Machine Queries

Machine queries target and tag machines based on criteria such as asset data, hardware or configuration information.

You can perform a query to focus on any combination of hardware, and asset information collected for a computer population during an inventory.

As a result of any query, a number of machines, applications, files or directories can receive a number of tags.

Queries to identify particular machines using specified criteria are defined using a special query grid. This allows multiple query criteria to be specified from a section of categories, which are defined by the information collected across the computer population.

When the query criteria are fully specified, the query is invoked and all machines within the population that match the query criteria are tagged. The query grid also allows defined queries to be saved so that they can be loaded and used again.

How to Perform a Machine Query

Machine queries are available from the Machines information window.

To begin creating a query, you need to display the query grid used to specify the search criteria.

In the Machines window select the Query option from the Tag drop-down toolbar menu.

The Complex Query dialog box is displayed.

Complex Query Dialog Box

This dialog box has two tabs:

• Queries - Displays the hardware and asset fields and allows you to build up the query.
• Options - Sets up the logic, actions and format of the query.

Differences Between Scan File Queries and Machine Queries

The method of performing a machine query is almost identical to that for selecting scan files for specific machines (complex query). There is however, one difference to note:

An extra option is made available for Machine queries. This is on the Options tab page and is the Tagging group box.

• Affect local tags - Only Local tags are set or cleared.