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Automated Processes (Cron Jobs)

A cron job is an automated process that operates at predefined time intervals. For example, reindexing your web site using Excite at 3:00am every morning.

You may use cron jobs on your AAPT Web . To protect system resources all cron requests must be submitted to AAPT's systems administrators to approve and implement.

Requesting addition of a cron job

We request that you thoroughly test your scripts from the command line before submitting them for approval (taking into account both success and failure, including when under load if applicable) and that you think carefully about how often the script should run. Eg: if your script takes 7 mins to execute now consider the possibility that it may take 15 mins to run in the future, making a job that runs every 10 mins unworkable.

AAPT reserves the right to request modification of jobs if deemed necessary, and to refuse setup if jobs are excessive in their resource use.

Output of scripts can be redirected to either /dev/null (output will never be seen) or a file in your web cage. If you wish to have the output emailed to you, we request that you build this functionality into the actual script. This makes things easier for you in the future if your chosen email address changes, or you decide you don't want to see the output anymore.

Please note that Cron jobs are available for Unix AAPT Web sites only.

To assist in your request, we ask that you copy and paste this template into your email, and provide all requested information.

 Website URL(s):
 Website Login Name:
 Name and location of script to run:
 Does this script produce output? :
  If yes, where would you like the output redirected? :

 If you know how to write the syntax of a cron entry, please provide your
 preferred entry:


 How often would you like the script to run? :
 First preference of time of day:
 Second preference of time of day:

 Your Name:
 Your email address:
 Your contact phone number:
 Best time to contact you:

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