TWGS Service - What does Install TWGS to run as a service do?

It installs TWGS to run as a service

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

TWGS normally runs as a desktop application, but it can also be run as a windows serivce. A windows service runs in the background, and doesn't have to be associated with a desktop. This allows TWGS to startup automatically withought having to login to windows.

This works great under Windows XP/Server 2003, but due to security enhancments in all later versions of windows you loose local administration when running TWGS as a service. It would take a significant effort to fix this, as the TWGS console would have to be split off from the service in a seperate application.

Grin, you got me!

TWGS running as a service - it this something like when I look at my task manager - applications tab - are those programs that automatically load at start-up concidered a "windows service"? Things like my virus scanner is set to automatically upgrade when there's one available.

So, in the future when JP releases a new version sysops won't have to d-load and install, the TWGS upgrade will automatically if you've choosen to install this option?

I'm do appologize, I have to break this down to the obvious to understand it.

No, when TWGS is running as a desktop application it will apear on the applicatons tab along with Word, Excel, or anything pther programs that you use. When it's running as a service, you will only be able to see iton the processes tab, and if your running anything newer than XP/2003 you will see it on the services tab.

Examples of services are MS SQL servers, and IIS, DHCP, and TerminalServer. These programs don't normally interect with humans directly but provide a "service" to you. For example, the DCHP service provides other computers on the network with IP addresses and the TerminalServer service allows you to administor you server with Remote Desktop Connection.

No, this doesn't provide Automatic Updates. Most automatic updaters are built into the program or run as a system tray application. The system tray is all those icons down by the clock.

OK, I'm still puzzled. If TWGS is run as a service, what service is it providing?

How will the server, the game or the players benefit from running TWGS as a service?

What a service means is that it will run without you having to load it manually after logging into the PC- it will run when the computer boots even if you haven't logged in. You don't have to manually start your antivirus or firewall, etc. It's the same thing.

As for the benefit- say your PC reboots automatically after Patch Tuesday (when Microsoft puts out their updates). Your TWGS server will only be down while the computer is rebooting. If you don't have it set as a service, your TWGS server will be down until you click on the icon and load it up.

An application is something you choose to run.
A service is something that the operating system chooses to run.

Basically TWGS already is a service. It provides telnet connections to TradeWars players. It's just running as an application, and the admin console is the same program. This was a very common practice prior to the release of Vista.

I would recommend Installing Microsoft updates manually. After making sure I have a full backup, and another machine available when their patches break my comuter and it won't even boot.

Ah, I understand now. OK on my XP machines I let MS update, but on the 2003 Win Server, I update manually and only when no one's in the game.

Thanks for the explainations guys! I'm sure I won't be the only one wanting to know this stuff.

Yeah, it's usually not a big deal if you loose a desktop for a day or two, but I have spent many a night on the phone with Microsoft hoping they can fix their crap on a server they broke before the employess start showing up at 8am, and no-one can work. They usually try to blame it on a third party application, so that it isn't their problem.
Sometimes Microsoft can't fix it and we end up restoring from backup, but that can be a lenghty and time consuming process too.

Here you go Cruncher. More than you ever wanted to know:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library ... 80%29.aspx

I have all sorts of fun with QuickBooks Tech support as well. QBK does not play well with 64bit processors, and particularly 64bit OS's. Too many funky fixes and work-arounds.

Yeah, I don't think the planet is quite ready for 64 bit yet.