These tasks include confirming PC client connections, transmitting messages across the network, carrying out asset management operations, and controlling various monitor functions. This lowers overall TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by saving the time and expense of repeating the same tasks on each unit individually. In addition, Screen Administrator's security system effectively deters the unauthorized removal of any client monitor from the network.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
System configuration requires installing Screen Administrator on the host server and all client PCs, and connecting the client PCs and monitors with a USB cable. If a DHCP server is on the network, Screen Administrator can utilize it to obtain IP addresses for client PCs.




CONFIGURING THE NETWORK
Screen Administrator allows the network settings of each client PC to be configured and managed directly from the server. Options in a simple dialog box let the user obtain an IP address for each client PC from the DHCP server, or assign such addresses if there is no DHCP server on the network. The software can also select the DNS and/or WINS servers on the network to which the client PC will be connected. It can then restart the client PC to ensure that all the new settings take effect.

CONFIRMING CLIENT STATUS
By contacting any client PC with an IP address via ICMP echo, Screen Administrator can confirm whether or not it is connected to the network. Once connected, client PC information such as the model name and operating system version, and client monitor information including model name, serial number, current resolution, and time in usage can all be confirmed from the host server.

ASSET MANAGEMENT
Organizational tasks are much easier when the system administrator can set and access essential asset information directly from the server. Screen Administrator allows the location, contact individual and tag number to be set for client PCs and monitors, and provides the monitor model name and serial number as well. Each individual monitor includes its own settings in its on-screen display.

MONITOR CONTROL
The software’s control operations include switching the monitor on and off to prevent unnecessary power consumption, activating its Auto Adjustment function, and executing the security system. All adjustments and changes made can be saved in a log file for future reference.

INSTANT MESSAGING
E-mail is fast, but Screen Administrator is faster — messages are displayed immediately, without having to be opened. The user can send them to all or selected monitors, controlling their text size, location on the screen, scroll speed and other parameters.

SECURITY
Screen Administrator’s security system provides advanced protection for the integrity of every monitor on the network. Once the system is activated, a monitor removed from the network without authorization (i.e. without valid setting changes which can only be made from the server) is rendered inoperable. All attempts to use such a monitor independently from the network will produce a warning message and automatic shutdown after five minutes.


If a client monitor is improperly removed from the network, Screen Administrator's security system makes usage virtually impossible after two minutes, and shuts down power after five minutes.