syspectr_enterprise

Syspectr gives you a complete overview of your entire Windows infrastructure. With an easy-to-use web application, you can track all the events in real time. You will be notified immediately over your dashboard or by email when something strange happens.

See what’s going on inside your PCs and servers
Syspectr gives you a comprehensive overview of your Windows infrastructure. It also lets you take a closer look because Syspectr displays all relevant system information wherever you want to use it: hardware, software, level of usage and general condition of all hard disks, status of connections, as well as internal and external IP addresses, just to name a few.

Spot problems before they occur
Syspectr monitors your Windows systems behind the scenes and keeps you constantly informed of any possible problems. This can prevent important documents from being removed.

Another common source of problems are hard disks: Syspectr displays their current load and can warn you if they exceed a critical value. No more overloaded servers bringing your entire company to a stop. And by monitoring hard disk parameters, you’ll be given early warnings about any disk that is on the verge of crashing. One more important way for you to avoid wasting valuable time!

Manage IT and help your people
Syspectr doesn’t just monitor, it also provides active assistance: the integrated Remote Desktop allows you to connect and help your users directly on their PCs whenever the need arises. The only thing you need is an active browser and an end device with an Internet connection. You’re at the airport and need to make a quick change in a setting for your bookkeeper? No problem! Want to see what’s happening on a server? This can also be done with just a few clicks (or “touches”). Using secure encryption from our control center and two factor authentication, your entire system will be “in your pocket” whenever and wherever you want it.

Syspectr makes it easy to create a large number of system settings and with the Remote Console, you can fall back on the good old reliable command line as well.

IT management in the Cloud opens up a whole new dimension for IT system management. It is not just much easier to set up within a company but also available everywhere and at any time. There are also substantial cost savings to be made using Cloud solutions, especially for small and medium-sized businesses on limited budgets. It starts with not having to build your own infrastructure because aside from Internet access there is no need for further systems such as your own server. It is also extremely easy to manage, taking the burden off existing IT staff.

Until now IT management was always characterized by a local interaction, i.e. someone in the company was always responsible for the smooth running of hardware and software. This is taken for granted in large enterprises and often carried out by an entire department or even out-sourced to an IT company.

No IT management = Potential high costs
Lots of smaller companies cannot and/or do not want to have to invest so much money in a full-time position. IT has become such an integral part of the running of any company though, and without it the consequences are grave. What often arises is a “hybrid” solution involving a contractually appointed IT consultant whose presence is required for monthly maintenance or in the case of an emergency.

Sadly, this is often inadequate in providing a watertight IT environment – problems tend to be “collected” and then resolved all at once. Certain problems require immediate action, for instance when an anti-virus solution crashes or a data storage problem with a server occurs.

Syspectr helps companies and IT consultants
Syspectr closes all these dangerous gaps, not only for a company, but for their consultants. Thanks to the permanent monitoring of the most important system data and immediate problem notifications, the person responsible for IT can react without delay to any issues that may arise, and in doing so, guarantee that running operations remain undisturbed – business as usual.

The reporting systems in Syspectr means it is extremely easy to give an IT consultant the option of providing their service remotely as they are kept fully informed while on the road, or offsite.

Easy to adopt
Using a Cloud-based system management solution is as easy as using a website. No additional infrastructure is required and everything is stored in a data center.

Worldwide availability
You have access to Syspectr anywhere in the world. This means that the geographical or local situation in other locations no longer plays a role as everyone within the company has equal access. There is very little involved in connecting the field with branch offices within the company. Even with employees who are on the road with their systems, all that is required is an Internet connection to keep track and manage – no further programs or hardware is needed.

Automatic updates
Updating the system occurs on the server side so that the user is not impacted. Client applications are also updated automatically from a central location so that a manual intervention is never required.

Easy to manage
It just takes one click to add a new module so the functionality is available immediately. No time-consuming planning, no roll-out; everything happens automatically. Management takes place over every compatible browser so that you can manage from a PC, notebook, tablet, or smartphone – with no extra software required. The entire process is transparent as far as the user is concerned.

Cost savings
Using the Cloud means that no additional infrastructure is needed with Syspectr. Extra staff (external) are also not needed like traditional packages as it is as easy-to-use as a normal web application. Easier in fact, because there is no user interface on the PCs that might “disturb” the user. You have no high investment or upgrade costs as with traditional software packages.

Syspectr is a web application for managing Windows systems over the Internet. To do this, the computer being managed needs to have a program installed that will connect it to our servers. Once this is done, the necessary system information will be transferred and saved, available for you to see and access over your account. During transmission and storage of your data, it will be encrypted and secured using the latest web standards.

Access to your account is only possible with your login data. You may allow other users to access your account but we do not differentiate between having read-only and read/write access. We also use industry standard two factor authentication.

Client integration
Integrating the Syspectr clients is very easy: once you have created an account you download a pre-configured installation file. This is then installed on all the machines you wish to manage with Syspectr. A manual update is not required as this can be fully automated.

Installation on a network
For rolling Syspectr into a network over the Windows Active Directory we provide a special MSI file so that the entire installation process can be carried out from a central location. Learn more about how to deploy Syspectr in a corporate environment.

System Requirements
All you need to use Syspectr is the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 and an Internet connection. If the .NET Framework is not installed on the client, Syspectr will automatically install it retrospectively.

The following operating systems are currently supported:
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8/8.1
Windows Server 2008 / Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2012 / Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows 10

Management with Syspectr takes place over a web browser. Every current browser on every Internet-capable end device can be used. As usage is based entirely on HTML5 there is no need for additional software or plug-ins. The same applies to the remote desktop which also operates entirely over a browser.

All computers at a glance
The Syspectr Dashboard displays all your selected computers in one overview. Every status change is immediately displayed and protocoled.

All information with one click
With just one click you can call up all information on each computer. Which hardware is built in and what software is installed? What condition are the hard disks and SSDs in? All this and more is available.

Immediate help in the browser
With remote desktop you can make an immediate, direct connection with the affected machine over your browser, regardless of whether the user is logged on or not. If a user is logged on then they are informed of your wish to connect and can accept their quest. You can also close down or restart a computer remotely at any time should you need to.

Notifications and reports
In order to keep you up-to-speed when you are on the road or away from your office you can set Syspectr to notify you by email should certain events occur. With one click from your email, you land in the appropriate area of the Syspectr application so you can react immediately. With the reports function you can create a summary, for example of what hardware and software is available – perfect for carrying out your system inventory.

Online status
Monitors the conditions of your systems and reports sudden shutdowns.

Hardware Inventory
Shows you at a glance all important Windows components such as CPU, Memory, Hard Disks ect.

Operating System
Informs you which operating system and version is installed. Still supporting Windows Vista and compatible with the new Windows 10!

Windows Security
Is a guest account still active or a User Account Control (UAC) turned off? Potential security gaps are spotted immediately and permanently monitored by Syspectr.

Windows Firewall
Should the Windows Firewall be turned off, you get notified. You can respond immediately and turn it on, even when you’re on the road!

Antivirus Software
Syspectr monitors your antivirus programs to make sure they are up-to-date and activated to prevent possible attacks.

Hard Disks and SSDs
At a glance you can recognize entire storage volumes such as hard disks or Solid State Drives. You can define at which point remaining storage space should be identified as critical.

Process Monitor
As soon as a processes begins or ends you will be informed. This lets you monitor Windows services too.

Hard Disk Health
Thanks to our DriveLED technology that we integrated into Syspectr, various S.M.A.R.T. Values in your storage volumes can be monitored and you will be notified in advance of approaching problems.

Logging
All events are logged and displayed in a process log in Syspectr so that you can always review what happened, and when.

Remote Console
Simply open up a command line on the remote computer to quickly check privileges or to help the user with any issues.

And much more…
Try Syspectr for yourself and find out just how easy IT administration can be: register for free now!

Syspectr supports you in protecting your systems against attacks from both inside and out. There are three modules taking care of this: Windows Security, Windows Updates, and USB Storage monitoring.

Windows Security
This module gives you an overview of the security of your systems. Syspectr checks all the important attack points in Windows and warns you as soon as a potential problem arises.

Is a guest account still active, or a User Account Control (UAC) turned off? Potential security gaps are spotted immediately and permanently monitored by Syspectr.

Should the Windows Firewall be turned off, you get notified. You can respond immediately and turn it on, even when you’re on the road! Syspectr monitors your antivirus program to make sure they are up-to-date, activated, and it prevents possible attacks.

Windows Updates
Out-of-date operating systems are one of the most common attack points for hackers. That is why it is of the utmost importance that your systems always have the latest Windows updates and Microsoft products installed. Syspectr lists the available updates for you and you can decide if and when they should be installed.

Updates for Windows Defender
Updates for Windows Defender are carried out automatically by Syspectr as soon as they become available, providing you have activated the automatic installation of Windows updates on the target computer. Windows itself only installs them after a certain time interval, which is a security gap. Syspectr closes that gap.

Connecting USB devices (sticks, hard disks, or cellphones) poses a twofold risk: defective software can be transferred to the system, and in the other direction valuable data can be transferred from the computer onto the storage device and taken away.

With the USB storage module you can exclude connection of external devices, including smart-phones, and be informed should such a device be connected to one of your systems.

The Drive Monitoring module monitors the occupation of your hard disks and SSDs. Be warned of a lack of available space preventing data being saved or when your Windows system is incorrect or working too slow.

Monitor hardware thanks to S.M.A.R.T.
It shows you the “health” of your hard disks, SSDs, and RAIDs and warns you in advance of potential issues. These could be too high of temperatures or an error reported by the drive itself.

The Software and Hardware modules mean you can have all the information you need about installed programs and the hardware technology being deployed. This enables an overview of selected computer groups and the entire company so you can locate out-of-date or unused software.

This can drastically reduce your costs

* You no longer need to buy licenses for unused software.
* Out-of-date software poses a large risk of external attack.
* Simultaneous use of different software versions can lead to data loss and incompatibility.
* This generates questions from your users and puts an extra burden on your IT Help Desk.

The integrated Remote Desktop in Syspectr characterizes itself through many new features one would not normally see in other remote management systems. Perhaps the most important one is that to achieve a connection with the remote computer all that is required is that the Syspectr client runs on the target machine. No extra software is required – the entire application runs in every current browser. This enables access to the computer from any Internet-capable device (PC, smartphone, tablet, TV, etc.) from anywhere on earth. As no browser plug-ins are needed, this can even be done from a public PC or Internet cafe.

The “+” in Remote Desktop signifies the automatic display of all important system information, so that you do not have to remotely search for it first. This information is still available for you even when the remote computer is no longer online or has been shut down.

Compatibility
A common problem when using remote management tools is their access to running systems. Additional drivers are installed and it is carried out using so-called “DLL Injection”. This means that the remote management client latches on to every running application on the remote machine in order to be able to see any graphical changes. This leads to an impact on the system because some applications are not prepared for another process “connecting” to them. These include security relevant applications that recognize this activity as a potential attack on their integrity and take defensive measures.

Syspectr deliberately avoids this procedure and therefore runs independently in the background. This not only increases stability and security, but also avoids compatibility problems. It is precisely on that basis that Syspectr was developed: to avoid problems, not to create them.

Security and data protection
Using a remote management tool on a computer also entails a potential access to the private sphere of the user. That is why we placed a particular emphasis on the fact that the user is fully informed of the remote connection and must give his or her agreement first. They can also end the connection at any time.

When building the connection, a registered user is presented with a large and very clearly worded dialog. They then have the option to accept or reject the connection. Should it be rejected, the user is informed and no data is transferred.

If it is accepted, the connection is built and a dialog appears in the bottom right of the screen that shows the status of the remote session. A button is always available to enable an immediate termination of connection.

It is also possible for the PC user to give the remote manager limitless permission to automatically connect. This is useful when the user is not always sitting at the PC but still wishes to be managed in their absence. A one-time connection together with confirmation of the permission is all that is required. During the session the usual dialog with the option to end is displayed.

Two factor authentication
Two factor authentication protects your accounts against unauthorized access. In addition to your username and password, a second factor is required in order to confirm your identity to the system. This will require that you install a so-called “authenticator” app on your mobile phone that will be connected to your account. If you want to learn more about two factor authentication, please see “Activating the two factor authentication” from within our Syspectr Support section.

Comparison
Here is a comparison of the remote desktop in Syspectr with other remote management solutions:

Feature RemoteDesktop+ Other Providers
Installation on client side required
Encrypted communication
Two factor authentication Partial
Active acceptance of remote machine user required to abide by data protection Partial
Runs in all current browsers with no additional software or plug-ins
Avoids DLL injection and guarantees system integrity
Avoids additional system drivers – maximum compatibility for all versions of Windows

Syspectr provides a very easy way to run PowerShell scripts on remote computers and store and evaluate the results centrally. It does not matter if the computer is connected to the network or part of a specific domain / work group. The times when you had to file logs of PowerShell scripts on a file server and evaluate them laboriously is a thing of the past. Syspectr monitors your systems and notifies you as soon as a script identifies a problem – 24 hours, 7 days a week. This not only saves time and nerves – but also a lot of money.

How does PowerShell work in Syspectr?
PowerShell works in Syspectr just as you were working directly on the computer. In addition, Syspectr offers the evaluation of the outcome of the PowerShell script and scheduling, as you may know from Linux crontab. This makes it possible to execute PowerShell scripts at specific times, without having to use with Windows Task Scheduler. With the help of the PowerShell scripting module you are no longer bound to the restrictions of popular IT monitoring solutions. It is finally possible to customize and extend your wishes in accordance with your IT monitoring!

Create and manage PowerShell scripts in Syspectr
PowerShell scripts and be fully managed in Syspectr via the web application. You can create, edit, activate and deactivate, or delete scripts. In other words, you can edit and see the results of a script for one of your computers from virtually anywhere in the world. Scripts that you have created once can also be applied to any other computer.

Evaluation of the results of PowerShell scripts
Each script provides a result value (so-called Exit code) at the end. This value influences that status of your computer and is interpreted as follows:
* exit 0 (or no exit code was delivered): Status OK (green)
* exit 1: Status warning (yellow)
* exit 2 or greater: Status problem (red)

At the same time, the latest issue line of your script is up to 2,048 characters long and stored and recorded in the history of your computer. Of course, you can subscribe to an alert that sends you the exit code and the issue via mail; that way, you can see immediately if an automated script signals a warning or issue.

Execution of scripts
Executing scripts is possible as follows:
* Manually – manual execution using Syspectr
* Automatically during system start – the script runs at each system start
* Automatically at certain times – the times can be specified using crontab-Syntax

Syntax of scheduling
If the user-defined execution is enabled, the scripts can be run automatically. The line consists of the following 5 fields [Minutes] [Hours] [Days] [Months] [Weekdays]

Definition of fields

Field Valid values Notes
Minutes 0 – 59 | * for each min
Hours 0 – 23 | * for each hour
Days 1 – 31 | * for each day If days and weekdays are used together, they are not evaluated together but individually (see exception on examples)
Months 1 – 12 | * for each month
Weekends 0 – 7 | * for each weekday 0 or 7 stand for Sunday

Examples for scheduling with Syspectr

[Minutes] [Hours] [Days] [Months] [Weekdays] Explanation
10 0 * * * Each day ten minutes to midnight
10 0 * * 3 Each Wednesday ten minutes to midnight
0 * * * * Every day on each full hour
*/15 4 – 16 * * 6, 7 Every 15 minutes between 4am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday
* * * * * Every minute (minimal setting option)
*/15 14 1 – 10 5 1 On May 1 to 10 and on each Monday in May at 2pm. This is an exception, when days and weekends are used together

Compatibility
The PowerShell is available in different versions. To find out which version is installed on your system, you can investigate using Syspectr in the Dashboard.
* Version 1.0 is obsolete and should no longer be used
* Version 2.0 is pre-installed by default in Windows 7. It can be downloaded and installed free of charge for Windows Vista / Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista
* Version 3.0 is standard in Windows 8. It is also available for Windows 7 SP1 and windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
* Version 4.0 is the current version and can be installed as a component of Windows Management Framework 4.0
The different versions have partly different syntax and functions so that adjustments to the scripts for each version may be necessary.

Help and Feedback
Are you interested in monitoring a specific problem with Syspectr and need assistance? Our support team is happy to help. Please feel free to contact us with a brief description of your problem and we will work towards helping you solve it! You have questions, problems, or suggestions? You can also reach us directly by using the feedback link located in the menu of your Syspectr account!

With Syspectr, not only can you manage computers within your own company, but also those of your customers as a service. Upon request, these accounts can be accounted for individually or as one.

Case Scenarios
Local PC Service: With Syspectr you can offer your customers entirely new services, and develop new business models for your company. For example, after carrying out a successful repair you can then offer your customer remote maintenance and remote diagnosis, in the form of a yearly subscription. Syspectr will automatically notify as soon as a problem arises on your customer computer, such as a deactivated Firewall, out-of-date Antivirus signature, a S.M.A.R.T. Error that may indicate a disk is about to fail, missing Windows Updates, to mention a few. Syspectr contains Remote Desktop and Remote Console modules, so that you can solve all manner of problems for you customers from your office or while you are on the road.

Managed Services Provider: Syspectr provides a whole range of functions specifically developed for MSPs, in order to offer your customers scalable and comprehensive remote maintenance, technical support and security solutions. By using Remote Desktop and Remote console, those time-consuming and expensive visits to your customers become a thing of the past.

Regardless of whether you wish to expand your current business model or create a brand new one, or whether you are a one-man business or work for a global player: Syspectr helps you strengthen your customer relationships long-term while optimizing your chains of added value.

Syspectr Functions (extract):
Online status: Monitors the conditions of your systems and reports sudden shutdowns.

Hardware Inventory: Shows you at a glance all important Windows components such as CPU, Memory, Hard Disks ect.

Operating System: Informs you which operating system and version is installed. Still supporting Windows Vista and compatible with Windows 10.

Windows Security: Is a guest account still active or a User Account Control (UAC) turned off? Potential security gaps are spotted immediately and permanently monitored by Syspectr.

Windows Firewall: Should the Windows Firewall be turned off, you will be notified. You can respond immediately and turn it on, even when you’re on the road!

Antivirus Software: Syspectr monitors your antivirus programs to make sure they are up-to-date and activated to prevent possible attacks.

Hard Disks and SSDs: At a glance you can recognize entire storage volumes such as hard disks or Solid State Drives. You can define at which point remaining storage space should be identified as critical.

Process Monitor: As soon as a process begins or ends you will be informed. This lets you monitor Windows services too.

Hard Disk Health: Thanks to our DriveLED technology that we integrated into Syspectr, various S.M.A.R.T. values in your storage volumes can be monitored and you will be notified in advance of approaching problems.

Logging: All events are logged and displayed in a process log in Syspectr so that you can always review what happened, and when.

Remote Console: Simply open up a command line on the remote computer to quickly check privileges or to help the user with any issues.

PowerShell Scripts: Syspectr providers a very easy way to run PowerShell scripts on remote computers and store and evaluate the results centrally in Syspectr. It does not matter if the computer is connected to the network or part of a specific domain or work group.

Data Protection and Availability
Upon request, Service Level Agreements and data protection conformity contracts can be drafted for Syspectr.

System Requirements
All you need to use Syspectr is the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 and an Internet connection. If the .NET Framework is not installed on the client, Syspectr will automatically install it retrospectively.

The following operating systems are currently supported:
* Windows Vista
* Windows 7
* Windows 8/8.1
* Windows Server 2008 / Windows Server 2008 R2
* Windows Server 2012 / Windows Server 2012 R2
* Windows 10

User documentation can be found within Syspectr itself after you log in to your account. We provide context sensitive help on each screen should you need additional information. Simply click on the ‘ ? Help ’ icon at the top of each screen.

Free Trial
Registration for Laplink Syspectr will cost you nothing and involves no further commitment. You’ll be able to get started with a 30-day trial as soon as you confirm your registration via email. No additional hardware or configuration is needed. Just install Laplink Syspectr on your computers that you want to monitor. That’s it!

To receive your Free Trial, follow these steps:
  1. Visit: https://laplink.syspectr.com
  2. At the Laplink Syspectr Log In / Register webpage, enter your email address and click Register.
  3. Within a few minutes, an email will be sent to you from ‘Laplink Syspectr’ with a link to create a password.
    • The password must be at least 8 characters and include at least one of each: UPPER CASE character, lower case character, and a number (e.g., Abcdefg1).
    • If you do not receive an email in your Inbox, be sure to check your Junk folder.
  4. Following password creation, you will be presented with a webpage to download Laplink Syspectr. Download and install Syspectr on each PC that you want to monitor.
    • During installation, you are given the option to create a desktop shortcut that will open a browser to the Syspectr Log In page. This option is only recommended for the administrator of the account. For PCs that are strictly just being monitored, we do NOT recommend creating a desktop shortcut as Syspectr runs automatically in the background (i.e., as a Windows service).
    • The installation file (executable) is unique to your account; do not rename this executable. You must use this specific executable for your PC installations or else they will not be recognized by your Syspectr user account.
    • If the PCs you want to monitor are locally accessible to you, we suggest placing your unique Syspectr executable on a flash drive that can then be used for additional installations on other PCs.
    • For remote PCs not directly accessible, we recommend you make the installation file available on a shared file service or cloud storage provider such as OneDrive or Dropbox. Most email systems will not allow the executable file itself to be sent as an attachment, or the receiving email system may reject it altogether.
    • You can always access your unique executable by logging in to Syspectr and clicking ‘Help’ from the Start page.
    • At the end of the installation, click ‘Finish’ and return to the webpage where you downloaded Laplink Syspectr. Click ‘Start’ or refresh the browser and you will be presented the Syspectr dashboard displaying your computer(s).
  5. You will need to Activate your trial period at this point so the individual PC monitoring functions are enabled. This step only needs to be completed once for the account. Click ‘Activate trial period now’, and then click the button ‘Activate the free of charge test phase now’.
  6. For expired trials, your PCs will be viewable but all the monitoring functions will be disabled. Please see our Pricing page to select and purchase a license option to keep your account active.

FAQ
Here you can find the most commonly asked questions regarding Syspectr. Should you not find the answer to your particular question here, then please contact us. We are always happy to help!

Getting Started
What can Syspectr do? At the moment, Syspectr can do the following:

  • Detect information about hardware, especially level usage of hard drives, SSDs, and other disks
  • Monitor the condition of PCs (online/offline, the health status of hard disks, etc)
  • Software inventory
  • Monitor processes and USB ports
  • Check and monitor Windows Security as well as Microsoft Updates
  • Remote Desktop and Remote Console in browser

This requires the Syspectr Client software being installed one-time only on the computer. After this, the software is updated automatically. An easy-to-use web app allows you to use the software on any browser or device (even smartphones or tablets) as long as they have a working Internet connection.

We’re currently working on integrating additional modules into Syspectr. That’s why we are grateful for any feedback and suggestions you may have.

How can Syspectr be installed?
Installing Syspectr is very easy: Simply log in to Syspectr and download the Syspectr Client. After installation, the PC you installed the client on will be ready to be managed via the web interface of Syspectr.
1. Log in to Syspectr
2. Download and install the Syspectr Client
3. Ready to use

Your Syspectr account can be created during installation or even beforehand. You will then be able to manage your computers in any web browser.

* Which operating systems are supported by Syspectr?
Client App: Syspectr can be used on any Windows system starting from Windows Vista and Windows 2003 Server. Microsoft .NET 4.0 Framework is required. This is available free of charge and can be installed automatically if not already in use. Administrative permissions are required for installation.

Syspectr has no specific hardware requirements and includes support for virtual machines such as Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware

Web App: You can access https://laplink.syspectr.com with any browser on any device (PC, smartphone, tablet) that has access to the Internet. To login, use your email address and the password you created.

In a company
* How can I deploy Syspectr using Group policies?
Our customers have a very easy way to roll out Syspectr on all company computers. To do this we provide a personalized MSI file in your account that can be installed on all systems using group policies.
You can find a complete description of how this works on the page How to deploy Syspectr using Group Policies.

Modules
* What are the modules in Syspectr?

Modules combine types of information or features. Syspectr already contains a number of modules that provide information about a computer’s status quickly and easily. These modules also allow for partial control of the various components. Typical modules are Software, Hard Disk Drivers, Remote Desktop, etc.

* How do I enable or disable a module?
Modules can also be deactivated if you wish so that the associated system information is no longer requested or the appropriate function is made unavailable.

To activate or deactivate a module, simply select the appropriate computer and click on the setting symbol (a cog wheel positioned top right over Computer Information). The settings page displays all available modules which and be turned on or off using the slide control.

PowerShell
* How do I create and manage PowerShell scripts in Syspectr?
PowerShell scripts can be fully managed in Syspectr via the web application. You can create, edit, activate, deactivate, and delete scripts. Scripts that you have created once can also be applied to any other computer.

* How does PowerShell work in Syspectr?
PowerShell performs as if you were working directly on the target computer. In addition, Syspectr evaluates the outcome of the PowerShell script and scheduling, as you may know from Linux crontab. This makes it possible to execute PowerShell scripts at specific times, without having to use the Windows Task Scheduler.

With the help of the PowerShell scripting module, you are no longer bound to the restrictions of popular IT monitoring solutions. It is finally possible to customize and extend your wishes according to your IT preferences!

* How do I evaluate the results of PowerShell scripts?
Each script provides a result value (so-called exit code) at the end. This value influences the status of your computer and is interpreted as follows:
* exit 0 (or no exit code was delivered): Status OK (green)
* exit 1: Status warning (yellow)
* exit 2 or greater: Status problem (red)

At the same time, the latest issue line of your script is up to 2,048 characters long and stored then recorded in the history of your computer. Of course, you can subscribe to an alert that sends you the exit code and the issue via email; that way, you can see immediately if an automated script signals a warning or issue.

* How do I execute and schedule PowerShell scripts?
Executing scripts is possible as follows:
* Manually – manual execution using Syspectr
* Automatically during system start – the script runs at each system start
* Automatically at certain times – the times can be specified using crontab-Syntax

Syntax of scheduling
If the user-defined execution is enabled, the scripts can be run automatically. The line consists of following 5 fields [Minutes] [Hours] [Days] [Months] [Weekdays]

Definition of fields

Field Valid values Notes
Minutes 0 – 59 | * for each min
Hours 0 – 23 | * for each hour
Days 1 – 31 | * for each day If days and weekdays are used together, they are not evaluated together but individually (see exception on examples)
Months 1 – 12 | * for each month
Weekends 0 – 7 | * for each weekday 0 or 7 stand for Sunday

Examples for scheduling with Syspectr

[Minutes] [Hours] [Days] [Months] [Weekdays] Explanation
10 0 * * * Each day ten minutes to midnight
10 0 * * 3 Each Wednesday ten minutes to midnight
0 * * * * Every day on each full hour
*/15 4 – 16 * * 6, 7 Every 15 minutes between 4am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday
* * * * * Every minute (minimal setting option)
*/15 14 1 – 10 5 1 On May 1 to 10 and on each Monday in May at 2pm; This is an exception, when days and weekends are used together

* Which PowerShell versions are compatible with Syspectr?
PowerShell is available in different versions. To find out which version is installed on your system, you can investigate using the Dashboard in Syspectr.
* Version 1.0 is obsolete and should no longer be used.
* Version 2.0 is pre-installed by default in Windows 7. It can be downloaded and installed free of charge for Windows Vista / Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista.
* Version 3.0 is standard in Windows 8. It is also available for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.
* Version 4.0 is the current version and can be installed as a component of Windows Management Framework 4.0.
The different versions have partly different syntax and functions so that adjustments to the scripts for each version may be necessary.

* How can I use a PowerShell script on multiple computers simultaneously?
1. Select a computer on your account with the enabled PowerShell module. Select the PowerShell module and switch to the script Library (above right button).
2. In the Library, select the script you want to use on the target computer, this will bring you to the editing mode.
3. On the bottom right you will see a button “Add computer”. Click it.
4. In the following menu you can select the computer you want by choosing individual ones (holding the Ctrl key) or entire sections (holding the Shift key).

The script will then be added to all computers and run immediately. You can also set up a schedule for running the script if so desired. To do this select another option in the Execution list box.

Security
* Is data transmission from Syspectr secure?
Yes, data transmission between the Syspectr Client and our servers is done using SSL encryption so that there is no possibility of unauthorized access to any data. We also use additional methods to protect your connection.

* What does Syspectr store?
Syspectr saves system information in order to display the current status of a computer and provide a diagnosis for possible problems. It does not save any personal files, documents or graphic data. When using the Remote Desktop, image data will be transferred encrypted to our server and saved only for the duration of the connection. There is never any permanent storage of any image data.

Settings
* How can I turn notifications off and on?
Sign in to your Syspectr account and click the top right – on your account name. Select from the list “Notifications” and this takes you to your individual notification settings.

You can select whether to be notified of problems only, all warnings, or all information – per module. Simply click on the appropriate check box next to the various modules to either activate the notification or to turn it off. Not every module has all types of events (information, warnings, problems) so some selections may be limited.

All notifications are also logged and saved, and there is also the option to receive notifications by email.

* How do I uninstall Syspectr from a computer?
You have two options for uninstalling Syspectr: you can either delete the computer from your Syspectr account or you can uninstall it via the Windows Control Panel. Please note that removal via the Control Panel will keep the computer in your Syspectr account but exclude it from providing any information. You will continue to have access to the computers data history until you delete it from your account.

Sign Up
* How can I register Syspectr?
Registration only requires a valid email address. Once you provide it, you will be sent a confirmation email and then must create a password. You will then be able to download the Syspectr Client and add as many computers as you’d like to your account.

Register here. Registration is free of charge and without any obligations.

* Is there a trial version of Syspectr available?
Yes, you can test Syspectr for 30 days free of charge. You can purchase your Syspectr subscription at any time. We offer economical annual subscriptions corresponding to the number of systems you wish to manage.

* How much does Syspectr cost?
Syspectr is available in pre-configured license packs of 5, 25 and 50.
Want a custom quote for exactly how many systems you would like to manage? Custom licenses packs are available and can be quoted by sending your inquiry to corpsales@laplink.com.

User Account
* How do I enter my Syspectr license?
1. Login to your Syspectr account
2. Click “My Account” and then “Licenses”
3. Enter your license into the field “Enter new License” then select “Activate”
4. Your license will be activated and automatically assigned to your computers

If your account has more computers than the amount covered by the license, you will need to select the computer(s) for which the licenses should apply.

* How can I reset my password?
If you forget your password, you can have a new (temporary) one sent to your email address. Enter your email here and confirm the resetting of your password.

* How can I change my password?
If you wish to change your password:
1. Login to your account
2. Click on “My Account”
3. Click on “Security Settings”
4. Enter your new password and confirm
You must then login using the new password you created.

* How can I change my email address?
Should you wish to change the email address assigned to your account, please send us a message within your Syspectr account. We will then contact you to go through the next steps.

* How do I activate/deactivate two factor authentication on my account?
Two factor authentication protects your account against unauthorized access. In addition to your username and password, a second factor is required in order to confirm your identity to the system. This will require you installing a so-called “Authenticator” app on your mobile phone that will be connected to your account. Whenever requested, you will be able to see this code in the app and then be required to enter it.
* For Android, iOS, and Blackberry: Google Authenticator
* For Windows Phone: Microsoft Authenticator

Activating the two factor authentication
1. Login to your Syspectr account
2. Go to “My Account” located under your profile name, top right in the navigation bar
3. Select “Two factor authentication” then click on “Activate”
4. You will receive a Transaction Authentication Number (TAN) sent to the email address connected to your account.
5. Enter this TAN and then click “Next”
6. You are then taken to a QR code to connect with your Authenticator app.
7. You will then be asked to enter the confirmation code from your app to complete the process.

Once you have completed the process you are presented with a one-off “Emergency code”. Please write this down and keep it safe. This can help you deactivate the two factor authentication should you lose your phone or have a problem with your Authenticator app.

Deactivating two factor authentication
You can deactivate two factor authentication in two ways.

Deactivate using your profile settings:
1. Login to your Syspectr account
2. Go to “My Account” located under your profile name, top right in the navigation bar
3. Select “Two factor authentication” then click on “Deactivate”
4. You will now receive a Transaction Authentication Number (TAN) sent to the email address connected to your account.
5. Enter this TAN and then click on “Next” to deactivate.

Deactivate with the Emergency Code:
1. Login to your Syspectr account
2. After you have entered your username and password you will be prompted to enter a security code from your Authenticator App
3. Select “I can’t use my authentication app”
4. Now enter your one-off “Emergency code” to deactivate two factor authentication.

The two factor authentication is now deactivated. You can activate it again at any time following the instructions above.

* Can I allow another person to access my account?
Yes, you can allow another Syspectr user to access your account. You have the option of giving another user read-only or writing permissions to your account.

Read-only permissions will allow another user to see your data but not change any settings. If you wish to allow this, give the user writing permissions. This can be very useful when an external IT consultant is called in to help resolve a problem.

These permissions can be canceled whenever you wish.

In order to use Syspectr, the program must be installed on every computer. Installation can be carried out in two different ways:
1. Manual installation on the computer using the installation file (.exe or .msi)
2. Automatic roll out of the installation file using the group policies of the Windows Active Directory (.msi file only)
Once installation is complete, there is no further need for user involvement. Updates and new modules will be automatically rolled out with the LiveUpdate service provided by Syspectr.

The following will describe the necessary steps for rolling out Syspectr using group policies.

Requirements
Syspectr roll out requires the following:
1. You are using Windows Active Directory (AD).
2. The computers where you want to install Syspectr are connected with the AD and there are enough permissions available for remote installation. You can find additional information in the Microsoft TechNet Article “Group Policy Software Installation Overview”.
3. You have downloaded your personalized .msi file from your Syspectr account. To do this, go into your account to “Add computer” and select the .msi file.
4. Microsoft .NET Framework 4 is installed on the target computer. The download can be found on this Microsoft Page.

Please note that the name of the .msi file may not be changed! Based on this name, the computer where the installation is taking place will automatically be added to your account.

Creating the group policy for Syspectr
1. Start the group policy editor. You can find methods for opening this Microsoft TechNet Article.

2. Create a new group policy for your domain and name it, for example, “Syspectr GPO”

3. Select the policy and click “Edit”. You will not be moved into Group Policy Management

4. In Group Policy Management, select Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software installation

5. Right-click “Software installation”, select “New” > “Package…” from the menu and enter the path to the .msi installation file of Syspectr

Assigning computer to the group policy
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you can assign those computer where you want to install Syspectr to the group policy. Now select the organization unit with a right-click. Select “link and existing GPO…” from the menu and select the group policy you created (in our example “Syspectr GPO”). Syspectr will so be installed automatically on your computers and you will then be able to manage them in your account.

All you need to use Syspectr is the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 and an Internet connection. If the .NET Framework is not installed on the client, Syspectr will automatically install it retrospectively.

The following operating systems are currently supported:
* Windows 10
* Windows Server 2012 & R2
* Windows Server 2008 & R2
* Windows Server 2003
* Windows 8 / 8.1
* Windows 7
* Windows Vista

For more information about Laplink Syspectr, please contact us at www.laplink.com/contact