book

Developing WMI Solutions: A Guide to Windows Management Instrumentation

Name: Developing WMI Solutions: A Guide to Windows Management Instrumentation
ISBN: 0201616130

by Craig Tunstall, Gwyn Cole

November 2002

Intermediate to advanced

816 pages

19h 36m

English

Addison-Wesley Professional

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Copyright
Preface
Who Is This Book for and What Is WMI?How to Approach This Book and What You Will LearnChapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Existing Management FrameworksChapter 3: Windows Management InstrumentationChapter 4: A Guided Tour of the Common Information Model RepositoryChapter 5: Developing Class SchemasChapter 6: Method Design and Schema Class PositioningChapter 7: Developing Management ApplicationsChapter 8: Developing .NET Management ApplicationsChapter 9: Developing MMC Snap-insChapter 10: Developing WMI Scripts for AdministratorsChapter 11: WMI Scripting and WMICChapter 12: Developing WMI ProvidersChapter 13: High-Performance InstrumentationWhere Can I Find the Sample Source Code and Scripts?GlossaryAcknowledgmentsCraig TunstallGwyn Cole
1. Introduction
Structure of the BookPedagogical ElementsTarget AudiencePrerequisitesTerminologySoftware RequirementsOperating System RequirementsHardware RequirementsIntroducing WBEMWBEM's Basic ObjectivesCore ObjectivesThe Central Information StoreThe Common Information ModelObject Orientation and CIMBuilding an Information ModelStructure of the Centralized RepositoryThe Three-Tiered ModelAcronyms and TerminologyStandards BodiesMotivationDe Facto and de Jure StandardsThe Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF)The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM)Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)Common Information Model (CIM)Common Information Model (CIM) RepositoryManaged Object Format (MOF)Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)Common Management Information Services (CMIS)Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP)Desktop Management Interface (DMI)eXtensible Markup Language (XML)Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)Extended SchemasWMI ScriptingSummary
2. Existing Management Frameworks
New and Old Technologies CombinedThe Need for a Universal Management ModelThe Simple Network Management ProtocolA Simple Solution to a Complex ProblemThe SNMP Network Management StationRelevant SNMP StandardsStructure of an SNMP MessageCommunitiesEvent Notification: SNMP Traps and InformsThe Management Information BaseSNMP SecurityModus OperandiAdvantages of the SNMP ProtocolDisadvantages of the SNMP ProtocolThe Desktop Management InterfaceThe DMI Information Model: The Management StorePolicyNotification of EventsDMI SecurityMIF Database SecurityManagement Interface SecurityComponent Interface SecuritySecurity IndicationsAdvantages of the DMIDisadvantages of the DMISummaryCommon Elements for Management FrameworksThe Need for a Unified Management Framework
3. Windows Management Instrumentation
The Standard WBEM ComponentsInstalling WMIInstallation FilesCore (WMICORE.EXE) (approximately 6.5 Mb)WMI SDK (WMISDK.EXE) (approximately 12Mb)Configuring Windows 98 for WMIOptional SettingCore Components of WMIwinMgmt.exe: The Windows Management Servicemofcomp.exe: The Microsoft MOF CompilerThe WMI ControlWindows Management Instrumentation TesterAutomatic MOF RegistrationWMI Log FilesWMI CIM RepositoryWindows Management InstrumentationThe Basic Framework of WMIWMI Management ApplicationsDirect AccessIndirect AccessProvidersTypes of ProvidersEvent ProvidersData ProvidersEvent HandlingIntrinsic EventsExtrinsic EventsTimer EventsEvent ConsumerTemporary ConsumersPermanent ConsumersWMI SecurityAuthenticationWMI Permission Assignment Using WMI ControlWMI Security on Windows 9xThe WMI Query LanguageData QueriesEvent QueriesSchema QueriesSummary
4. A Guided Tour of the Common Information Model Repository
MetadataDynamic and Static DataDynamic Data and the CIM RepositoryThe Common Information ModelThe Core ModelThe Common ModelSystems ModelNetworks ModelDevices ModelPhysical ModelApplications ModelEvent ModelPolicy ModelSupport ModelUser ModelMetrics ModelInterop ModelThe Extended SchemasNamespacesUsing the CIMV2 NamespaceWMI Namespaces and the CIM repositoryDefining and Using Your Own NamespaceNamespaces and SchemasUsing Existing SchemasSubclassing and Instantiating Existing Classes in the CIMV2 NamespaceModifying Existing ClassesManaged Object FormatMOF Class DeclarationQualifiersFlavorsCustom QualifiersUser-Defined QualifiersIntrinsic Data TypesInstance CreationAliasingA Compileable MOF FileActiveX ComponentsLet the Tour Begin!The Class Explorer ExplainedAssociationsKey PropagationNamespaces and AssociationsSystem PropertiesObject and Property QualifiersCIM Studio FunctionsHelp for a ClassBrowse for a NamespaceSearch for a ClassInstance EnumerationChange the View (System Properties and Inherited Properties)WQL Queries ToolAdd a ClassCreate an AssociationDelete a Class or AssociationDelete a PropertyAdd an InstanceDelete an InstancePlaces of Interest within the CIM repositoryThe Provider ClassesThe Namespace ClassesCreate a NamespaceDelete a NamespaceTutorial: Creating a Namespace and Adding Classes, Properties, and an AssociationThe WizardsThe MOF GeneratorThe MOF CompilerThe Provider Code GeneratorSummary
5. Developing Class Schemas
Schema Design and System ManageabilityCase Study: Client/Server E-mail PackageBasic FunctionalitySystem Requirements for Post Office E-mailThe Unified Modeling LanguageFurther Reading in UMLLearning the CIM Schema and Win32 Extended SchemasPsychological RequirementsSchema Design TimescalesSoftware Application Life CycleThe Windows Installer and WMIThe Role of WMI with Standard Software Applications and Management Software ApplicationsSchema Design by Teams vs. by Single DevelopersWhen Should I Commit My Design to UML?Can I Design a Schema without UML?The Unified Modeling Language in Schema DesignA Brief Introduction to UML Object ModelingInheritance NotationAssociation NotationAggregate AssociationsInterpreting the Common Model in UMLThe Schema Design Road MapBasic Rules for Schema DesignTelephone Operator ExampleWMI Topology DesignFirst ApproachSecond ApproachSchema Design PhaseStep 1: Gather InformationInputCollate Management-Specific InformationAscertain Your Management Data ConsumersOutputStep 2: Define System Requirements, Rules, and AssertionsInputUse Case Diagrams and Use Case DetailsRules and AssertionsRulesAssertionsOutputStep 3: Define Classes and PropertiesInputName Your SchemaMOF QualifiersDefine Candidate ClassesDefine EventsIntrinsic Event Filter ExampleDefine Statistical ClassesDefine Settings ClassesDefine PropertiesClass PO_PostOfficeDiscussionA Brief MOF InterludeMOF Language TipClass PO_PostOfficeSettingsClass PO_UserDetailsDiscussionClass PO_EmailAccountDiscussionClass PO_MailbagDiscussionClass PO_MessageSettingsDiscussionClass PO_PostOfficeStatsOutputStep 4: Define AssociationsInputThe Purpose of AssociationsRepresenting the PostOffice Schema in UMLOutputSummary
6. Method Design and Schema Class Positioning
Properties vs. MethodsMethods, Operations, and FunctionsStep 5: Define MethodsInputCandidate MethodsRetrieving Information from the Post Office SchemaScenario 1Scenario 2Method DesignAssigning Methods to Host ClassesProperties and Parameter ClassesMethod ArgumentsAdvantages of Parameter ClassesMethod Overriding and PolymorphismThe Post Office Schema MethodsWhy Define Preconditions and Postconditions?Method AddUserHost Class: PostOfficeMethod RemoveUserHost Class: PostOfficeMethod UnlockAccountHost Class: EmailAccountMethod LockAccountHost Class: EmailAccountMethod StopPostOfficeHost class: PostOfficeMethod StartPostOfficeHost Class: PostOfficePost Office Schema UML Diagram with MethodsOutputStep 6: Check Schema DesignInputRule Generation–Based UML DiagramsFinal Considerations—Future AdditionsFinal Step: Positioning ClassesStep-by-Step CIMV2 Namespace Class PositioningExtending the CIMV2 NamespaceClassesAssociationsNormalizationCIMV2 Class Placement ObjectivesPutting Class Placement Theory into PracticeNamespace and Schema PlacementThe Applications NamespaceLimitations of Multinamespace Class PositioningExample 1. Executed in the CIMV2 NamespaceExample 2. Executed in the PostOffice NamespaceExample 3. Executed in the PostOffice NamespacePost Office Schema Namespace PositioningThe Post Office Schema Class PositionsManaged Object Format (MOF) Qualifiers and FlavorsMOF Creation and TestingImplementing the Schema: WMI API Calls vs. MOF CodeMultilanguage SupportThe Post Office Schema in MOFBrief MOF Syntax ReminderPO_PostOfficeHasSettings MOF FileTestingSchema DeploymentSummary
7. Developing Management Applications
Getting StartedObject Paths ExplainedGetting an ObjectEnumerating ObjectsCreating an ObjectFirst PointSecond PointThird PointExampleUpdating ObjectsDeleting an ObjectPerforming QueriesMaking Method CallsManipulating Object PropertiesManipulating Array Object PropertiesAccessing Objects from Object PropertiesMaking Semisynchronous CallsMaking Asynchronous CallsWMI Error MessagesOverview of EventsIntrinsic EventsExtrinsic EventsTimer EventsHow to Subscribe to EventsWriting Applications to Receive Semisynchronous EventsWriting Applications to Receive Asynchronous EventsMore on SecurityClasses that Require Specific Security PrivilegesLocalized NamespacesOverview of High Performance ClassesWriting Applications to Access High-Performance DataAccess High-Performance Enumerated DataSummary
8. Developing .NET Management Applications
Getting StartedGetting a Management ObjectEnumerating Management ObjectsCreating a Management ObjectFirst PointSecond PointThird PointExampleUpdating Management ObjectsDeleting a Management ObjectPerforming QueriesMaking Method CallsManipulating Management Object PropertiesManipulating Array Object PropertiesAccessing Objects from Object PropertiesMaking Asynchronous CallsOverview of EventsWriting Applications to Receive Asynchronous EventsWriting Applications to Receive Semisynchronous EventsManaging Connections to WMISummary

9. Developing MMC Snap-ins
Snap-in ArchitectureGetting StartedSnap-in Implementation BasicsLet's Make a Snap-inImplementing IComponentDataImplementing IComponentThe Root Item and General Item BasicsAdding Your Own Namespace ItemsAdding Your Own ColumnsAdding Your Own Result ItemsSetting Up and Handling VerbsAdding Your Own MenusAdding Your Own ToolbarsAdding Your Own Property PagesRefocusing an Item's Property SheetAdding Your Own HelpPrimary (Standalone) Snap-in RegistrationMore on How ATL Delegates Tasks to an ItemRenaming ItemsDrag and DropAccessing Web SitesDisplaying Custom ViewsDeveloping Extension Snap-insExchanging Information between Primary and Extension Snap-insExtension Snap-in RegistrationMaking MMC Snap-ins Theme AwareSummary
10. Developing WMI Scripts for Administrators
Scripting, WMIC, and the CIM StudioAdministration and the WMI CIM StudioAdministration and the WMICAdministration and ScriptingGuiding PrinciplesPrerequisitesChapter StructureVBScript Boot CampJavaScript vs. VBScriptSetting Up Your System for ScriptingScripting and AdministrationWhat Is the Windows Scripting Host?ScriptsScripting vs. Compiled LanguagesThe Windows Scripting HostYour First ScriptIndentationAnnotationVariants, Variables, and ConstantsUse Meaningful Variable NamesVBScript FunctionsThe WSH Object ModelProgram Statements and KeywordsThe Option Explicit StatementConnecting to a Local or Remote NamespaceSecurity IssuesDeciding on the Level of Security RequiredData InputError DetectionError Logging (NT/2000/XP Only)WMI Scripting Data RetrievalDisplaying Date and Time Values (XP Only)Retrieving Subsets of InstancesWMI Data Modification Scripting ExampleData Deletion Scripting ExampleData Creation Scripting ExampleAssociation Traversal Using VBScriptExecuting Methods Using VBScriptSummary
11. WMI Scripting and WMIC
Identifying the Correct Course of ActionMake a Note of the Problem DescriptionDivide the Problem into Its Constituent PartsDecide Which Hardware or Software Components You Are Going to ManageSelecting a NamespaceWhich Tool?Decide Whether Your Script Should Run Locally or Remotely on the Target MachinesDecide Whether Your Script Will Run Unattended or AttendedDetermine the Variables and ConstantsCandidate ConstantsCandidate VariablesDetermine the Sequence of Steps in the TaskScript Deployment and ExecutionLocal Execution and StorageLocal Execution from a Shared ResourceRemote Connection across a NetworkRemote Invocation of a Script (Available Only with Windows Script v5.6)Script Execution MethodsExecuting Scripts at Start UpExecute the Script Using the Windows SchedulerEvent-driven Script Execution (Windows XP Only)Sending E-mailSetting Up Your System for Debugging and TestingMicrosoft Windows Script Debugger (approx. 600k)Debugging Your ScriptsWindows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC)Using WMICInteractive ModeConfiguring WMICInteracting with WMICThe WHERE ClauseVerbsAdverbsLooping WMIC CommandsTypes of OutputAliasesCreating or Modifying Aliases Using the CIM StudioConsiderationsCreating a Simple Alias from the WMIC Command LineUsing WMIC in Noninteractive ModeSummary
12. Developing WMI Providers
Where to StartDeveloping an Instance ProviderProvider RegistrationProvider InitializationEnumerating ObjectsGetting an ObjectDeleting an ObjectCreating or Updating an ObjectQuerying for Your ObjectsInstance Provider RegistrationDeveloping a Method ProviderExecuting MethodsMethod Provider RegistrationDeveloping an Event ProviderFiring EventsEvent Provider RegistrationDeveloping an Event Consumer ProviderHandling Event NotificationsPermanent Event Consumer Provider RegistrationDeveloping a Property ProviderExposing Dynamic PropertiesProperty Provider RegistrationDeveloping a Push ProviderPushing Data to the CIM RepositoryPush Provider RegistrationSecurity ConsiderationsSummary
13. High-Performance Instrumentation
Overview of Event TracingControlling Event TracesStarting a Kernel Event-Tracing SessionSetting Up a Session's ConfigurationQuerying the Session's Configuration and StatisticsStopping the SessionStarting Event-Tracing SessionsQuerying for Active Event-Tracing SessionsQuerying for Registered Event-Tracing ProvidersStarting Private Event-Tracing SessionsDeveloping an Event-Tracing ProviderDefining the Event Class SchemaRegistering an Application as an Event-Tracing ProviderDeveloping the Provider's Control Call-Back FunctionProducing an Event TraceProducing a Hierarchical Event TraceAnalyzing Event-Trace Log FilesProcessing an Event-Trace Log FileThe Event Call-Back FunctionThe Buffer Call-Back FunctionThe Consumer Event-Tracing APIsMonitoring Real-Time Event-Tracing SessionsProviding and Analyzing Lightweight EventsAnalyzing Lightweight EventsSummary
A. WMI Event SDK Tools
B. WMI Server Explorer
Manipulating Management Objects in the Server ExplorerSubscribing for Event Notification in the Server Explorer
Glossary
Bibliography

Overview

"Craig and Gwyn bring their insight and experience with WMI to explain how easy it is to write powerful management applications through WMI on the .NET platform."

—Andy Cheung, Microsoft WMI Test Engineer

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is an impressive technology that provides, for the first time, an integrated approach to hardware and software management for the Windows operating system. Developing WMI Solutions gives administrators and developers the skills necessary to take advantage of the power of WMI with Windows 2000, XP, and .NET Server.

Developing WMI Solutions starts with an overview of the concepts behind systems management. The authors then provide a synopsis of existing management architectures, as well as an explanation of the architectural components of WMI and the tools provided by Microsoft for their use. Also included is a WMI scripting boot camp for administrators using samples in VBScript, plus a series of best practices that give scripts a professional edge.

You will find thorough coverage of such topics as:

The Common Information Model (CIM)

Developing CIM extended schemas

Management-application development using C++ and COM for WMI

MMC snap-in development using C++ and COM, presented as a tutorial

WMI providers and the necessary C++ and COM skills needed to expose class schema

Developing management applications using the .NET Framework—the first comprehensive guide to the WMI classes in the System.Management namespace

Finally, developers will learn about the often undersold but extremely powerful high-performance event-tracing mechanism available in Windows, which allows developers to expose detailed information about operations in an application.

The companion Web site, located at http://www.wbem.co.uk, includes the complete set of code examples found in the book, as well as updates and related articles.

Both a tutorial and a reference, Developing WMI Solutions is an essential companion for network administrators, software developers, and team leaders looking to become proficient with WMI.

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