Installing the BigFix clients

Install the BigFix client on every computer in your network that you want to monitor, including the backup and recovery machines.

Installation methods

Methods for installing the clients vary depending on the operating system. Even if you install the BigFix server on Linux™, you might need to install some of the clients on Windows™ if your network consists of such computers. For more information, see:

If you are not sure which installation method to choose, install the client manually.

Note: There is a fixlet available to move the BESClient and create symbolic links. To know more about the fixlet, refer to https://bigfix.me/fixlet/details/3637. In case you face issues with the installation, follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned at Troubleshooting and support.

Additional installation requirements

  • If you are using HP Integrity VM, install the client on the virtual machines and their host operating systems.
  • If you are using Solaris Containers/Zones or Logical Domains (LDOM), install the client in the global zone on the control domain and in other global zones. For more information, see: Client installation on Oracle Solaris.

Installation packages

The BigFix installation image available on the Passport Advantage® contains client installers. You can also download client installation packages from the BigFix® support web page.
Important: Not all of the operating systems for which installation packages are provided as part of the BigFix installation image are supported by BigFix Inventory. For more information, see: Detailed System requirements.

Client vs scanner

The BigFix client is common for all BigFix products that are based on the BigFix platform, and is used to perform various tasks on the endpoints. It provides information about a set of computer properties like its host name or the IP address. It is also used to install the scanner on the computers, and enables scanner management through fixlets.

The scanner is an independent component that is used by BigFix Inventory. It collects information about the hardware, as well as the software that is installed on the computers in your infrastructure. The data is sent to the BigFix server. You can then import it to the BigFix Inventory server.

Apart from installing the BigFix client, install also the scanner on every computer that you want to monitor to ensure that all necessary data is collected. For more information, see: Setting up scans to discover software and hardware inventory.