1 The tool list
The Manage Tools interface shows a list of all your tools in the centre of the screen. In the left-hand menu is the Add new button, which adds a new tool.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Add new | In the left menu. Opens a window where you create a new tool. |
| Search box | In the left menu, under Add new. Type one or more values and press Enter to show only the tools whose name contains all of them. |
| Drag column | The first column. Drag a tool up or down to change the order it has in the menu. |
| Name | The name of the tool. Click it to edit the tool. |
| Edit | Next to each tool. Opens the same window as Add new, with the settings of the tool. |
| Delete | Next to each tool. Opens a confirmation window. |
The list only shows the tools that are assigned to the security role you are using. The page size can be 20, 50 or 100 rows, and SoftwareCentral remembers the one you choose. If no tool matches the search, the grid says No tools match your criteria.
2 Adding or editing a tool
When you add a new tool, or edit an existing one, a new window opens. The top of the window holds the basic settings.
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Name | The name of the tool. The maximum length of the name is 50 characters, as the name is displayed in the menu. The name must not be used by another tool. |
| Description | A description of the tool. The end users see this description. |
| Type | Choose one of three types: Run on Server, Run Locally or Open URL. |
Save stays disabled until the tool has a name. Below the type, the window shows the fields that belong to the type you chose, and a Parameters box:
| Type | Fields shown | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Run on Server | Upload script (.vbs or .ps1), Existing script, Arguments and Run as, with a button to add a new user. | Run on Server |
| Run Locally | Path to a program or script on the client computer (local and UNC paths are accepted) and Arguments. The program runs in the user's context. | Run Locally |
| Open URL | URL, opened in the user's browser. The Parameters box is hidden for this type. | Open URL |
The Parameters box, where you tick the boxes the user fills in before the tool runs, is described in Manage Tools.
3 Messages you may see
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| Please enter a name. | Fill in Name. |
| Name already exists | Choose a name no other tool uses. |
| You must select a user | For Run on Server, pick a user under Run as. |
| A file must be selected. | Upload a script or pick an existing one (Run on Server), or enter a Path (Run Locally). |
| Invalid URL. It must contain a url scheme. | For Open URL, enter the full address, for example https://… |
| Invalid settings detected. | Check the fields of the chosen type and save again. |
4 Best practice
- Keep names short and clear: they are the menu text, and 50 characters is the limit.
- Write a description for every tool, because the end users see it.
- Do not put passwords or other secrets in the arguments of a Run Locally tool, because they are passed to the client as clear text.
- A new tool is assigned to the security role you are using. Assign it to other roles on purpose, and only to the roles that need it. See Assign Tools to Security Roles.
- Drag the tools you use most to the top of the list, so they are first in the menu.