecting the Change
View button. Only changed folders, files, registry
keys and values are shown in this view of the system.
Float the cursor over the icons for a description. |
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| Q15. What is the Full View? |
When Full View is selected, the change browser
shows all folders, files and registry entries.
Of course, you may use the icons readily identify
changed items. Float the cursor over the icons
for a description.
This option is useful when you need to view
changes in relation to rest of the system. |
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| Q16. How can I quickly find
an item in the tree? |
Use the Find button to search for a particular
name of key, file or folder. The search supports
wildcard searches (*) as well.
Click on the sub-tree where you want to begin
the search, provide the name of the key,
file or folder that you want to find. |
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| Q17. How can I quickly find
the next changed item? |
The Next Change button is used to traverse the
tree to find changed items. It is often more convenient
than scanning intermediate nodes looking for changes.
This button is available for both Full and Change
Views. |
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| Q18. Can I configure the frequency
and time when automated snapshots are taken? |
Yes. Use the System Configuration option on the
main menu. By default the program takes an automated
snapshot at 2:00 AM daily. |
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| Q19. Problems upgrading the
license? |
a. The dialog box for v2.1.x
shows the entries in the order Name, Email, Key.
Make sure the entries for Email and Name are
not interchanged
b. After the license upgrade,
the program should be stopped/started.
c. In rare cases, the machine
may require a reboot |
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