Software Inventory

Every system administrator has to inventory software and a list of his favorite 'Help me' questions. Yes, we are there to help, but it's just amazing how much time is wasted solving insignificant problems. Most often system administrators get these:

• I can't log on
• My password does not work in software inventory
• My PC is too slow
• I think I got a virus
• Can I install a cool inventory program I brought?
• There is gray (blue, red) window, and I don't understand what it says.

When asking these questions, users rarely can explain what they mean or provide detailed information that helps system administrators address the issue and solve the problem via the phone. Most often, users can't even say what the Network ID of their computers are, what Windows version they are using or provide any information about computer inventory software. So helpdesk staff has to walk over to the problem workstation and solve each problem 'in person', even if it's a non-existing one, like an automatic update window popping up on screen. Some system administrators do this up to twenty times a day - good workout for people who are used to sitting in front of their PCs with software inventory program.