Managing Types

The "Manage Types" menu allows the admin to change definitions of the types defined in the Inventory system. This is a central tool which allows control over various type lists that are defined in the system: OS types, Software types, Hardware types, languages and so on. This feature allows easy management of those lists, through a simple web interface.

When first accessing the menu, you will be presented with a list of types you can change. Clicking on any of the types will bring up a standard popup window (identical to all types) that will allow you to manage that type list. (As stated before, this feature is only accessible for users with Admin permissions).

Here is a short explanation about each type list:

• Operating Systems - Major OS types: Linux, Solaris, Windows etc.
• Hardware Types - Main Hardware categories: CPU, HDD ...
• Software Types - Main Software categories: Utilities, Development Tools...
• Languages - Lanaguges in use in the system (mainly for OS)
• Netowrk Types - Generic Network Types: IP-Address, Domain...
• Licence Types - Generic License types software is issued under.

• Type Name - string of text identifying the type
• Type Icon - (Optional) a graphical icon associated with the type (some types do not have icons).
• Active Status - Type's status denoting if type is active or not. Types cannot be deleted (see below) - rather their status can be toggled to either active or inactive.
• Order - Types are ordered, and are always displayed by their defined order.

Types List

This dialog is first shown when you start editing the types. It will show a list of types ordered by a predefined order (which you can change, see below), and also displaying activity status. For each type in the list: an icon for that type is displayed (if that type has an icon), type's name is displayed, and a status icon that indicates if the type is enabled or disabled.
Other than the usual Add/Edit commands, the type top toolbar is different from standard toolbars by that that there's no Delete button, and there are two additional buttons: Order and Toggle (both explained below).

Adding a Type

Adding a type is straight forward: just type in a name for the type, and choose an icon for it. If the current type cannot have an icon associated (some don't) you'll not see the icons listbox.

Each type has it's own icon directory which comes with a stock of icons. If you wish to add new icons you should place them in the approprite directory (all under themes/THEME_NAME/icons):

• Operating Systems - under the osType directory
• Hardware Types - under the hwType directory
• Software Types - under the swType directory

Editing a Type

You can choose the type from the list, and edit it. The dialog is similar to the Add Type dialog.

Re-Ordering Types

Since types are used in lists all over Inventory, (some with tens of values) it is allowed to define in which order types will display. (This effects both the listboxes, and any display list where the type is involved: the Hardware Types list order will set in which order hardware under a Computer will appear). By setting the desired order of objects you can acheive better compatibility of the displayed data in Inventory with your requirements.

By clicking the Order button on the top toolbar, you will be presented with a new dialog allowing you to change the order of the currently defined types in the list. You may change the order of an item in the list by choosing it from the list, and clicking the Up/Down arrows presented on the bottom of the list. When you're done re-ordering your list, save the changes by clicking the "Save This Order" button. The list will be redisplayed with the new order.

Status Toggle for Type

Types cannot be deleted. This was done by design in the system because type deletion has a system-wide impact on stored data, the impact can be so deep that it can cause deletion of many items of dependent data - which may not be desired. The Admin is given a different way to stop using a certain type - and this is the Status-Toggle.

When a type is active (a lit light-bulb is displayed by its record on the type list), it will be displayed in add/edit dialogs in the listboxes, and any sub components that are associated with this type will also be visible. (Example: for hardware type X, all hardware of that type will display).

When a type is inactive (disabled), a dim light-bulb will appear by its name in the type list. That type will not display in add/edit dialogs by default and will be hidden in the system. However, if that type was used before it was disabled, and sub components were associated with it prior to being disabled then those components will still display in the system. Example: If you disable Hardware type X, and a certain computer has a component that belogs to that type, that component will still display in the computer's hardware list; but, you will not be able to assign a new component of type X to a computer until you enable the type by toggling its status again.

Managing Types