A 'Windows service' is a long-running executable that performs specific functions and which is designed not to require user intervention. Usually, Windows services start when the Microsoft Windows operating system is booted and run in the background as long as Windows is running. They are similar in concept to a Unix daemon. They appear in the processes list in Windows Task Manager, most often with a username of SYSTEM, LOCAL SERVICE or NETWORK SERVICE, though not all processes with the SYSTEM username are services.
Once a service is installed, it can be managed by launching "Services" from the Windows Control Panel => Administrative Tools or typing "Services.msc" in the Run command on Start menu. The "Services" management console provides a brief description of the service functions and displays the path to the service executable, its current status, startup type, dependencies and the account under which the service is running. It enables users to:
* Start, stop, pause or restart services.
* Specify service parameters.
* Change the startup type which includes Automatic, Manual and Disabled:
o Automatic starts the services at system logon,
o Manual starts a service as required or when called from an application (according to definition, but only some of the time in practice, depending on the service),
o Disabled completely disables the service and prevents it and its dependencies from running.
o Automatic (Delayed) New startup type introduced in Vista, that starts the service a short while after the system has finished booting and initial busy operations, so that the system boots up faster.
* Change the account under which the service logs on.
* Configure recovery options upon service failure.
* Export the list of services as a text file or a CSV file.
In Windows Vista, users can manipulate services by typing "services.msc" in the run box (the run box is accessible by holding down the windows key on the keyboard and typing "r"). The use of MSConfig to manage services introduces a prompt on each bootup, so should only be considered as a temporary way to make system changes (at best). The Windows Task Manager can be used to "end task" a service, which is to stop the service or kill it if it is not responding.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.
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