A windows service question

17 Aug 2006 6:03 PM

Gordon

Hi;

I have developed a VB.net app in a module that queries a database, loads the
data into several arrays and then loops through the array. It then compares
time data stored in the array with the current system time. If there is a
match a program is then started. The apps purpose is be like the windows task
scheduler. And I want
to run it as service because it will run continuosly.

I can't seen to find an example of where an app like this is made a service.
Most
of the examples of candidates for services a like a special backup routine
or to
monitor a specific process.

So could I run my app as a service ?

If so do I transfer my code which now exists in the main() sub and a
function into
the service class of a service project ? Or can I call my module from the
OnStart Sub ?

Thanks for any insights,

--
Gordon

17 Aug 2006 7:27 PM

Mike Lowery

I don't see why your app can't run as a service, so long as you design it
properly. You'll also have to make sure it runs under the proper Windows
account to access external data (like your database.)

Have a look at this program I wrote that runs as a Windows service:
http://spamgrinderprox.sourceforge.net/

Show quoteHide quote

"Gordon" <Gor***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:7DE20DEA-EB59-4675-86CB-5F602A6719A9@microsoft.com...
> Hi;
>
> I have developed a VB.net app in a module that queries a database, loads the
> data into several arrays and then loops through the array. It then compares
> time data stored in the array with the current system time. If there is a
> match a program is then started. The apps purpose is be like the windows task
> scheduler. And I want
> to run it as service because it will run continuosly.
>
> I can't seen to find an example of where an app like this is made a service.
> Most
> of the examples of candidates for services a like a special backup routine
> or to
> monitor a specific process.
>
> So could I run my app as a service ?
>
> If so do I transfer my code which now exists in the main() sub and a
> function into
> the service class of a service project ? Or can I call my module from the
> OnStart Sub ?
>
> Thanks for any insights,
>
> --
> Gordon

18 Aug 2006 9:01 PM

Gordon

Hi;

My routine seems to be working OK with this line :

Sub onStart()
Process.start("exe to start") ?????????????
End sub

The exe that is called functions much like a timer in that it compares a
datetime value to Now() and responds to a match of those times.

Thanks

--
Gordon

Show quoteHide quote

"Mike Lowery" wrote:

> I don't see why your app can't run as a service, so long as you design it
> properly. You'll also have to make sure it runs under the proper Windows
> account to access external data (like your database.)
>
> Have a look at this program I wrote that runs as a Windows service:
> http://spamgrinderprox.sourceforge.net/
>
> "Gordon" <Gor***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:7DE20DEA-EB59-4675-86CB-5F602A6719A9@microsoft.com...
> > Hi;
> >
> > I have developed a VB.net app in a module that queries a database, loads the
> > data into several arrays and then loops through the array. It then compares
> > time data stored in the array with the current system time. If there is a
> > match a program is then started. The apps purpose is be like the windows task
> > scheduler. And I want
> > to run it as service because it will run continuosly.
> >
> > I can't seen to find an example of where an app like this is made a service.
> > Most
> > of the examples of candidates for services a like a special backup routine
> > or to
> > monitor a specific process.
> >
> > So could I run my app as a service ?
> >
> > If so do I transfer my code which now exists in the main() sub and a
> > function into
> > the service class of a service project ? Or can I call my module from the
> > OnStart Sub ?
> >
> > Thanks for any insights,
> >
> > --
> > Gordon
>
>
>

17 Aug 2006 7:35 PM

Gordon

Hi;

After a little VS documentation research could this statement be all that is
needed to start my app?

Sub onStart()
Process.start("exe to start") ?????????????
End sub

Is this the correct way to sstart an app in service ?

Thanks,

--
Gordon

Show quoteHide quote

"Gordon" wrote:

> Hi;
>
> I have developed a VB.net app in a module that queries a database, loads the
> data into several arrays and then loops through the array. It then compares
> time data stored in the array with the current system time. If there is a
> match a program is then started. The apps purpose is be like the windows task
> scheduler. And I want
> to run it as service because it will run continuosly.
>
> I can't seen to find an example of where an app like this is made a service.
> Most
> of the examples of candidates for services a like a special backup routine
> or to
> monitor a specific process.
>
> So could I run my app as a service ?
>
> If so do I transfer my code which now exists in the main() sub and a
> function into
> the service class of a service project ? Or can I call my module from the
> OnStart Sub ?
>
> Thanks for any insights,
>
> --
> Gordon

17 Aug 2006 9:10 PM

Brian Gideon

Gordon,

No, that's not the right way. You're right about needing place code in
the OnStart method though. What you need to put there should get
everything going. Sometimes that is as simple as starting a timer and
sometimes it may require starting a new thread. In your case it sounds
like kicking off a timer will work well. In the timer event you'll use
the code you already have to query the database, etc. and then kick the
task off with Process.Start.

Brian

Gordon wrote:
Show quoteHide quote

> Hi;
>
> After a little VS documentation research could this statement be all that is
> needed to start my app?
>
> Sub onStart()
> Process.start("exe to start") ?????????????
> End sub
>
> Is this the correct way to sstart an app in service ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> --
> Gordon
>
>
> "Gordon" wrote:
>
> > Hi;
> >
> > I have developed a VB.net app in a module that queries a database, loads the
> > data into several arrays and then loops through the array. It then compares
> > time data stored in the array with the current system time. If there is a
> > match a program is then started. The apps purpose is be like the windows task
> > scheduler. And I want
> > to run it as service because it will run continuosly.
> >
> > I can't seen to find an example of where an app like this is made a service.
> > Most
> > of the examples of candidates for services a like a special backup routine
> > or to
> > monitor a specific process.
> >
> > So could I run my app as a service ?
> >
> > If so do I transfer my code which now exists in the main() sub and a
> > function into
> > the service class of a service project ? Or can I call my module from the
> > OnStart Sub ?
> >
> > Thanks for any insights,
> >
> > --
> > Gordon