How the Control Center Works

Spector CNE provides the Control Center component to manage Client computers across a Windows networks.  Although designed for domain networks, all that is required is a TCP/IP connection with Clients.

The Control Center allows you to manage a list of computers (or groups of computers) running the Spector Client from a single location. Built on a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in, the Control Center provides the following views of Clients:

• Manage Computers - You will use this view to create a list of network computers in the Control Center, build a Client Install file, and then install the Client on your list of computers.

• Configure Computers - You will use this view to check on the recording status of computers, stop and restart recording, or modify the recording configuration on one or more computers.  

• Monitor Users - You will use this view to access the recordings for users or (if Monitor Computers is active) for computers and see exactly what employees have been doing.

Note: The Contact SpectorSoft link takes you directly to the SpectorSoft Web site where you can access updates and technical support.

The Control Center obtains information from Client computers by running a background update service that communicates with the Clients. This service provides the information about the computers you see in the Control Center's right pane. All the service requires is network communication between the Control Center and Client computers. To install the Client remotely, however, specific Windows services are required on the Client computer, as described in Preparing Clients.

Starting the Control Center

To start the Control Center:

Use the Windows Start menu and select All Programs, Spector CNE, and Spector CNE Control Center. The Control Center provides:

• A left pane to select the view

• A right pane to view the Client status for your computer list (after you create it)

• A "Show" pane below the right pane where you can request a different type of list (groups, computers in a group, or the default individual computers)

Managing the Primary Server

The Control Center also provides the means to monitor and modify Primary Server settings.

From the Control Center you can:

• Set up connections to the SpectorSoft Update Server

• Start or stop the Primary Server service

• Move the Primary Server or specify a new address for the Primary Server

Managing the Data Vault

Similarly, the Control Center lets you modify Data Vault settings. The Data Vault includes the Data Vault Service and File Storage locations.

From the Control Center you can:

• Start, stop, or uninstall the Data Vault Service

• Set data storage options

Multiple Control Centers

One Control Center is required for every Data Vault. Even if you don't set up multiple Data Vaults, you can install a Control Center on other computers to allow users to manage different computers on the network, or to distribute your installation across several networks or locations (see Adding Another Control Center). Each Control Center needs to know the exact name and IP address of the Data Vault and the Primary Server. These are set in the Control Center Properties.