Docs / Desktop Management / Packages Dashboard

Packages Dashboard

The Packages dashboard provides a comprehensive view of all software packages installed across your managed endpoints.

Accessing Packages

Click Packages in the sidebar to access the packages dashboard.

Dashboard Statistics

The top section displays key statistics:

  • Total Packages - Unique packages across all endpoints
  • Outdated Packages - Packages with available updates
  • Hosts Pending Updates - Endpoints with at least one outdated package
  • Security Updates - Packages with security updates available

Click on a card to filter the table to show only packages matching that criteria.

Packages Table

The main table displays packages with the following columns:

  • Package - Package name
  • Platform - Operating system icon (based on package manager)
  • Endpoints Installed - Number of endpoints with this package
  • Status - Current, Outdated, or Security update available
  • Latest Version - Most recent known version

Filtering Packages

Use the filter options to narrow down the package list:

Type in the search box to filter by package name.

Category

Filter by package category (e.g., libs, utils, devel).

Update Type

  • All - Show all packages
  • Outdated - Show only packages with updates available
  • Security - Show only packages with security updates
  • Current - Show only up-to-date packages

Package Manager

Filter by package manager:

  • apt (Ubuntu/Debian)
  • pacman (Arch)
  • dnf (Fedora)
  • homebrew/softwareupdate (macOS)
  • windows_update (Windows)

Endpoint

Filter to show packages installed on specific endpoints.

Package Details

Click on any package row to open the package details modal:

Package Information

  • Package name and platform icon
  • Status badge (Current, Outdated, Security)
  • Package manager
  • Category
  • Latest known version
  • Number of endpoints with this package installed

Endpoints Table

Shows all endpoints with this package installed:

  • Hostname - Endpoint name with OS icon
  • Installed Version - Currently installed version
  • Available Version - Update available (if outdated)
  • Status - Current, Outdated, or Security
  • Last Updated - When the package was last reported

Click on an endpoint row to navigate to that endpoint's details.

Package Inventory Collection

The ZEM Cloud agent collects package inventory periodically:

  • Collection Interval - Every 60 minutes
  • Data Collected - Package name, version, available updates, security status

Platform-Specific Collection

  • Ubuntu/Debian - dpkg-query for installed, apt for updates
  • Arch Linux - pacman -Q for installed, checkupdates for updates
  • Fedora - rpm -qa for installed, dnf updateinfo for security
  • macOS - pkgutil and brew list for installed
  • Windows - Registry uninstall keys and Windows Update API

Security Updates

Security updates are identified using platform-specific sources:

  • Ubuntu - Security repository lists
  • Arch - Packages from core repository
  • Fedora - dnf updateinfo list security
  • macOS - Updates with "Security" in the title
  • Windows - Updates with Security category ID

Security updates are highlighted with a red badge in the Status column and are prioritised in the statistics cards.

Best Practices

  • Monitor Security Updates - Regularly check for and prioritise security updates
  • Track Versions - Use the packages view to ensure consistent versions across endpoints
  • Identify Outliers - Find endpoints with outdated packages that may have update issues
  • Audit Software - Review installed packages to identify unauthorised software