What is a Cron Job?
A cron job is an automated program developed for Unix and Linux systems. It allows the user to execute several commands at a specific time on a precise date. A cron job is an important tool that can be used for anything from running scripts and re-indexing a web page to providing backup for a database. A cron job can also be used as a reminder for downloading email. The user only needs to set the program up once in order for it to continuously complete the job. If a web e-zine owner has over 100 email subscribers reading his publication on the 25th of each month, for example, a cron job could assist in getting the information out to each reader at the same time and date each month. In addition, it can add new members to the web site and remove those who unsubscribe while maintaining the database. A cron job is set up with cron tabs within a cron tab manager. Cron tabs are divided into six fields: minutes, hours, days, months, weekdays, and commands. The command field provides instructi
