FAQ's
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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: 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. Email contacts: 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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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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