Schedule a Task in Windows series 1

We keep being reminded to do things to keep our computers in tip top shape (backup our data, defrag the drives, update our virus programs, etc.) but some just don’t seem to get around to doing these things on a regular basis. This is where Task Scheduler, available with Windows, can help you out with keeping on top of these maintenance tasks.

Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler is a free application included with Windows. With Task Scheduler you can schedule any program, document or script to run at anytime your computer is turned on. Task Scheduler starts each time you turn your Windows machine on and runs in the background while the machine is on. A scheduled task will automatically start, if your computer is on (Yes, I have bolded this phrase twice now because some do not understand that when you schedule a task in Windows the computer must be on for the task to be completed).

Why Schedule a Task in Windows?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are certain tasks that need to be done on a regular basis to keep your computer running smoothly and protect your data.

One of the most important tasks to schedule (or train yourself to do it religously) is backing up your data. You can use backup software, which should add a Scheduled Task if set up properly, but if you don’t have a specific piece of software available to do this, Windows does come with a backup application.

Your anti virus definition updates and scans are other important tasks to schedule. Again, your chosen software may automatically set this up for you, if set up properly.

If you are using a free program for backup, anti virus or spyware removal, these might not have an included function to add itself as a scheduled task.

Schedule Task

To schedule a task in Windows you need to first access Scheduled Tasks. Depending on how your computer is set up, Scheduled Tasks can be accessed via:

• My Computer Icon on the Desktop
  1. Double left click the My Computer icon on you desktop.
  2. Look under the Other section for Control Panel, double left click Control Panel.
  3. Double click the Scheduled Tasks icon in the Control Panel screen.
• Settings Menu
  1. Left click Start in the bottom left of your desktop screen.
  2. Left click Settings from the menu that appears.
  3. Left click Control Panel from the next menu that appears.
  4. Double left click Scheduled Tasks in the Control Panel screen.
• Programs Menu
  1. Left click Start in the bottom left of your desktop screen.
  2. Left click All Programs.
  3. Left click Accessories in the list that appears.
  4. Left click System Tools under the Accessories menu.
  5. Left click Scheduled Tasks in the System Tools menu.

Now you should be in Scheduled Tasks. Some of your existing programs may have already added a scheduled task to the list that appears under Add Scheduled Task.

Read more: http://www.basiccomputerinformation.ca

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