What exactly are the Scheduled Tasks?

Products

IT Management Suite

Issue/Introduction

Question
What exactly are the Scheduled Tasks? How do they work?

Environment

ITMS 7.6 and later

Resolution

Answer

Scheduled Tasks are the Notification Server background processes that run in specific schedules. Each Scheduled Task uses the Schedule Processor, which is located at \Program Files\Altiris\Notification Server\bin\ScheduleProcessor.exe.

Each of the Scheduled Tasks has a unique GUID assigned. Most of the default GUIDs and Scheduled Tasks are created during the Symantec Management Platform installation (see list below of available shared scheduled tasks). The SQL database contains references of the GUID used.

The Schedule Processor will run against a GUID in the Altiris database. The Altiris database contains the run information assigned to each of the Scheduled Tasks. The run information contains the date and time for when the Scheduled Task ran and when will be the next time.

One of the settings that needs to be considered for the proper functionality of those Scheduled Tasks is the “Run as” parameter (under the Task Properties). The “Run as” information should be set to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM to have the rights needed to execute the process.

As well, all Scheduled Tasks can be run manually by browsing to the Task Scheduler on the Notification Server.

Shared Schedules

Used by all tasks managed on the SMP Console. The most common schedules are provided. You can add schedules on this page to fit your needs.

To access this page

In the SMP Console, go to Settings tab.
In the left pane, navigate to Settings > Notification Server Settings
In the left pane, select Shared Schedules.

Note: Schedules must be enabled before they can be used. To enable a schedule, select the check box next to the schedule name.

Business Hours: An hourly schedule during business hours.
Daily: A daily schedule that occurs at 2:00 a.m. every day.
Half-Hour: A half-hourly schedule.
Hourly: An hourly schedule.
Monthly: A monthly schedule.
Package Refresh: Performs a periodic refresh of the package distribution points and package snapshots.
Weekly: A weekly schedule.
Add Schedule button: Click this button to create your own custom schedule? Enter the name of the schedule, and then select a schedule task and start time. Click the Advanced tab for more options in customizing a schedule. Click OK when finished. Your new schedule is created, enabled, and listed with the other Shared Schedules.
Items currently using: Which items are currently using a particular schedule. When you select a schedule from the drop-down list, all items that are using the selected schedule are listed below.

To edit a Shared Schedule, click on the pencil icon next to the name of the schedule you wish to edit. To delete a Shared Schedule, click on the delete icon next to the description of the schedule you wish to delete.