book

Programming Windows® Services with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 2008

Name: Programming Windows® Services with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 2008
Author: Michael Gernaey
ISBN: 9780735624337

by Michael Gernaey

January 2008

Beginner

352 pages

9h 6m

English

Microsoft Press

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Programming Windows® Services with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 2008
Introduction
Who This Book Is For
How This Book Is Organized
System Requirements
Find Additional Content Online
The Companion Web Site
Support for This Book
Questions and Comments
I. Defining Windows Services
1. Writing Your First Service in Visual Basic 2008
Generating the ProjectRenaming Our Project Files

Understanding the Wizard Code
The <OnStart> MethodThe <OnStop> MethodOther EventsAdding <OnPause>Adding <OnContinue>
Writing Our First Code
Modifying the <OnStart> MethodModifying the <OnStop> MethodModifying the <OnPause> MethodModifying the <OnContinue> Method
Making the Service Installable
Setting the Service PropertiesSetting the Startup OptionsAdditional Configuration OptionsAdding a Signature Key FileAdding Security-Specific Settings
Building, Installing, and Deploying
Creating Your Service Storage LocationVerifying That You Have .NET 2.0 InstalledVerifying That Your Service Is Installed<OnStart> Message<OnPause> Message<OnContinue> Message<OnStop> Message
Summary
2. Expanding Your Service with Threads
Cleaning Up the Service from the Previous Chapter
Understanding Threads
Determining How Many Threads to CreateThread SynchronizationCreating ThreadsThread Methods
The New Code
Thread Function CodeEvent-Logging CodeUpdating the <OnStart> MethodUpdating the <OnStop> MethodUpdating the <OnPause> MethodUpdating the <OnContinue> MethodUpdating the Thread MethodExecuting the ThreadUpdating <OnStart>
Install and Test Your Service
What Is Thread Cleanup?
Thread Cleanup AvailabilityThreads and AccessibilityA Problem with the Current <OnStart> ThreadFixing the Thread-Scope IssueCreating the Thread in <OnStart>Thread CleanupCleaning Up the <OnStop> MethodAbout Thread AbortMaking Thread Cleanup UsefulAdding Code to ThreadAbortExceptionKeeping the Thread AliveInstall and Verify
Extending <OnPause> and <OnContinue>
Ways to Control Thread ProcessingThread SuspensionUpdating <OnPause>Updating <OnContinue>Using Thread State ControlUpdating <OnPause>Updating <OnContinue>Updating <OnStop>Updating <ThreadFunc>Importance of the THREAD_WAIT Value
Summary
3. Services and Security
Security Privileges and ServicesService Account SecurityLocal SystemUser AccountsSecuring the ServiceProtecting DataAccess to the Data Store That Holds the Customer InformationAs a UserImpersonationAccess to the Directory to Which the Service Downloads the Information Before ProcessingAccess to the Secondary Data Store That Will Hold the Customer InformationAccess to the Temporary Data and Data Connections
Summary
II. Creating Interactive Windows Services
4. Services and Polling
Polling the File System
Adding a Module File
Adding Event Log InstanceIds
Adding New Polling Code
Introduction to Instrumenting a Resource FileCreating the Resource FileAdding Previous Literals to the Resource File
Updating the Service Events
Modifying Our <OnStart>Modifying <OnStop>Modifying <OnPause>Modifying <OnContinue>
Writing a New Thread Method
Install and Verify
Monitoring with Multiple Threads
Expanding ProcessingCreating the CodeModifying the <ThreadFunc> MethodInstallation and VerificationChanging the StartUp Account
Extending the Threading Model
Monitoring More Than One FolderMonitoring More Than One File Type Per FolderOutputting to More Than One FolderProcessing More Than One File Type Per FolderWhen Complexity Steps In
Adding a FileWorker Class
Designing a New Class FileAdding a ConstructorAdding a Worker ThreadAdding the Worker Thread FunctionAdding the Thread Action StateAdding a WriteLogEventAdding Our <Start> Method
Implementing the Worker Class
Adding a FileWorker CollectionAdding New File Type and Input Locations
Creating the FileWorkerOptions Class
Updating the FileWorker ConstructorUpdating Our <FileWorker.ThreadFunc>
Updating <Tutorials.ThreadFunc>
Updating the <OnStop> MethodInstallation and Verification
Using Configuration Files
Application-Specific Configuration FileThe Application-Processing Configuration File
Updating <Tutorials.ThreadFunc>
Installation and Verification
Summary
5. Processing and Notification
SMTP Notifications
File Processing
Configuring Our New SMTP ClassUpdating the FileWorkerOptions ClassUpdating the FileWorker ClassUpdating the FileWorker Class ConstructorUpdating the <FileWorker.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the Tutorials ClassUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodInstallation and Verification
Advanced Processing
Exploring Processing OptionsOptimizing ProcessingScenario 1: Synchronization with Threads and QueuesScenario 2: Optimizing Peformance with Delegates and EventsScenario 3: Combing Synchronized Queues and EventingDeciding on the Best Solution
Implementing a Solution
Creating a New <FileWorker.ProcessingIncoming> MethodCreating a New <FileWorker.ProcessFiles> MethodUpdating FileWorker Class Thread Property SupportUpdating the <Tutorials.OnStop> MethodQueueing E-mail NotificationsDecoupling Notifications Implementation QuestionsDo Notifications have to be successful before a file is moved?Can notifications be asynchronous to the file being moved?Decoupling: An ExampleSMTP Queueing SolutionThe QueueThe DataUpdating the SMTP ClassUpdating the FileWorkerOptions ClassUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the <FileWorker> ConstructorBalance and PerformanceInstallation and Verification
Summary
6. User Input, Desktop Interaction, and Feedback
Understanding Service Feedback
Configuring a Service to Interact with the Desktop
Getting Started with Creating the Interactive ServiceCreating a Feedback FormAdding Text Selection CodeAdding a Delegate MethodAdding Required ReferencesMaking the Form Visible to the ServiceUpdating the FileWorker ClassCreating a DelegateCreating the <FrmThread> MethodCreating a Thread Instance in FileWorker ClassUpdating <FileWorker.Start>Adding the UpdateForm Method to the FileWorker ClassUpdating <FileWorker.ThreadFunc>Install, Configure, and Verify
Summary
7. Data Logging: Processing and Storing Data in SQL Server 2005
Configuring Microsoft SQL ServerCreating a Tutorials DatabaseCreating a Users TableCreating a User Stored Procedure
Understanding a LINQSQL Class
Using LINQ To SQL
Creating the Users Table Data Entity Class with LINQ To SQL FileCreating a SQL Class
Updating the FileWorker Class
Updating <FileWorker.ProcessFiles>Install and Verify
Data Tracking Validation
Creating Process Error FolderError Processing SolutionUpdating the FileWorkerOptions ClassUpdating Our configuration.xml FileUpdating the FileWorker ClassUpdating the FileWorker Class ConstructorUpdating the <Tutorials.threadFunc> Method
Implementing the Record Failure Code
Adding a Process Failure MethodThe Worker ThreadInstall and Verify
Data Migration from One Data Store to Another Data Store
Creating the Back-End Data StoreCreating a New Connection StringUpdating the LINQSQL Class ConnectionstringUpdating InsertRecord ImplementationsImplementing a Dispose Method for the LINQSQL ClassUpdating the <FileWorker.ProcessFiles> MethodCreating a New <ProcessRecords> MethodUpdating the FileWorker ClassCreating the New <LINQSQL.GetUsers> MethodInstall and Verify
Reporting Processing Failures
Optimizing the LINQSQL Class
Install and Verify
Summary
III. Services That Support IT and the Business
8. Monitoring and Reporting with WMI
Using WMI with ServicesWMI ArchitectureAdding the WMI Class ReferenceCreating the Generic WMI ClassUnderstanding WMI Classes and Their UsesSpecific WMI and Custom Classes
Using the WMI Class
Adding New EventLog ConstantsUpdating <Tutorials.ThreadFunc>Adding the WMI Property Reader Method
Extending the WMI Implementation
Extending the WMI ClassNew WMI Member VariablesNew and Updated WMI Class Member MethodsThe <New> ConstructorThe WMIWorkerOptions ClassThe WMI PropertiesCreating the WMIWorkerOptions ClassThe Query PropertyThe WMIRoot PropertyThe Server PropertyCreating the Configuration FileWMI Service Account
WMI System Monitoring
Updating the Configuration FileWMI Win32_Process UsageUpdating the WMIWorkerOptions ClassUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the <Query> Configuration ValueUpdating the <WMI.ProcessWMIRequest> MethodService Function Validation
Service Notification
Updating the Configuration.xml FileUpdating the WMI ClassUpdating the WMIWorkerOptions ClassUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the <WMI.ProcessWMIRequest> MethodService Validation
Summary
9. Talking to the Internet
Reading and Parsing ASP PagesCreating the ASP Master PageCalling the ASP Master PageThe <MonitorUrl> MethodThe <CheckStatus> MethodApplication Log InstanceIdsStoring ASP Page URL Monitoring StatusCreating the URLS Status TableCreating the UpdateURLStatus Stored ProcedureCreating LINQ To SQL DependenciesAdding a Table and Stored Procedure to the CanvasCreating the Wrapper LINQ ClassThe ConstructorThe <InsertRecord> MethodThe <GetUrls> MethodUpdating the Configuration FileUpdating the <Tutorials.TThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the Tutorials <OnStop> MethodService Validation
Adding a Dynamic Status ASPX Page
Creating a New ASP.NET Web ApplicationCreating the SQL DatasourceAdding a GridView ControlValidating the Web Site
FTP and Your Service
Using FTP in the Service
Creating FTP DirectoriesAdding an FTP ClassThe <DownloadFiles> MethodFTP Class PropertiesAdding New FTP ConstantsModifying the Configuration FileModifying the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the Tutorials <OnStop> MethodService Validation
Uploading Data Using FTP
Updating the FTP ClassUpdating the Configuration FileUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the FTP ClassUpdating the <Start> MethodService Validation
Summary
10. Services That Listen
Listening with TCP/IPDesign Points for Service ListenersCreating the First Listener ServiceCoding the Service ListenerAdding a Configuration FileCreating a Listener ClassListener Class PropertiesThe <StartListener> MethodThe <StartListener> Processing LoopListener Processing MethodsThe <ProcessCommand> MethodThe <GetDateTime> MethodThe <GetServiceStatus> MethodThe <GetProcessList> MethodUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the Tutorials <OnStop> Method
Service Validation
The Test Client
Allowing Multiple Connections
Extending the Listener ClassThe <SocketThread> MethodUpdating the <StartListener> MethodService Validation
Summary
11. Advanced Security Considerations and Communications
What Does Securing the Service Mean?Service Logon PrivilegesSecuring Your Service’s ConfigurationSQL Server Logon InformationRemote File LocationsRemote Server IdentitiesFile or Data AttributesOptions for Securing Configuration DataHash ValuesPrivate and Public KeysImpersonationRestricting Access and ACLsUsing Windows Authentication for SQL ServerA Closer Look at Security OptionsRestricted Access and ACLsThe RegistryFile FoldersWindows SQL Server AuthenticationCertificates, Impersonation, and Configuration AccessUsing Hash Values
Services as Clients
Securing the HTTP Client ServiceUpdating the Configuration FileThe URL PropertyThe AuthType PropertyThe AuthMethod PropertyThe UserName PropertyThe Password PropertySample Configuration FileUpdating the Http ClassAdding New PropertiesUpdating the <CheckStatus> MethodUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodConfiguring the Web ServerSecuring the FTP ServiceSecuring the Transport Channel and Authentication MethodUpdating the Configuration FileUpdating the FTP ClassUpdating FTP Class PropertiesUpdating the <SendFile> MethodUpdating the <GetFile> MethodUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodSecuring the SMTP Client ClassSecuring the Transport Channel and Authentication MethodUpdating the Configuration FileUpdating the EmailDetail PropertiesUpdating the SMTP Class MethodsUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodWriting Secure CodeException HandlingCatching the Proper ExceptionsThrowing ExceptionsDetermining ExceptionsUnderstanding the Exception StackMicrosoft RecommendationsSecuring In-Memory and On-Disk DataUsing SSL with Server ServicesUsing TcpClient and TcpListener ClassesCreating a CertificateUsing Certificates in CodeUpdating the Configuration FileUpdating the Listener ClassAdding the Proper ImportsAdding New Listener PropertiesCreating the ClientStream ClassAdding the ClientStream Class to the Listener ClassUpdating the <StartListener> MethodUpdating <SocketThread> MethodUpdating the <Tutorials.ThreadFunc> MethodUpdating the Test Client to Use SSLUsing TcpClient with SSLAdding the ImportsAdding the Server SSL Certificate Validation Callback MethodUpdating the Client Request Code
Summary
IV. Advanced Windows Services Topics
12. Scheduling, Configuring, Administering, and Setting Up Windows Services
What Does Scheduling Mean?Scheduling OptionsPermission RequirementsDetermining the Type of Scheduling to UseThe Event-Driven ModelThe Poll-Driven Model
Administration of Services
Types of Configuration DataService Configuration DataNumber of Active ThreadsGlobal Configuration DataLocation of User Configuration DataStoring Service-Specific Configuration DataCreating Application SettingsAccessing Application SettingsUser Configuration DataAdvanced Service AdministrationDynamic Service ConfigurationDynamic File ConfigurationsMicrosoft Database Dynamic ConfigurationAdministrative UI
Installing Services
Adding the Setup ProjectAdd the Project OutputCreating Custom ActionsCreating a Service Custom ActionCreating a Debug Symbol Custom ActionAdding a Configuration FileTesting the Setup Project
Summary
13. Debugging and Troubleshooting Windows Services
Debugging ServicesUsing the Visual Studio IDEWriting Your Service as a Console Application
Troubleshooting and Monitoring Services
Task ManagerViewing Statistics in Task ManagerUnderstanding Task Manager Columns UsageCPU UtilizationMemory UtilizationHandles
Performance Monitor
Performance Counter ConsumersUsing Perfmon as a Performance Counter ConsumerStandard System Exposed Performance CountersViewing Perfmon
Examples of Debugging and Monitoring Your Service
High CPUDebugging the High CPU ProblemViewing the Current ThreadsViewing the Selected Threads Active Source Code
Summary
14. Adding Performance Counters
Types of Performance CountersOperating System-Exposed CountersThe Process CategoryThreadsHandlesPrivate BytesVirtual MemoryCPU UsageElapsed TimeID ProcessApplication-Specific Counters
Adding Counters to Your Service
Creating Your CountersThe PerformanceCounterCategory ClassDefining the CountersCreating the CounterCreationDataCollection ClassCreating Counters with the PerformanceCounterCategory ClassMulti-Instance Counters vs. Single Instance Counters
Implementing Our Counters in Code
Creating Instances of CountersUpdating Counter ValuesIncrementing the CounterDecrementing the CounterSample Service with Performance CountersService Validation
Summary
V. Appendices
A. Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS)
Installing Microsoft IISInstalling IIS on Windows Vista UltimateInstalling IIS on Windows XP
B. Microsoft File Transfer Protocol Service
Installing Microsoft FTP ServiceInstalling the FTP Service on Windows Server 2003Installing the FTP Service on Windows Vista UltimateInstalling FTP Services on Windows XP
C. Microsoft SMTP Service
Installing SMTP Services on Windows XP
D. About the Author
Index

Content preview from Programming Windows® Services with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 2008

Chapter 2. Expanding Your Service with Threads

In this chapter:

Cleaning Up the Service from the Previous Chapter

Understanding Threads

The New Code

Install and Test Your Service

What Is Thread Cleanup?

Extending <OnPause> and <OnContinue>

Summary

In the previous chapter we created a simple project using the Microsoft Visual Basic Wizard and templates for Windows Services. Although we were able to install and run the service, it was not very useful—except for demonstration purposes.

You may remember that I said we wanted to avoid doing a large amount of work in the <OnStart> method. But if we aren’t going to do the work there, where do we do it? This is where threads come in. Threads are like mini-processes within the service. Threads allow you to perform ...

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Programming Windows® Services with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 2008

by Michael Gernaey

Chapter 2. Expanding Your Service with Threads

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