BigFix UI gives every app and page its own web address. As a result, you can move around
with your browser's Back and Forward buttons, refresh a page without losing your place, and
bookmark or share a link that reopens the exact page you were viewing.
BigFix UI is a single web application made up of several apps, such as Device Explorer, Fixlet
Explorer, and Deployment Manager, that you open from the side navigation. As you move between
apps, pages, and tabs, the address shown in your browser's address bar updates to match where
you are. Because each location has its own address, the browser controls you already know work
the way you expect.
Moving between apps and pages
Use the side navigation to open an app. Within an app, use the tabs on a details page (for
example, Overview, Relevant Fixlets, and
Deployments on a device's details page) to switch between views.
Each app and page you open is recorded as a step in your browser history, so you can
retrace your path later.
Using the Back and Forward buttons
Your browser's Back and Forward buttons move
you through the pages you have already visited:
- Back returns you to the previous page or app.
- Forward reopens a page that you stepped back from.
These buttons work across apps as well as within a single app. For example, if you open a
device in Device Explorer and then open one of its deployments in Deployment Manager,
selecting Back returns you to the device you started from.
Refreshing the current page
Refreshing or reloading the page in your browser reloads the view you are currently looking
at and keeps you in the same place. You are not sent back to a home page, and you do not
lose your position in the app. If your session has expired, you are prompted to sign in
again and are then returned to your work.
Bookmarking and sharing pages
Because each page has its own address, you can bookmark it in your browser or copy the link
and share it with a colleague. Opening a bookmarked or shared link takes you straight to
that page, for example a specific device, fixlet, or deployment, after you sign in if you
are not already signed in. A link that opens a specific item in this way is often called a
direct link.
Note: Anyone who opens a shared link still needs permission to use the app it points to. If a
colleague does not have access to that app, they see a message that access is not allowed.
See
When a page cannot be
opened.
Reading the address bar
Addresses in BigFix UI are readable and reflect the app and page you are on. For example,
an address that ends in /ui/deployment-manager shows the Deployment Manager
app, and one that ends in /ui/deployment-manager/details shows a details
page within it. You do not need to type or edit these addresses by hand. Navigate using the
side navigation, tabs, and links in the app, and the address updates automatically.
Opening related items in another app
Some pages contain items that are managed by a different app. When you select such an item,
BigFix UI switches to the app that owns it and opens the item directly. For example,
selecting a deployment from a device's Deployments tab opens that
deployment in Deployment Manager. Selecting Back returns you to the
page you came from.
When a page cannot be opened
If a link points to a page that BigFix UI cannot open, it shows a message instead of the
page:
- A page-not-found message appears when the address does not match any app or page. This
can happen if a link is mistyped or points to something that no longer exists.
- An access-not-allowed message appears when you open a link to an app that your account
is not permitted to use. Contact your administrator if you need access.
To continue, select Back or choose another app from the side
navigation.
Your starting page after you sign in
When you sign in, BigFix UI opens your default landing app, which is typically
My Dashboard. The landing app depends on your account and the apps
assigned to your role, so it can differ from one user to another.
