How to capture NSE files on a UNIX or Macintosh client

Products

• Client Management Suite
• IT Management Suite

Issue/Introduction

On occasion, it is helpful to see the NSE files created by a UNIX, Linux or Macintosh client. How do I do this?

Environment

ITMS 8.x

Resolution

The Altiris Agent for UNIX can be manually configured to 'hold' NSE files on the client or to keep a backup copy of NSE files on the client.

If the NSE files are held, the files and data are NOT sent to the NS/SMP server. No updates on the NS for any type of data will be sent to the NS/SMP server, including basic inventory, events, etc. The NSE files will be found in the /opt/altiris/notification/nsagent/var/queue directory on the client. 

If the NSE files are backed up, the NSE files are sent to the NS/SMP server normally. But, a copy is stored in the specified backup directory. 

To set the hold setting: 

1. Edit the client.conf file. This file is located in the /opt/Altiris/Notification/NSAgent/etc directory.
2. Locate the "hold_queue" entry. 
3. Change the value from 0 to 1 to stop sending NSE files. (0=send, 1=hold.)
4. Save the file. (There is no need to restart the agent for the change to this setting to take effect.)

Example:

    # Set hold_queue to 1 to stop sending events.
    hold_queue=1

To set the backup setting: 

1. Create a directory on the client, e.g., /tmp/nsefiles.
2. Edit the client.conf file. This file is located in the /opt/Altiris/Notification/NSAgent/etc directory.
3. Locate the backup_dir entry. 
4. Enter the complete path to the desired directory.
5. Save the file. (There is no need to restart the agent.)

Example:

    backup_dir=/tmp/nsefiles