Executing searches in the "Queries" Section is very simple. You simply need to enter the criteria you are searching for in the correct fields. Each sub-Section displays specific query fields, but they all are based on the same principle.
You can use the trees to limit the scope of your query. You may select several nodes from a same tree to obtain a cumulative filter.
Start from the most generic towards the most specific. In other words, do not be too precise in the first approach. Rather refine your request according to the results obtained.
If for instance, you type "acer" in the "Manufacturer" field of the "Hardware" sub-Section, you should get all the Acer PCs in the results. But if the manufacturer gave slightly different names to some PCs, i.e. "Acer corp.", "Acer Computers" or even " Acer" (with a leading space), these PCs will never be displayed in your results. This is why it is advised not to be too restrictive when executing a query for the first time. In this particular case, typing "*acer*" with an asterisk "*" on each side, will guarantee that all the PCs containing the string "acer" in the "Manufacturer" field will be present in the list.
You may enter any character in a query, in the hope that the character type coincides with the field you are searching. For instance, you cannot enter an alphabetical character in a date or numerical field. | |
You can type several criteria within one query. You may enter these criteria in one field, and separate them with the "OR" operator, or in different fields. | |
You can also use substitution characters. The most common is the sign "*". It replaces an unlimited number of characters anywhere in a string. | |
Select the "Custom fields" option located below the "Delete" and "Execute" buttons to also display custom fields in the results list. |
Use the "Execute" button or the ENTER key to execute the query. The "Delete" button erases all the search criteria that have been entered previously.
* | Substitution characters replace an unlimited number of characters anywhere in a string. You may place them at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a word |
/ | Indicates that the searched string must be empty (equivalent to IS BLANK or IS NULL) |
? | Replaces a single alphabetical character in a string |
> | Means bigger than or equal to. It can be used in any type of field |
< | Means smaller than or equal to. It can be used in any type of field |
OR | It means "instead".It is used to include several values in the same field. i.e. *acer* or *dell* or *hewlett* For instance: *dell* or *hewlet* |
AND | It is an inclusive operator. Is used to include several values on different fields or as a separator between two dates |
Unique value list - double click on practically any field to get all available values for the current field. You also have the possibility to select one or many of these values and to add them to the current query, avoiding syntax errors. At times, it can take the system some time to create this list. In fact, and based on the field on which it is executed, the query could have to perform millions of checks before creating this list. | |
Date / Time assistant - Click on any of the ellipsis (...) of any date field to use the date assistant. This tool allows you to input date criteria without mistakes. WARNING: the date and time assistant is available on real date type fields. If you enter dates into character custom fields, the assistant will not appear. This is also the case for other fields that contain dates as character strings. For instance: the "OS Installation Date" field in the "OS Windows" sub-Section. |