Copyright: Oracle Software Manager Help, copyright 1996, Oracle Corporation
Citation: Oracle Software Manager Help, copyright 1996, Oracle Corporation


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Oracle Software Manager Glossary

A

agent

Oracle Intelligent Agent, a subset of the Oracle Enterprise Manager software which resides on a host. The Oracle Intelligent Agent executes all tasks scheduled at the console for its particular host.

B

C

Catalog

A listing of all releasesand software packages known to Oracle Software Manager. Catalog elements of the same type can be examined through dedicated Catalog windows.

Catalog window

A window that lists all Catalog elements of the same type: all releases and all software packages. Two icons at the top of the window control the focus of that window. To view a different type of element, click that element's icon.

client

A workstation whose software is designed to receive data from, or processing by, dedicated servers. A client machine must run the Oracle Client Software Agent software.

In an Oracle Enterprise Manager/Oracle Software Manager network, software may be pushed to a distribution host that is also a server for one or more clients, using the Distribute Package task.

client/server

A product architecture that splits task processing between a requesting client and a delivering server, taking advantage of the best features of each. For example, if a workstation client queries a remote database server, the server may execute the query itself and then return the answer set to the workstation, which processes it for display.

custom installation

An installation that does not use all the default installation settings for this product. For example, it may not install the product in the default directory.

If you want to use the Install Package task to perform a custom software installation, you must edit the product's response file to ensure that the custom parameters will be used.

See also software package.

D

distribution host

A host that has been designated as a creation, distribution and storage center for software packages and releases This eliminates the need to physically store all software packages on the console machine itself, and reduces potential network and system bottlenecks for the distribution of software. (The machine that houses Oracle Software Manager can also be a distribution host.)

There must be at least one distribution host designated on each network managed by an Oracle Software Manager console.

E

expand

To open an object that contains other objects. When an object can be expanded, its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-].

Double-click an item to expand or close it.

F

G

GUI

An object-oriented, windowed interface used to administer all the objects under console control. The two main components of the Console GUI are the Navigator window and Catalog windows..

H

host

A workstation or server with an installed Oracle Enterprise Manager agent under Oracle Software Manager control.

Hosts folder

A Navigator window folder that contains icons representing all the hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

For a view of the contents of a particular host, expand the World folder and click that host's icon. To create a folder with a customized cross-section of certain hosts, click Create Host Folder in the Oracle Software Manger Edit menu.

I

Interpreter engine

An interpreter engine translates requests from the console into instructions that Oracle Software Manager agents, can understand and execute.

J

K

L

M

N

Navigator window

An Oracle Software Manager window that displays all hosts currently being managed by Oracle Software Manager and a customized collection of host folders,.

Each item in the Navigator window is represented as an icon. When an item contains other objects (can be expanded further), its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-]. Double-click an item to expand or close it.

Items you can view for each host include the Installed Products container, the Software Packages container, and the Releases container.

O

Object manager

An Object Manager tracks the status of all hosts the OEM Console administers. Draws on the Database Object Manager for information about host databases and instructions for database startup, shutdown and backup procedures. Draws on the Software Repository for information about software packages that have been created and files that have been installed or distributed over the network.

P

package

See software package.

page

A tabbed section of a dialog box, usually dedicated to information of a specific type.

For example, the Define New Software Package dialog box has a Properties page (where you supply information about the broader properties of the software package) and a Products page (where you specify which software products will comprise the package).

Q - R

release

A collection of Oracle software products distributed as a unit. Releases consist of several operating-system-specific collections. For example, the Oracle Server CD includes platform-specific versions of OWS and related programs for Netware, OS/2, Windows NT, and Windows 95.

You can choose from the products in a release to create a software package.

response file

A text file with the extension .RSP that contains information about the default installations of all products in the package. The file -- which is heavily commented so that it is easy to edit -- supplies configuration parameters that enable the installation program to set up the product as desired.

Response files can also be created at the distribution host using the Response File Generator.

See also custom installation.

right-click

Click the right mouse button.

.RSP file

See response file

S

shared installation

A mode of installation that ensures that the software will be available for use or installation by a managed client workstation.

Software is installed at the distribution host and later either accessed by users at the managed client or installed directly onto the managed client machine.

software package

A user-defined collection of products for a single operating system, intended for distribution across the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

T

U

V

W

X - Y - Z


agent (definition)
agent

Oracle Intelligent Agent, a subset of the Oracle Enterprise Manager software which resides on a host. The Oracle Intelligent Agent executes all tasks scheduled at the console for its particular host.


catalog (definition)
Catalog

A listing of all releasesand software packages known to Oracle Software Manager. Catalog elements of the same type can be examined through dedicated Catalog windows.


catalog window (definition)
Catalog window

A window that lists all Catalog elements of the same type: all releases and all software packages. Two icons at the top of the window control the focus of that window. To view a different type of element, click that element's icon.


client (definition)
client

A workstation whose software is designed to receive data from, or processing by, dedicated servers.

In an Oracle Enterprise Manager network, software may be pushed to a distribution host that is also a server for one or more clients, using the Distribute Package task.


configuration (definition)
configuration

A description of the products that a particular group of clients should have, and the list of clients that are to adhere to this configuration.


custom installation (definition)
custom installation

An installation that does not use all the default installation settings for this product. For example, it may not install the product in the default directory.

If you want to use the Install Package task to perform a custom software installation, you must edit the product's response file to ensure that the custom parameters will be used.

See also software package.


distribution host (definition)
distribution host

A host that has been designated as a creation, distribution and storage center for software packages and releases. This eliminates the need to physically store all software packages on the console machine itself, and reduces potential network and system bottlenecks for the distribution of software. (The machine that houses the Oracle Software Manager console can also be a distribution host.)

There must be at least one distribution host designated on each network managed by an Oracle Software Manager console.


expand (definition)
expand

To open an object that contains other objects. When an object can be expanded, its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-].

Double-click an item to expand or close it.


host (definition)
host

A workstation or server with an installed Oracle Software Manager agent, under Oracle Software Manager console control.

See also Hosts folder.


Clients folder (definition)
Hosts folder

A Navigator window folder that contains icons representing all the hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

For a view of the contents of a particular host, expand the World folder and click that host's icon. To create a folder with a customized cross-section of certain hosts, click Create Host Folder in the Oracle Software Manger Edit menu.


Navigator (definition)
Navigator window

An Oracle Software Manager window that displays all hosts currently being managed by Oracle Software Manager and a customized collection of host folders,.

Each item in the Navigator window is represented as an icon. When an item contains other objects (can be expanded further), its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-]. Double-click an item to expand or close it.

Items you can view for each host include the Installed Products container, the Software Packages container, and the Releases container.


page (definition)
page

A tabbed section of a dialog box, usually dedicated to information of a specific type.

For example, the Define New Software Package dialog box has a Properties page (where you supply information about the broader properties of the software package) and a Products page (where you specify which software products will comprise the package).


release (definition)
release

A collection of Oracle software products distributed as a unit. Releases consist of several operating-system-specific collections. For example, the Oracle Workgroup Server CD includes platform-specific versions of OWS and related programs for Netware, OS/2, Windows NT, and Windows 95.

You can choose from the products in a release to create a software package.


response file (definition)
response file

A text file with the extension .RSP that contains information about a product's default installation configuration. The file -- which is heavily commented so that it is easy to edit -- supplies configuration parameters that enable the installation program to set up the product as desired.

Response files can also be created at the distribution host using the Oracle Agent Control Panel.

See also custom installation.


right-click (definition)
right-click

Click the right mouse button.


shared installation (definition)
shared installation

A mode of installation that ensures that the software will be available for use or installation by a managed client workstation.

Software is installed at the distribution host and later either accessed by users at the managed client or installed directly onto the managed client machine.


software package (definition)
software package

A user-defined collection of products for a single operating system, intended for distribution across the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.


Introduction to Oracle Software Manager

Oracle Software Manager enables you to automate many of the administrative tasks common in a distributed environment. In conjunction with Oracle Enterprise Manager, OSM registers, distributes, installs, and tracks all software on network machines with Oracle Intelligent Agents.

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About Releases and Software Packages

A release is a collection of Oracle software in which its location is known to Oracle Software Manager. Releases may reside on any distribution host in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network. They are important because they form the basis for all software maintenance tasks the console can execute.

When Oracle Software Manager records a release, it creates pointers to the location and identifying characteristics of that release. The contents of the release are not copied anywhere on the console workstation’s hard disk.

A software package is a collection of software from one or more releases that have been created through Oracle Software Manager. Software packages are created by selecting from the list of all products available for a particular operating system. Products from the same release might be combined with different selections of other software to form unique software packages. These packages can then be installed at any host in the Oracle Software Manager network.

When Oracle Software Manager creates a software package, all the files in the package are copied to the specified distribution host.

For information about how response files affect software package installation, see About Response Files.

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About Response Files

A response file, which is a text file with the extension .RSP, contains the default responses for a product’s installation customization. The file -- which is heavily commented so that it is easy to edit -- supplies configuration parameters that enable the installation program to set up the product on a remote machine with no user interaction.

The following example shows part of the Windows.RSP file. Items that can be changed are shown in red.

# The user is asked to specify the Company Name for
# the product and the Oracle Home. The first string
# in the list below is the string that the customer
# would enter as the company name. The second
# string in the list is the location of the local
# Oracle Home. Defaults can be specified by 'default
# as shown below for the Oracle Home (C:\ORAWIN)

install_settings_content=list("Oracle Cust",'DEFAULT)
changing_home_content=FALSE
invalid_shared_home_content=FALSE

# If the Installer is being installed as a shared
# configuration the user will be prompted for the
# administrator name. The default should be the
# username of the person logged onto the machine.

administrator_content="administrator"

Response files work similarly to Windows .INI files. Products need one response file for the operating system and at least one more for each product. For example, Oracle Server 7.3.3 for NT uses an NT installation response file (NT.RSP) and response files for each companion product.

For information about how and when to modify response files, see When to Modify a Response File.

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When to Modify a Response File

Oracle Software Manager uses the information in response files to "push-install" each program in a software package. As long as the program is used in its default configuration, the response file can be used with the package without modification. However, if you modify any of the program's default parameters during an interactive installation, you must make the same changes in the response file before you install it over the Oracle Software Manager network. (For example, you must modify the response file if your installation requires a non-standard installation directory, the product support files are located on a different drive, or you are using a non-standard language.)

Once a software package is distributed, changes to its response file are not reflected. Therefore, if you need to modify the response file of a software package, be sure to do so before you distribute the package. If the package has already been distributed, you need to modify its corresponding response file on the target host.

Response files are edited at the distribution host. On Windows NT machines, the Response File Generator automates this process.

Note

For examples of response files, see \ORANT\SYSMAN\OSM\NT_x86\RESPONSE.

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Distribution Hosts

A distribution host is a server on which releases and software packages are created and from which they are distributed to other hosts. Like all hosts, a distribution host runs the Oracle Intelligent Agent and appears in the console Navigator window.

You can designate any host as a distribution host, and add or delete distribution hosts at the console. When you designate a distribution host, the host icon changes in the Navigator window. Removing distribution host status does not delete the host itself.

To designate a host as a distribution host, use the Distribution Hosts command in the Products menu, or open the Properties page for a host in the Navigator window, and click the Distribution Host option.

The benefits of designating a host as a distribution host are:

It leverages server processing power to build software packages without interfering with other console and management functions

It enables the you to spread copies of software packages to designated points, allowing managed hosts to retrieve software from the closest or least-loaded locations

The overall result is greater configuration flexibility, network scalability, and network efficiency in software distribution.

Notes

You can only delete a distribution host if it is not the source host for a software package.

A distribution host can only create packages whose operating systems are the same as its operating system.

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Software Distribution Process
About the Software Distribution Process

The software distribution process comprises several steps:

1. 	In OSM, specify one or more distribution hosts.

2. 	Create releases on distribution hosts.

3. 	Create software packages from the releases on distribution hosts.

4. 	Use the OEM job system to distribute and install the software packages on specified distribution host(s) in the network.

Once the package is created, it can be copied, using the Copy Software Package command, to other distribution hosts. These packages are designated as copies and cannot be altered. Copying a package to other distribution hosts allows the distribution load to be spread across multiple servers, which can be spread geographically over a wide-area network.

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Oracle Software Manager Drag and Drop Behavior

Oracle Software Manager supports dragging and dropping of certain window objects into other objects or into other windows. For example, Software Packages can be dragged from the Catalog window and dropped into windows; host objects can be dragged from one part of the Navigator window to another.

The following table shows the effects of drag and drop behavior in the Oracle Software Manager console.

Object	Can be dragged and dropped into	Result
Product	Create Package dialog box Selected Products list	Product added to package.
Host icons	Host Folders in the Navigator windows	Host Folder containing this host icon
Package icons	Host icon	Package distributed and/or installed on host
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Preferences

When you create releases or software packages, Oracle Software Manager automatically lists these objects in the Catalog window in descending order: the object created most recently appears first.

However, you can change the order in which these objects appear to ascending order, which then reflects the order in which they were created. You control this sort order through the Preferences dialog box.

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Introduction to the Oracle Software Manager Architecture

The Oracle Enterprise Manager network is comprised of one or more Oracle Enterprise Manager/Oracle Software Manager installations each administering a number of workstations that contain Oracle Intelligent Agents.

In the picture above, Hosts B, C, and D each administer several workstations with Oracle Intelligent Agents. These hosts are aware of any client workstations directly under their care. The Oracle Enterprise Manager/Oracle Software Manager console on workstation A is aware of Hosts B, C, and D and all their client workstations.

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About the Console

The Oracle Software Manager console software includes:

GUI -- An object-oriented, windowed interface used to administer all the objects under console control. The two main components of the GUI are the Navigator window and the Catalog windows.

Object Manager -- Tracks the status of all hosts this console administers. Draws on the Database Object Manager for information about host databases and instructions for database startup, shutdown and backup procedures. Draws on the Software Repository for information about software packages that have been created, and files that have been installed or distributed over the network.

Includes an intelligent cache.

Interpreter Engine -- Translates requests from the console into instructions that Oracle Software Manager agents can understand and execute.

Includes a cache that represents all hosts that are managed by this console.

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About the Oracle Software Manager Console Windows

The Oracle Software Manager console displays two different types of windows:

Catalog windows

Navigator windows

The first time you start Oracle Software Manager, the console displays one Navigator window and one Catalog window (focused on Software Releases). You can open additional Catalog windows by selecting Another Catalog Window or Another Navigator Window from the Window menu.

Use Save Layout Now or Save Layout on Exit to preserve the state of your console windows from one session to another.

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Catalog Windows

The Oracle Software Manager Catalog is a listing of all releases and software packages known to the Oracle Software Manager console. Catalog elements of the same type can be examined through Catalog windows.

Two icons at the top of the window control the focus of that window. To view a different type of element, click that element's icon.

Types of Catalog windows include:

Releases -- Lists all software releases. These releases can be used to create software packages.

Software Packages -- Lists all software packages. Once created, these software packages can be installed anywhere in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

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Navigator Window

Shows all hosts currently being managed. The left pane of the Navigator window shows the network tree, with expandable host contents displayed at the summary level. For more detailed information, see the right pane of the window or right-click on any selected object to display its properties.

Objects you can view in the Navigator window include:

World folder -- Provides access to all hosts, distribution hosts, and clients in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

Hosts folder -- Provides access to all hosts and distribution hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network. Each host is represented with its own icon. Click [+] to show installed products, software packages, releases, clients on each host.

For a look at the clients of an individual host, click that host's client container.

Host folders  A customized grouping of hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network, created using the console's Create Host Folder command. Host icons grouped here are duplicates of the individual icons found in the Hosts folder.

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Host Folders

The Host folders object in the Navigator window stores host folders that you create using the Create Host Folder command on the Edit menu. This enables you to group hosts in any way you choose. For example, you might wish to group hosts by region.

Note

The Host folders object is not the same as the Hosts folder object, which shows all hosts known to Oracle Software Manager.

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To select multiple items in a list

If the items are adjacent

Click the first item, then hold down the Shift key and click the last item.

If the items are not adjacent

Hold down the Ctrl key, then click the items one by one, in any order.

Note

You may not select multiple items in the Navigator window.

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To display the pop-up menu for a selected object

Right-click on the object in the active window.

The commands in the menu may change, depending on which window is active and which object is selected. The Properties command, which is also available in the Edit and View menus, is always included in the pop-up menu.

Note

In a two-paned window, right-click in the left pane.

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To get Help on on a window
To get Help on a window

Click inside a window to make it active.

Press F1 to open the Help window and get information about the active window.

Note

You can display information on only one console window at a time.

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To initiate an action by dragging and dropping

Click and drag the item to the destination window, list box, or object, then release the mouse button to drop it.

Dragging and dropping affects different items in different ways, depending on the context. For more information, see Oracle Software Manager Drag and Drop Behavior.

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To change the focus of a Catalog window

In the Catalog window toolbar, click the icon representing the type of window you want to display. The window changes and displays objects for that window type.

Note

Each view of the Catalog is independent of the other view. Any properties you adjust through the View menu (by choosing Large Icons, Small Icons, Report View, or List View) stay with that view. If you switch the window focus to another type of object, or open a second Catalog window with the same focus, that window will use the default properties, unless otherwise altered.

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To change the size of displayed objects

Making objects larger

On the View menu, click Large Icons. The objects in the active window change, displaying large icons.

Making objects smaller

On the View menu, click Small Icons. The objects in the active window change, displaying small icons.

Note

Report View mode always displays objects as small icons. If you click Large Icons while the active window is in Report View, it turns off Report View mode in that window.

The commands in the view menu have no effect on the Navigator window, which always displays objects as small icons.

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To display listed objects in more detail

On the View menu, click Report View. The objects in the active window display as a list, with a detailed description of each object. The specific details vary, depending on the types of objects that are displayed.

Note

Report View mode always displays objects as small icons. If you click Report View while the active window is in Large Icons mode, the objects in that window revert to their original size.

The commands in the view menu have no effect on the Navigator window, which always displays objects as small icons.

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To display listed objects as icons only

On the View menu, click List View. The objects in the active window display as named icons only. To obtain a description of object properties, right-click on an object and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

Note

Report View and List View settings have no effect on the Navigator Window.

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To create a release from an Oracle product

1	From the Oracle Software Manager, click Create Release on the Products menu. The Create a Release dialog box appears.

2	Type a name to identify the release.

3	Specify the distribution host where the release information will reside.

4	Type the directory where PRODINFO.ORA is stored for this release (for example, the directory on the CD or network drive where the release is stored).

5	Click OK.  The Creating Release message box appears, then the Release Properties information box, which shows the information you just specified.

6	Click Save. The new release is created and catalogued in the Releases Catalog Window.

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To display releases in a Catalog window

On the Catalog menu, click Show Releases. The Releases Catalog window appears.

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 To display the properties of a release

1	On the Catalog menu, click Show Releases. The Releases Catalog window appears.

2	Click the release you want to review.

3	On the View menu, click Properties. The Release Properties information box appears, open to the Properties page.

Examine both the Properties and the Products pages of this dialog box.

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 To remove a release from the Releases Catalog window

1	In the Releases Catalog window, select the release(s) you want to remove.

2	On the Products menu, click Delete Release. The Delete dialog box appears, displaying a confirmation message.

3	Click Yes, or Yes to All to delete the release(s) from their designated hosts.

Notes

To display the Releases Catalog window, click Show Releases on the Catalog menu.

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Working with Software Packages


To create a software package

From the Oracle Software Manager,

1	On the Products menu, click Create Software Package. The Define New Software Package dialog box appears. The default name for the package includes today’s date and time.

2	If desired, type a different name for the software package in the Name field.

3	Select the appropriate operating system from the list, if desired.

4	Click the Products tab.

5	In the Create Package on Host list, select the host on which you wish to build a package.

6	In the Build Package From list, choose one of the following options to display all products available for the specified operating system, or a subset of them.

Select...	To...	Then...
All Products on this Host	Display all products in all releases on the selected host.	Go to step 7.
Products by Release	Display all releases on the selected host.	The Select Release list appears. Select a release to display all the products in that release. Go to step 7.
7	In the Available Products list, select the products to add to the package. If you haven’t selected an operating system, the first product you add to the software package determines the operating system for that package. You can only add products that belong to the same operating system.

8	Click Add to add the selected products to the package. The products are added to the Products in the Package list.

9	Click Save. Oracle Software Manager copies the files to the \TEMP directory on the workstation hard drive, saves the package, and adds it to the Software Packages Catalog window.

Alternatively, you may use the Oracle Enterprise Manager’s job system to create a “Create Package” task.

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To modify a response file (.RSP)

1	Open the .RSP file in a text editor. The format looks similar to the following example:

**************************************

#The user is asked which of the two SQL*Net products

#to install. The net2_adapter_content is set to

#whichever product is desired:

#"SQL*Net Client"

#"SQL*Net Server"

*************************************/

#net2_adapter_content="SQL*Net Client"

2	Locate the installation setting(s) you want to change.

(For example, the legal settings in the example above are SQL*Net Client and SQL*Net Server. The default setting is SQL*Net Client.)

3	Change the installation setting(s) as required, making sure to surround the new setting(s) with double quotation marks, as shown in the following example:

net2_adapter_content="SQL*Net server"

4	Save the changes to the .RSP file and close it.

Notes

If you are unsure about whether or not a product requires a custom installation, try installing it interactively first. If the installation calls for any non-default responses, stop the installation process, modify the response file as necessary, and install the software again.

You can also run the Response File Generator on a target machine in order to get a customized response file for your software package.

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To display software packages in the Catalog window

On the Catalog menu, click Show Software Packages.  The Software Packages Catalog window appears.

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To delete a software package

1	In the Software Packages Catalog window, select the software package you want to remove from the list of available packages.

2	On the Products menu, click Delete Software Package. The Remove Software Packages dialog box appears.

3	Click Delete.

Notes

To display the Software Packages Catalog window, click Show Software Packages on the Catalog menu.

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To copy a software package

1	In the Software Packages Catalog window, select the software package you want to copy.

2	On the Products menu, click Copy Software Package.

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Creating New Folders


To create a host folder

1	On the Edit menu, click Create Host Folder. The Host Folder Properties dialog box appears.

2	Type a name and description for the folder.

3	Select one or more hosts in the Available Hosts list, then click Add.

4	Click OK. The new host folder(s) appear inside the Host Folders object in the Navigator window. You can drag and drop the icon for any host in the Navigator window to the new folder.

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Designating Distribution Hosts


To designate a distribution host

1	On the Products menu, click Distribution Hosts. The Distribution Hosts dialog box appears.

2	Select the host(s) you want to serve as distribution hosts from those listed in the All Hosts list.

3	Click Add to add the hosts to the Distribution Hosts list, then click OK. The icon changes to reflect its new status.

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Setting Preferences


To set preferences

1	On the Options menu, click Preferences.

2	To change the sort criteria so that objects appear with the oldest date listed first, click Ascending Order.

3	Click Done to close the Preferences dialog box.

Note

These preferences pertain only to the order in which objects appear in Oracle Software Manager windows. The default is to display them in descending order, with the most recent date on top. Preferences do not affect objects in the Navigator window.

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To install the OCSM Host

After the installation of the Oracle Intelligent Agent, run the Oracle Installer for Windows with the /shared command, and install the Oracle Installer, the Oracle Client Configuration Manager, and the Oracle Client Software Agent.


COMMANDS -- REARRANGED IN MENU ORDER 7/24/95:


Exit command

Shuts down Oracle Software Manager, closing all open windows.

If you have previously selected Save Layout on Exit, Oracle Software Manager saves the current configuration of open and iconized windows before shutting down.

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Copy command

Copies items that are selected in an active window and stores them in the clipboard. The item may then be pasted into another window.

If no item is selected, an error message appears.

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Paste command

Pastes items from the clipboard into the selected window.

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Delete command

Deletes selected items without saving a copy in the clipboard. Oracle Software Manager displays a confirmation dialog box.

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Properties command

Displays detailed information about a selected object. Objects for which properties can be displayed include:

Host folders

Hosts

Releases

Software packages

Products in a software package or release

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Create Host Folder command

Displays the Host Folder Properties - New Folder dialog box.

Use this dialog box to create a new host folder in the Navigator Window. The new host folder appears inside the Host Folders folder.

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 Create Release command

Displays the Create a Release dialog box.

Use this dialog box to add information about a software release to the Releases Catalog window.

Note

Before Oracle Software Manager can create any software releases, at least one host must be designated as a distribution host.

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Unregister Release command
Delete Release command

Displays the Delete dialog box.

Use this dialog box to remove a release from Oracle Software Manager.

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Create Software Package command

Displays the Define New Software Package dialog box.

Use this dialog box to create a new software package. Once the package is saved, it is listed in the Software Packages Catalog window.

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Distribution Hosts command

Displays the Distribution Hosts dialog box.

Use this dialog box to designate which hosts will be distribution hosts.

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Delete Software Package command

Displays the Remove Software Package dialog box.

Use this dialog box to remove the selected package from Oracle Software Manager.

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Copy Software Package command

Displays the Define New Software Package dialog box, containing a copy of the specification of the selected package.

Use this dialog box to create an exact or modified copy of an existing software package and save it under a different name.

A listing for the new software package appears in the Software Packages Catalog window.

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Show Releases command

Displays the Releases Catalog window.

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Show Software Packages command

Displays the Software Packages Catalog window.

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Large Icons command

Causes all objects in the active window to appear as large icons.

To display objects as small icons, click Small Icons in the View menu.

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Small Icons command

Causes all objects in the active window to display as small icons.

To display objects as large icons, click Large Icons in the View menu.

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List View command

Lists objects in the active window by name only.

To show objects with their descriptions, click Report View in the View menu.

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Report View command

Displays the names and descriptions of objects listed in the active window.

To show objects without their descriptions, click List View in the View menu.

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Toolbar command

Activates or deactivates the Oracle Software Manager Toolbar.

This toolbar provides alternate access to functions and commands found throughout the Oracle Software Manager menus. It also provides context-sensitive online Help (available by clicking “?” on the Toolbar or by pressing F1).

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Status Bar command

Activates or deactivates the Status Bar, a narrow strip at the bottom of the Oracle Software Manager console window.

The Status Bar provides brief information about the current action or the active window.

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  All related topics


Save Layout on Exit command

Saves all Oracle Software Manager window layouts (open windows, iconized windows) when you exit.

To save layout information during a session with Oracle Software Manager, click Save Layout Now from the Options menu.

Note

Property windows are not saved.

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Save Layout Now command

Saves all Oracle Software Manager window layouts (open windows, iconized windows) now in place.

To save layout information at the end of a session with Oracle Software Manager, click Save Layout on Exit from the Options menu.

Note

Properties windows are not saved.

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Font command

Displays the Font dialog box.

Use this dialog box to set the font, font style, and size of all text displayed in the active window.

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Preferences dialog box

Specifies your preference for how dates will be sorted in console windows.

Options

Date Sorting

Select Most Recent Date First to sort dates in descending order or Ascending Order to sort dates with the earliest dates first.

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Another Navigator Window command

Displays a new Navigator window with a closed Hosts folder.

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Another Catalog Window command

Displays a new Catalog window, shown as Software Packages. To show Releases click the Releases button at the top of the window.

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Arrange Icons command

Arranges the icons in the console window so that as many icons as possible are visible and evenly spaced within the console window.

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Cascade command

Resizes and arranges windows in a cascading pattern (an overlapping pattern that moves from the top left to the bottom right corner of the screen), with window titles.

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Tile Horizontally command

Resizes and arranges windows without overlap so that each window is wider than it is long.

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Tile Vertically command

Resizes and arranges windows without overlap so that each window is longer than it is wide.

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Close All command

Closes all open windows in the Oracle Software Manager without stopping the Oracle Software Manager software.

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Refresh Hosts command

Displays the Refresh Hosts dialog box, which generates an Oracle Enterprise Manager job to refresh changes at the target host(s).

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Contents command
Help Topics command

Displays the Oracle Software Manager Help system Table of Contents.

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Using Help
Using Help command

Displays the general Help systems information on Using Help and Customizing Help.

Using Help includes information on

Finding a topic in Help

Getting information in a dialog box

Copying information from a Help topic

Printing a Help topic

Viewing a list of topics you've seen

Using the Find tab

Customizing Help includes information on

Changing the font and color in a Help topic

Specifying whether Help stays in front of other windows

Adding a comment to a Help topic

Putting a bookmark in a Help topic

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About Oracle Software Manager command

Displays copyright information about this release of Oracle Software Manager.

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PLAIN OLD WINDOWS


Catalog: Releases

A Catalog window that lists all software releases created at this console.

To view the properties of a particular release, click the release, then click Properties in the Edit menu. Oracle Software Manager displays the Release Properties information box.

To show software packages, click the button at the top of the Catalog window.

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Catalog: Software Packages

A Catalog window that lists all software packages created at this console. Once created, these software packages can be installed on any distribution host using the Install Package task.

To view the properties of a particular software package, click the package, then click Properties in the Edit menu. Oracle Software Manager displays the Software Package Properties information box.

To show releases, click the button at the top of the Catalog window.

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DIALOG BOXES:


Define New Software Package dialog box overview

Properties tab

Products tab

Used to either gather parts of existing software releases into a software package, or create an exact or modified copy of an existing software package. The package can then be distributed through Oracle Enterprise Manager using the Install Package task.

The Define New Software Package dialog box has two tabbed pages, Properties and Products. When first displayed, the Properties page is active.

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Properties page (Define New Software Package dialog box)
Properties page

Define New Software Package dialog box overview

Products tab

Stores information that identifies this software package in the Catalog.

Options

Name

Identifies the software package. During the package creation process, Oracle Software Manager supplies a name for the new software package in the format Package 06/29/95 12:10:56; if the new package is a copy, the supplied name is Copy of [package name]. Accept this name, or delete it and enter another.

Operating System

The appropriate operating system for this software release. If no operating system is specified, Oracle Software Manager sets the Operating System according to the first product selected for the package.

Note

All products in a package must be intended for the same Operating System.

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Products page (Define New Software Package dialog box)
Products page

Define New Software Package dialog box overview

Properties tab

Specifies the products that comprise the software package.

Options

Create Package on Host

Specifies the distribution host on which to create the package.

Build Package from

The range of software to choose from when building this package.

All Products on this Host

Click here to have the Available Products List display all products from all releases on the selected host.

Products by Release

Click here to display the Select Release List. The Available Products List will contain all products available from the selected software release.

Available Products

Lists all products available for inclusion in the package.

Products in the Package

Lists each product selected for inclusion in the package.

Add

Click here to add the selected product to the Products in the Package list.

Remove

Click here to remove the selected product from the Products in the Package list.

Note

If any of the products in this package require a custom installation, be sure to edit its response file to give the appropriate responses before you save the new software package.

Once a product becomes part of a software package its response file cannot be changed. If you accidentally save the software package before editing the response file, edit the response file and create the software package again.

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Delete/Remove dialog boxes

Used to remove the selected item(s) from the Catalog window.

Delete or Remove dialog boxes display whenever you issue the Delete Release or Delete Software Package commands.

Options

Yes

Click here to delete the specified items.

Yes to All

Click here to delete all specified items without further confirmation.

No

Click here to avoid deleting one of a number of specified items.

Cancel

Click here to cancel the Delete operation.

Note

Releases are never actually copied to the Software Repository. Deleting a listing for a release removes pointers to the location of the release software.

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Find dialog box

Used to search through a catalog window for a particular listing.

Options

Find What

Type a string of alphanumeric characters.

Find Next

Click here to find the next instance of the desired string.

Match Case

When selected, specifies that the alphanumeric string found should exactly match the string typed in Find What.

Whole Word Only

When selected, the search only finds strings that exactly match the desired string. It ignores strings that contain additional unspecified characters.

First Column Only

When selected, specifies that the search should only be conducted on items in the first column of the listing.

Direction

Specifies whether to search Up or Down through the catalog.

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Folder Properties - New Folder dialog box
Folder Properties - New Folder dialog boxes

Host Folder Properties creates a new folder where you can store a cross-section of all hosts, or enables you to add hosts to an existing hosts folder. The Host Folders object is visible when you expand the World folder in the Navigator window; expand the Host Folders object to view the individual host folders.

Adding a host to a folder creates another copy of that icon, identical in all respects with the original icon.

Options

Name

Identifies the (new) folder.

Description

Optional description of the folder contents.

Contents of Folder

Specifies which host or client icons are included in the (new) folder.

Available Hosts

Lists all administered hosts. (If a host is not currently available, it is grayed out.)

To move an available host to the Selected list, click it, then click Add .

Selected Hosts

Lists the host whose icons will be included in the new folder.

To remove a host from the Selected list, click it, then click Remove.

Add

Click here to add a selected host to the Selected list.

Remove

Click here to remove a selected host from the Selected list.

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Open dialog box

Used to locate a desired file by browsing through all physical and network drives connected to the workstation. When you find the desired location and file, click OK. Depending on the purpose of the file operation, the file either opens or is saved in a particular format.

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Name Required dialog box

Used to assign a name to a new copy of an object.

Options

Name

Oracle Software Manager supplies a name for the new object in the format Copy of [objectname]. Accept the default name, or type a different one.

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Refresh Hosts dialog box

Used to update (refresh) host information that has changed due to the completion of a non-Oracle Software Manager command. Refresh updates information on all objects at the target host(s) in the Oracle Software Manager Navigator window.

Options

Select Target Hosts

Specifies which host display(s) should be updated. Choose any host with a resident Oracle Software Manager agent.

Available Hosts

Lists all administered hosts. (If a host is not currently available, it is grayed out.)

To move an available host to the Selected list, click the host name, then click Add .

Selected Hosts

Lists the hosts whose displays will be refreshed.

To remove a host from the Selected list, click the host name, then click Remove.

Add

Click here to add a selected host to the Selected list.

Remove

Click here to remove a selected host from the Selected list.

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Create a Release dialog box

Specifies the location of software to be catalogued as a new software release.

Once the release is created, it is listed in the Releases Catalog window.

Options

Name

Identifies the software release.

Host

Identifies the distribution host where the new release will reside.

Location (full pathname of the root directory of the release)

The path where the software release and all its required files reside (normally the root directory on the appropriate drive).

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Release Directory dialog box

Used to locate the home directory for a software release, so that it can be added to Oracle Software Manager.

When first displayed, the Release Directory dialog box shows the file structure of the current directory location.

Options

Drives

Lists all drives available for searching. Click the desired drive.

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Save As dialog box

Used to browse through all physical and network drives connected to the workstation. When the desired location is found, specify the desired file type and save the current file in that location and format.

Options

File Name

The name for the file to be saved.

Save File as Type

The format in which the file should be saved.

Directories

Shows the location of the current directory.

Drives

Lists all physical and network drives available from this workstation.

Network

Click here to select additional network drives for further browsing.

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Distribution Hosts dialog box

Used to designate one or more hosts as creation, distribution and storage center for software packages. (The machine that houses the Oracle Software Manager console can also be a distribution host.)

There must be at least one distribution host designated on each network managed by an Oracle Software Manager console.

Options

Choose Hosts which will be Distribution Hosts:

Specifies which hosts will be designated as distribution hosts for the Oracle Software Manager network.

All Hosts

Lists all hosts administered by this console. (If a host is not currently available, it is grayed out.)

To move an available host to the Selected list, click it, then click Add.

Distribution Hosts

Lists the hosts selected to be distribution hosts.

To remove a host from the Selected list, click it, then click Remove.

Add

Click here to add a selected host to the Selected list.

Remove

Click here to remove a selected host from the Selected list.

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INFORMATION BOXES


About Oracle Software Manager information box

Displays the Oracle Software Manager version number and component build information.

Click Additional Copyright Information to display copyright information for Oracle Software Manager software licensees.

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Contacting Oracle Customer Support information box

Provides information about how to contact Oracle Technical Support.

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Host Properties information box

Displays the properties of the selected host object.

Properties

Name

The name of the host machine.

Address

The host machine's network address.

Operating System

The host machine's operating system.

OS Version

The version of the operating system in use at the host.

State

Notes whether or not the host machine is currently available.

Distribution Host

Check box indicates whether or not the host machine is a distribution host.

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Product Properties information box

Displays the properties of a selected product in a software package.

Options

Name

The name of the product.

Operating System

The operating system for which the product is intended.

Size

The size of the product, in bytes.

Version

The internal version number of the product.

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Release Properties information box overview

Products tab

Properties tab

Lists all the software products in a specified software release, displaying the name, operating system, size and version number of each.

Options

Save

Click here to save any changes that have been made to this software release, then close the Release Properties information box.

Apply Now

Click here to apply any changes that have been made to this software release thus far, leaving the Release Properties information box open.

Cancel

Click here to close the Release Properties information box, abandoning any changes that may have been made to this software release thus far.

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Properties page (Release Properties information box)
Properties page

Release Properties information box overview

Products tab

Displays the properties of the selected software release.  These properties identify the listing for this software release in the Releases Catalog window.

Options

Name

The name given to the software release when it was first created.

Description

A description of the software release's contents.

Location

The location where the parent files for this release reside.

Media Type

The type of medium upon which the parent software files are stored, if known.

Part Number

The part number for the parent software, if known.

Note

To save this software release under a different name and description, delete the existing Name and Description fields and type in new information.

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Products page (Release Properties information box)
Products page

Release Properties information box overview

Properties tab

Lists all the products in a specified software release, displaying the name, operating system, size and version number of each.

Options

Operating System

The platform under which the software release operates.

Location

The location where the parent files for this release reside.

Products for this operating system, in this location

A description of the software releases contents.

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Problem Creating Release information box

Appears when Oracle Software Manager cannot create the specified release.

Options

Name

The name of the software release to be created.

Host

The distribution host where the release resides

Products

Lists all the products in the release, displaying the name, operating system, size and version number of each.

Errors creating release

Displays the text of any error messages generated during release creation.

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Problem Creating Software Package information box
Problem Creating Software Package information box**

Appears when Oracle Software Manager cannot create the specified software package.

Options

Name

The name of the software package to be created.

Host

The distribution host where the package resides

Products

Lists all the products in the package, displaying the name, operating system, size and version number of each.

Errors creating package

Displays the text of any error messages generated during package creation.

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Preferences dialog box

Specifies your preference for how dates will be sorted in console windows.

Options

Date Sorting

Select Most Recent Date First to sort dates in descending order or Ascending Order to sort dates with the earliest dates first.

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Enterprise Manager Software Distribution Task Parameters

The following tasks can be set up as job tasks with the Job Scheduling system of Oracle Enterprise Manager.

Install Package

Deinstall Products

Delete Package

Distribute Package

Refresh Hosts


Install Package Task

Specifies a software package to be installed at the target nodes.

Task Parameters

Software Package to be installed

Lists all packages available for installation, their operating system platforms, their source distribution hosts, and the number of products they contain. Scroll through the list and click the desired package(s).

Install Shared (available for client installation)

Click here to specify that the package should be installed in shared mode.

Use Separate Response File

Click here to specify a customized response file for use during package installation. If necessary, click Browse to search for the desired file on available workstation and network drives.


Deinstall Products Task

Directs the Oracle Installer to deinstall Oracle products at the target nodes.

Task Parameters

All Product(s)

Lists all products already installed at the target node. To select a product to be deinstalled, click its listing, then click Add. The product moves to the Products to Deinstall list.

Add

Click here to add a selected product icon to the Selected Products list.

Remove

Click here to remove a selected product icon from the Selected Products list.

Products to Deinstall

Shows the products that will be removed from the specified node. To remove a product from this list, click the product, then click Remove. The product moves back to the All Products list..

Notes

Deinstalling an Oracle product for Windows requires the use of the Oracle Installer for Windows. Be sure that the \ORAWIN or \ORAWIN95 directory on the target node includes the Oracle Installer for Windows before you try to execute this task.


Delete Package Task

Specifies a software package to be deleted from the target node(s).

Task Parameters

Select a Software Package to Delete

Shows all software packages, their operating systems, number of products, and the date each was created.

To select a software package to delete, click the first column of its listing.

Notes

You can only delete one software package per task. To delete more than one software package at a time, add another Delete Package task to the job.


Distribute Package Task

Specifies a software package to be distributed to the target node.

Task Parameters

Select a Software Package to Distribute

Click here to select a software package from the list.

Get Package From

Click here to view all hosts on which the selected package resides. The host that is initially selected (the default) is the source host for the selected package.

Notes

You can only distribute one software package per task. To distribute more than one software package at a time, add another Distribute Package task to the job.


Refresh Hosts Task

Updates host information that has changed due to the completion of a SQL task or a non-Oracle Enterprise Manager command.


Oracle Software Manager Glossary

A

agent

A subset of the Oracle Software Manager software which resides on a host. The agent executes all tasks scheduled at the Oracle Enterprise Manager console for its particular host.

B

C

Catalog

A listing of all software products and  software packages known to Oracle Software Manager. Catalog elements of the same type can be examined through dedicated Catalog windows.

Catalog window

A window that lists all Catalog elements of the same type: all software releases and all software packages. Two icons at the top of the window control the focus of that window. To view a different type of element, click that element's icon.

client

A workstation whose software is designed to receive data from, or processing by, dedicated servers.

In an Oracle Enterprise Manager network, software may be pushed to a distribution host that is also a server for one or more clients, using the Distribute Package task.

client/server

A product architecture that splits task processing between a requesting client and a delivering server, taking advantage of the best features of each. For example, if a workstation client queries a remote database server, the server may execute the query itself and then return the answer set to the workstation, which processes it for display.

configuration

A description of the products that a particular group of clientsshould have, and the list of clients that are to adhere to this configuration.

custom installation

An installation that does not use all the default installation settings for this product. For example, it may not install the product in the default directory.

If you want to use the Install Package task to perform a custom software installation, you must edit the product's response file to ensure that the custom parameters will be used.

See also software package.

D

distribution host

A host that has been designated as a creation, distribution and storage center for software packages and releases. This eliminates the need to physically store all software packages on the console machine itself, and reduces potential network and system bottlenecks for the distribution of software. (The machine that houses Oracle Software Manager can also be a distribution host.)

There must be at least one distribution host designated on each network managed by an Oracle Software Manager console.

E

expand

To open an object that contains other objects. When an object can be expanded, its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-].

Double-click an item to expand or close it.

F

G

H

host

A workstation or server with an installed Oracle Enterprise Manager agent, under Oracle Software Manager control.

Hosts folder

A Navigator window folder that contains icons representing all the hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

For a view of the contents of a particular host, expand the World folder and click that host's icon. To create a folder with a customized cross-section of certain hosts, click Create Host Folder in the Oracle Software Manger Edit menu.

I

J

L

N

Navigator window

An Oracle Software Manager window that displays all hosts currently being managed by Oracle Software Manager and a customized collection of host folders,.

Each item in the Navigator window is represented as an icon. When an item contains other objects (can be expanded further), its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-]. Double-click an item to expand or close it.

Items you can view for each host include the Installed Products container, the Software Packages container, and the Releases container.

O

P

package

See software package.

page

A tabbed section of a dialog box, usually dedicated to information of a specific type.

For example, the Define New Software Package dialog box has a Properties page (where you supply information about the broader properties of the software package) and a Products page (where you specify which software products will comprise the package).

Q - R

release

A collection of Oracle software products distributed as a unit. Oracle releases consist of several operating-system-specific collections. For example, the Oracle Workgroup Server CD includes platform-specific versions of OWS and related programs for Netware, OS/2, Windows NT, and Windows 95.

You can choose from the products in a release to create a software package.

response file

A text file with the extension .RSP that contains information about a product's default installation configuration. The file -- which is heavily commented so that it is easy to edit -- supplies configuration parameters that enable the installation program to set up the product as desired.

Response files can also be created at the distribution host using the Oracle Agent Control Panel.

right-click

Click the right mouse button.

.RSP file

See response file.

S

shared installation

A mode of installation that ensures that the software will be available for use or installation by a managed client workstation.

Software is installed at the distribution host and later either accessed by users at the managed client or installed directly onto the managed client machine.

software package

A user-defined collection of products for a single operating system, intended for distribution across the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

T

U

V

W

X - Y - Z


agent (definition)
agent

A subset of the Oracle Software Manager software which resides on a host. The agent executes all tasks scheduled at the console for its particular host.


catalog (definition)
Catalog

A listing of all software products and software packages known to Oracle Software Manager. Catalog elements of the same type can be examined through dedicated Catalog windows.


catalog window (definition)
Catalog window

A window that lists all Catalog elements of the same type: all software releases and all software packages. Two icons at the top of the window control the focus of that window. To view a different type of element, click that element's icon.


client (definition)
client

A workstation whose software is designed to receive data from, or processing by, dedicated servers.

In an Oracle Enterprise Manager network, software may be pushed to a distribution host that is also a server for one or more clients, using the Distribute Package task.


client/server (definition)
client/server

A product architecture that splits task processing between a requesting client and a delivering server, taking advantage of the best features of each. For example, if a workstation client queries a remote database server, the server may execute the query itself and then return the answer set to the workstation, which processes it for display.


configuration (definition)
configuration

A description of the products that a particular group of clients should have, and the list of clients that are to adhere to this configuration.


custom installation (definition)
custom installation

An installation that does not use all the default installation settings for this product. For example, it may not install the product in the default directory.

If you want to use the Install Packagetask to perform a custom software installation, you must edit the product's response file to ensure that the custom parameters will be used.

See also software package.


distribution host (definition)
distribution host

A host that has been designated as a creation, distribution and storage center for software packages and releases.his eliminates the need to physically store all software packages on the console machine itself, and reduces potential network and system bottlenecks for the distribution of software. (The machine that houses the Oracle Software Manager console can also be a distribution host.)

There must be at least one distribution host designated on each network managed by an Oracle Software Manager console.


expand (definition)
expand

To open an object that contains other objects. When an object can be expanded, its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-].

Double-click an item to expand or close it.


host (definition)
host

A workstation or server with an installed Oracle Software Manager agent, under Oracle Software Manager console control.

See also Hosts folder.


Clients folder (definition)
Hosts folder

A Navigator window folder that contains icons representing all the hosts in the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.

For a view of the contents of a particular host, expand the World folder and click that host's icon. To create a folder with a customized cross-section of certain hosts, click Create Host Folder in the Oracle Software Manger Edit menu.


Navigator (definition)
Navigator window

An Oracle Software Manager window that displays all hosts currently being managed by Oracle Software Manager and a customized collection of host folders.

Each item in the Navigator window is represented as an icon. When an item contains other objects (can be expanded further), its handle looks like a [+]. When an item can be expanded no further, its handle looks like a [-]. Double-click an item to expand or close it.

Items you can view for each host include the Installed Products container, the Software Packages container, and the Releases container.


page (definition)
page

A tabbed section of a dialog box, usually dedicated to information of a specific type.

For example, the Define New Software Package dialog box has a Properties page (where you supply information about the broader properties of the software package) and a Products page (where you specify which software products will comprise the package).


release (definition)
release

A collection of Oracle software products distributed as a unit. Oracle releases consist of several operating-system-specific collections. For example, the Oracle Workgroup Server CD includes platform-specific versions of OWS and related programs for Netware, OS/2, Windows NT, and Windows 95.

You can choose from the products in a release to create a software package.


response file (definition)
response file

A text file with the extension .RSP that contains information about a product's default installation configuration. The file -- which is heavily commented so that it is easy to edit -- supplies configuration parameters that enable the installation program to set up the product as desired.

Response files can also be created at the distribution host using the Oracle Agent Control Panel.


right-click (definition)
right-click

Click the right mouse button.


shared installation (definition)
shared installation

A mode of installation that ensures that the software will be available for use or installation by a managed client workstation.

Software is installed at the distribution host and later either accessed by users at the managed client or installed directly onto the managed client machine.


software package (definition)
software package

A user-defined collection of products for a single operating system, intended for distribution across the Oracle Enterprise Manager network.