Getting started with IBM® Control Desk

This section contains information about using the basic features of the product.

Changing My Default Information
In addition to the Default Information fields described in the previous topic, there are a number of other fields which you can use to customize several aspects of working with the system that are specific to your user profile. You can specify the application that opens when you log onto the system, the records that display when you open an application, and the values that are inserted by default on records that you create.
Navigating the application UI
This product provides a set of graphical features that enable you to navigate easily from application to application, display the records and information that you need to view, select the actions that you want to perform in a given application, and more.
The start center
A Start Center is a page that gives you quick access to the tools and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you use most frequently. You can change what appears on a Start Center and can have multiple Start Centers. All your Start Centers are accessible from the main Start Center page.
My profile information
Your profile contains the user information specific to you such as your password, contact details, and time zone. You can change your profile information and default settings. For example, you can modify your default information to ensure that you see records for your site only.
Navigation
To navigate the user interface, you use the links on the navigation bar and can use keyboard shortcuts for many actions. You can also navigate location and asset hierarchies.
Searching
The search method that you use depends on how much you know about the record that you want to find. For example, you must know the exact record ID to search by using the Find field but need only a partial value to search by using wildcards.
Entering data and dates in fields
When you create or edit a record, you can enter values in fields by using different methods depending on the type of field and what you need to enter. You can also use classifications to retrieve historical data.
Printing documents
You can print the documents attached to a record or work pack. You can also schedule and print reports in an application.
Adding buttons next to text boxes
You modify the presentation.xml file for an application to add up to three buttons next to text boxes and multipart text boxes. You add the buttons for the menu items that are most frequently used.