System Scheduler

If you are familiar with the Microsoft Windows AT Command, used for scheduling tasks, you may also be aware of some of the AT Command Problems which Microsoft still hasn't fixed with Windows 2000.

I suppose like many Windows extras which aren't part of the core OS, like Wordpad, MS backup and Thumbnail Viewer, Task Scheduler is merely a half-arsed, Mickey Mouse app thrown in to 'add value' to Windows. These apps, once you start using them, are soon discarded for a third-party program which actually does the job properly.

I ran into some of the Windows Task Scheduler limitations and bugs when trying to set up a Virus Update Server. Windows AT just couldn't manage to map a drive from a scheduled batch file and I got sick of trying to fudge it.

A quick scan of third party alternatives on the intenet brought up the appropriately named System Scheduler from Splinterware. Also know as Wincron which makes it sound more like the Unix equivalent, System Scheduler is available in shareware and Professional versions. I downloaded the former from Splinterware's website and was pleased with the results.

Once installed the applet runs in the task bar and executes applications as specified in its graphical interface window. The System Scheduler List shows a summary of scheduled tasks in the system. Here we have the IT.NET Virus Update schedule..


Double clicking on an entry in the List brings up the specifics. Here you can switch between the Event (the application and any parameters) and the details of the Schedule. Here we see the Virus Update happening every weekday at 0845hrs..


The fully featured Professional version is able to run as a service, meaning you don't have to be logged on for it to run. However the shareware version will run quite happily with the user logged on but the console locked, which is how I tend to operate this particular server anyway.

And Wincron can be easily configured to run as any user (note the owner is specified at the bottom of the top screenshot) and is happy to map drives, unlike Windows Task Scheduler which baulks at such apparently hugely complicated tasks.

Arrange an appointment with System Scheduler today!