In addition to using the Configuration Manager, z/Scope Anywhere offers a new way to easily set global parameters using custom settings.
Setting global parameters through a custom settings file is not new to our product line.
We’ve already published an article presenting this functionality for Thinfinity Remote Desktop, and another one where we show how to configure its toolbar menu. Now, this feature will be included in z/Scope Anywhere as of the next release, due to come out really soon.
Today, we will show you how we can use it for a very specific purpose, modifying the global security parameters.
The customSettings Configuration Object
Custom settings in z/Scope Anywhere are specified in the customSettings object. The customSettings object is a JSON structure defined within the customsettings.js file. Find this file in the z/Scope Anywhere installation directory, inside the ‘webzs’ folder. Like all javascript files, you can open it with any text editor, like notepad.
You will find that, by default, there are no global settings. The customSettings object is empty.
var customSettings = {
};
By adding attributes to this object, new global settings will be defined. This javascript file is loaded when z/Scope Anywhere is opened in the browser, applying the custom settings. Some of these settings can conflict with those set in the Configuration Manager. When this is the case, the custom settings will override the manager’s profile object attributes. Also, the custom settings will apply to all sessions.
It is highly recommended to always use the z/Scope Anywhere Configuration Manager.
The use of the customsettings.js file is recommended only for situations when many profiles are already created and it would take too long to modify them all. Besides, bear in mind that having the configuration in a file that is not seen in the Manager interface might lead to misinterpretation.
Changing User Permissions via customSettings.js
The customSettings object contains a hierarchical structure. The settings contained in the permissions attribute level will be applied to all logged-in and anonymous users. The anonymous attribute is contained in the permissions attribute level and it, in turn, contains an attribute level.
Settings inside the anonymous attribute level be applied only to users accessing z/Scope Anywhere without authentication. If the settings specified in the anonymous attribute level conflict with those specified in the permissions attribute level, those specified in the anonymous attribute level will override the others.
The following table shows the current available permission settings:
| permissions | This structure contains permission settings for all users, authenticated and anonymous. | |
| settings | Toggles the visibility of the button that accesses Profile Settings. | |
| macros | Toggles the visibility of the macro options in the connection menu. | |
| fileTransfer | Toggles the visibility of the file transfer options in the connection menu. | |
| printScreen | Toggles the visibility of the screen print option in the connection menu. | |
| keypads | Toggles the visibility of the keypad options in the connection. | |
| navigation | Toggles the visibility of the navigator — the screenshot panel in the bottom of the interface that allows you to switch between the index page and the open sessions. | |
| anonymous | Secondary structure that contains permission settings required for anonymous users only. Their values will override global permissions values when the user accesses without authentication. | |
Custom Settings: an Example
Take a look at the following customSettings.js file example:
var customSettings = {
"permissions": { // overrides permission settings for all users
"macros": false,
"fileTransfer": false,
"anonymous": { // overrides permission settings for anonymous users
"settings": false,
"printScreen": false,
"keypads": false
}
}
};
By applying these settings, macros and file transfer options will be restricted for all users. Unauthenticated users, then, will not have access to macros or file transfer, as stated in the permissions attribute level. Keypad and print screen access, as well as the ‘Settings’ button, will also be restricted for these anonymous users, as stated in the anonymous attribute level.
The Power of Global Parameters
Through the appropriate use of custom settings, we can quickly configure the global connection and environment parameters, for all users and independently from the Configuration Manager settings.
Today, we have learned how to reconfigure security settings. In upcoming posts, we will review more ways in which custom settings can be used in z/Scope Anywhere, and in the rest of our products.
z/Scope Anywhere, Web Terminal Emulator
z/Scope Anywhere offers a web-based client. Access
- 3270
- 5250
- and SSH & VT hosts
…using your favorite browser!
Explore our Windows & Web host access solutions, enjoy our free 30-day trial, or book a quick call with our specialists HERE. No commitment!
Notes for current z/Scope Users
We find that many of our old customers are now adopting Windows 10 or Windows 11.
z/Scope v6.6 (desktop) and z/Scope Anywhere v8.5 (web) are fully compatible with Windows 10 and newer versions.
Do you run an older z/Scope version? Any z/Scope user covered by our Maintenance Service may update their current version at any time.
Aside from our technical support service, surely the best part of renewing your license’s maintenance is being eligible for the latest software updates and version upgrades at no extra cost.
Check out our download page or contact our technical support team to find out about the latest available version or to inquire about your renewal status.
You can also visit our Documentation page to find the available help files.