Chapter 8, lesson 3: Creating Windows Services.

• WS - runs an assembly in the background without any user interaction. Run in own user session.
• WS - can be automatically started on reboot, even if user does not log on.
• 1. Cannot be debugged in VS. Must install, start, then attach debugger to service's process.
• 2. Must create installation component for service apps - they install + register the svc on the server + create entry for svc with Windows Svc Control Manager.
• 3. runs in a different 'window station' than the interactive station of the logged-on user. No dialog boxes + raise errors to event log, not UI.
• 4. run in own security context. svc running under system account has more privileges than one under user account.

Creating a Service Project

• There exists a Wisndows Svc app template in VS.
• inherits from ServiceBase class.
• OnStart, OnStop.
• Add installers - 'Add Installer link in VS' - adds class with 2 - one to install process...

Implementing a Svc

• ServiceBase.ServiceName property - set. ServiceName not friendly name - used by O.S. Must be unique.
• OnStart - must not loop as has to return to O.S.
• OnPause, OnContinue, OnShutdown. Optional.

Create an Install Project for a Service

• Cannot simply run a svc exe. Must be installed <>
• ServiceInstaller class - defines svc desc., display name, svc name, and start type.
• ServiceProcessInstaller class - defines svc acc. settings. Security context set ~ Account property - 1. LocalService - nonprivileged user, 2. NetworkService - can authenticate to another comp on network, 3. LocalSystem - unlimited privileges, presents computer's credentials to any remote server.
• VS automatically generates both above classes.