How to run cron jobs on windows

cron For those who are familiar with the Linux and Apache web server environment, running cron jobs are a common thing. Cron is basically a scheduled job which runs automatically at a certain time or interval. Image by RobotSkirts

Most people run cron jobs to eliminate human errors by automating maintenance tasks:

Clearing error or access logs which takes up disk space
Backup up files or databases
Moving files based on certain conditions
Restarting services when certain event happens

In the past, running cron jobs are considered to be a technical task as scripts and executable files need to be generated and tested.

Today, many software have emerge to help automate these maintenance tasks. Once such software is VisualCron – a tool that runs commands/programs/tools/utilities at a predefined time, interval or event.

VisualCron is designed for Windows (client / server based) with the intention to simplify scheduling of windows tasks.

The following are some common tasks that can be automated:

Manage files, read/write/delete and copy files
Transfer files via (FTP/FTPS/SFTP/HTTP)
Post/Get information through HTTP
Encryption/Decryption (PGP)
Execute SQL queries/stored procedures
Start/stop processes and batch files
Start/stop services
Send/receive emails
Execute commands on Linux through SSH
Restart/shutdown/hibernate remote computers

Some sample screenshots: (Click to enlarge)

From my research and findings after trying out VisualCron, the tool can be generally used:

As an alternative for Windows Scheduler / SQL Agent
To initiate tasks when there are changes to files
As an alternative to running lots of batch jobs
As a remote management tool
As a tool to run nightly build processes

I noted that one of the satisfied VisualCron customer quoted:

Two hundred dollars spent, countless thousands of soft dollars saved!

I believe this tool – VisualCron will be able to help many server and pc management personnel out there. Hope it helps!

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