README.TXT

Simple Service 
 
 
SUMMARY 
======= 
 
The SERVICE sample demonstrates how to create and install a service. 
 
In this particular sample, the service merely opens a named pipe (the name  
defaults to \\.\pipe\simple) and waits for read and write operations to the  
pipe. If the pipe receives input, it creates the string: 
 
    Hello! [<input goes here>] 
 
and sends it back to the client through the pipe. 
 
The service can be started and stopped from the control panel Services  
applet, the net command, or by using the service controller utility (see  
MORE INFORMATION). 
 
The service also provides command-line parameters which install, remove, or  
run (debug) the service as a console application. 
 
MORE INFORMATION 
================ 
 
To aid in writing and debugging services, the SDK contains a utility 
(MSTOOLS\BIN\SC.EXE) that can be used to control, configure, or obtain  
service status. SC displays complete status for any service in the service  
database, and allows any of the configuration parameters to be easily  
changed at the command line. For more information on SC.EXE, type SC at the  
command line. 
 
Usage: 
 
To install the service, first compile everything, and then type: 
 
    simple -install 
 
Now, let's look at SC's command-line parameters: 
 
    sc 
 
To start the service, use the "net start" command, the control panel  
Services applet, or the command: 
 
    sc start simpleservice 
 
Verify that the service has entered the RUNNING state: 
 
    sc query simpleservice 
 
Once the service has been started, you can use the CLIENT program to verify  
that it really is working, using the syntax: 
 
    client  
 
which should return the response: 
 
    Hello! [World] 
 
If, after playing with the sample, you wish to remove the service, simply  
say: 
 
    simple -remove 
 
You may change the name of the pipe by specifying -pipe <pipename> as a  
startup parameter for both CLIENT and SIMPLE. The string passed in by CLIENT  
can be changed by specifying -string <string>. 
 
Notes: 
 
1) The use of the SERVICE.H header file and the accompanying SERVICE.C file  
simplifies the process of writing a service. You as a developer simply need  
to follow the TODO's outlined in the header file, and implement the  
ServiceStart and ServiceStop functions for your service. 
 
There is no need to modify the code in SERVICE.C. Just add SERVICE.C to your  
project and link with the following libraries: 
 
    libcmt.lib  
    kernel32.lib  
    advapi.lib  
    shell32.lib 
 
2) Install/Remove functionality should not be included in a production service.   
The functionality is included in this service for illustration purposes, and as  
a convenience to developers.