3.2. Understanding the User Interface

The user interface enables you to control large (or small) numbers of managed nodes, create and use virtual machines, and manage users. It provides a number of views, including a high level view of a number of resources, or a detailed view of a single resource. In both instances you can both view the information, and make changes to the individual components. This enables you to optimise the performance of your virtualized system, correct any potential problems and set up provisions for future expansion.

3.2.1. About the Interface

The oVirt Server Suite User Interface consists of the following components:

The Resource Navigator on the left-hand side of the page. Use the Resource Navigator to locate individual nodes in the system. The Resource Navigator contains:
- A browser tree consisting of hardware and virtual machine pools.
- A toolbar with buttons to Add or Delete Resources.
The Content Pane on the right-hand side of the page displays rich contextual information that enables you to manage, monitor and view the virtualized system at a glance The Content Pane displays the contents of a resource pool, and menus and toolbars that enable you to manage the resources. In some instances, there may also be descriptions and graphics that add meaning to the lists. It contains:
- A menu bar across the top of the page that contains from left to right:
  - The Product Name
  - Contextual Menu Options.
  - Search
  - Online Help
- The main Content pane displays information about the selected resource or resource pool. The Contents pane may contain lists, descriptions or graphic information, check boxes, action buttons and tabs depending on the context.
- The Detail pane is the lower part of the content pane. The Detail pane displays information about the selected item in the main content pane. You can also edit properties of the resource selected in the Content Pane directly from the Detail pane.