SoftPaqs

There are three classes of information that you can obtain from the client computers.

•Client inventory: Includes detailed client information such as the chassis serial number, computer model number, memory size, operating system, CPU identification, and many more inventory items. With HPCM 6.1, you can even gather basic information for your non-HP client computers.

•Health monitoring: The health monitoring capabilities of HPCM allow you to select from a set of client-side events, such as a chassis intrusion, disk drive error, battery status, thermal changes, and “walking assets” such as new or missing PCs, memory, battery, disk drives, CPUs, and monitors. When one of these events occurs, the client alerts the HPCM Server, which takes the predefined action that you have specified, such as sending you an e-mail alert. You can also monitor the status of these events using one of the pre-configured reports.

•Diagnostic information: Client diagnostics are performed on the memory, CPU, storage devices, and I/O devices. The diagnostic results are returned from each client computer to the HPCM Server for display.

With HPCM, the user can perform the following types of operations on the client computers from the Altiris Console on the HPCM Server.

System software installation: HPCM allows you to install or update system software on the client computers from a central Filestore on the HPCM Server. Software installations are performed only on those client computers that match the hardware and software criteria that you specify. For example, you can download a network driver or audio driver SoftPaq to the HPCM Server and then use HPCM to schedule the installation of the drivers on the client computers. HPCM will install the drivers only on those client computers that contain hardware supported by each particular driver.

SoftPaqs are Web-downloadable software packages made available by HP to ensure that our customers have the most up-to-date and highest-quality system software. Normally, a SoftPaq would be downloaded to each client machine and installed separately. With HPCM, SoftPaq installation can be configured to happen automatically and remotely across all client computers.

BIOS Flash: HPCM can be used to upgrade the BIOS firmware on client computers. HPCM can automatically and remotely update the BIOS on any client computer. You can use it to flash a single computer or a group of computers. It also allows you to view reports for computers not receiving updates or to see where installation failed.

Manage HP ProtectTools enabled clients: Identify and inventory HP client computers that include the ProtectTools embedded security chip. Use the HP Client Manager console to remotely initialize the security chip on your computers, saving time in setting-up a more secure client infrastructure. Note: This requires HPCM 6.1 SP1.

Change BIOS settings: When booting a computer you can press the F10 key to pause the boot process in order to change the BIOS settings, such as the Storage Options or the Boot Order, as shown in Figure 2. After Microsoft Windows has booted on the client computers, you can use HPCM to change the BIOS settings simultaneously on multiple client computers without having to visit each computer individually.

DC5100 specifications

The HP DC5100 is a desktop computer that was launched by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-2000s, primarily targeting the business sector and home office users. Its design emphasizes robustness, reliability, and ease of use, which has made it a popular choice among small to medium-sized businesses.

One of the main features of the HP DC5100 is its compact form factor, designed for efficient use of space in an office environment. The small desktop chassis allows users to maximize their workspace while still providing ample power for essential applications. The machine is equipped with various Intel processor options, including the Pentium 4 and the Celeron, which cater to different performance needs. This flexibility in processor choice allows businesses to select a configuration that best fits their specific workload requirements.

In terms of memory, the DC5100 supports a maximum of 4 GB of DDR2 RAM, ensuring that it can handle multitasking efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for tasks such as running multiple applications simultaneously, which is a common requirement in business settings. The storage options are diverse, with SATA hard drives available in various capacities, providing users with the ability to choose the right amount of space for their data and applications.

Connectivity options are also a highlight of the HP DC5100. It comes equipped with multiple USB ports, facilitating easy connection of peripherals such as printers, external storage devices, and other accessories. The integrated Ethernet port enables quick and reliable network connectivity, making it simple to connect to local networks and access the internet.

Another noteworthy aspect of the DC5100 is its energy efficiency. Designed for business use, it incorporates power-saving features that help reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to lower operating costs over time. This is particularly important for companies looking to manage their budgets while being mindful of environmental impact.

The HP DC5100 also features various security technologies, including password protection and BIOS security options, which help protect sensitive data. This is critical for businesses that prioritize data integrity and confidentiality.

In conclusion, the HP DC5100 is a well-rounded desktop that boasts a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability. Its compact design, versatile configurations, and strong connectivity options make it a solid choice for both business and home office environments. With features designed to enhance productivity while ensuring security and energy savings, the HP DC5100 remains a viable option for users seeking dependable computing power.