HP XM600 hp toptools for desktops agent, scheduling operations on managed e-pc - Page 1

HP Scheduling Operations White Paper Scheduling Operations on Managed PCs What is Operations Scheduling? In HP Top Tools Device Manager, several of the desktop management-related functions can be scheduled for a later date, rather than performed immediately. These operations can be carried out automatically and do not require a human presence once they have been launched. In addition, the management task to be scheduled may be incompatible with programs normally employed by the user (it is recommended to exit all applications whenever any new software is installed) or may require the PC to be shutdown and then rebooted. In these cases it is more efficient to carry out the management task when the PC is not in use. The Operations Scheduling option meets these requirements. For example, you can schedule a System Software Update to begin at midnight to minimize the impact on PC end users. How to use Scheduling Functions in Top Tools (version 5.0) that may be scheduled are: • Power On • Power Off • Update System Software (drivers, utilities, BIOS) • Add Printer • Top Tools Agent Deployment In order to implement the scheduling features, HP Top Tools makes use of Task Scheduler, an add-on component of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Task Scheduler is bundled with Internet Explorer 5. Windows 2000 Task Scheduler In Windows 2000 the Task Scheduler is present as an OS installation option. When installed, it is available as an icon in the Control Panel. From the Start Menu, select: Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel and then click on the Scheduled Tasks icon to open the Scheduled Tasks properties window. When you install TopTools Device Manager, the installation wizard checks to make sure that Task Scheduler is installed. July 2000