2.9 Process Scheduling

---

A scheduler agent is an application used to organize and run jobs. A typical job can be running a command for network backup or sending a broadcast message to users before the backup begins. Instead of having to keep a written log of jobs and remembering to run them, the LAN administrator can use a scheduler agent to specify that they run automatically at a certain time. For example, the LAN administrator could schedule the system backup process for 2:00 a.m.—a time when the system most likely is not being heavily used. At the specified time, the scheduler agent automatically starts the job unattended. The job definitions can be saved, updated, or deleted whenever necessary.

The scheduler agent can also provide job completion information, such as whether or not the job ran successfully, when it ran, and the next time it is scheduled to run. The following are some examples of routine jobs a scheduler agent can automate:

• Perform network backup;

• Run a computer virus scan;

• Process overnight mailings;

• Perform file copying and distribution;

• Print and process reports;

• Send network messages.

A scheduler agent can implement jobs that run once or at the following intervals:

• Hourly;

• Daily;

• Weekdays (Monday through Friday);

• Weekly (once a week);

• Monthly (once a month).

Jobs can be grouped to accomplish multiple tasks, instead of having to run them individually. An entry can be posted in the event log after jobs complete, telling the LAN administrator when the job started and ended. For example, with regard to scheduling the network virus scan process, the scheduler agent can automatically add a record to the log of network events available through the event agent.

---