You can schedule preventive maintenance applications to run at an assigned time. You can schedule tasks using the GUI based Windows Task Scheduler or the CLI at command. Both these tools allow you to run a command once at a specific time or run an ongoing basis on selected days or times. For recurring tasks and deleting tasks already scheduled, the Windows Task Scheduler, shown in the figure, is easier to learn and use than the at command.
Windows Task Scheduler
You can automate tasks using the Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler monitors selected, user-defined criteria and then executes the tasks when the criteria have been met. Some common tasks that are automated using Task Scheduler include:
- Disk cleanup
- Backup
- Disk defragmenter
- Restore point
- Starting other applications
To access the Windows Task Scheduler in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, use the following path:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Task Scheduler
In Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks
at Command
You can use the at command to schedule a command, script file, or application to run at a specific date and time. To use the at command, you must be logged in as Administrator.
To access more information about the at command in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, use the following path:
Start > Start Search > type cmd and press Enter > type at /? in the command line and press Enter
To access information about the at command in Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > Run > type cmd and press Enter > type at /? in the command line and press Enter