PC program question - DPChallenge Forums

09/09/2009 09:01:29 PM · #1

Is there a program that will monitor my PC for input from an outside source, store the input to a file and send the file to someone via email then wait for a new input and repeat?

09/09/2009 09:09:30 PM · #2

Originally posted by David Ey:

Is there a program that will monitor my PC for input from an outside source, store the input to a file and send the file to someone via email then wait for a new input and repeat?

Can you more specifically define "input from an outside source"?

09/09/2009 09:23:52 PM · #3

I think what you may be looking for is software that creates what is called a "hot folder", I've worked with a variety of programs that can possibly do that, but as previously said, you need to be more specific about the outside source. What needs to be monitored, or how is the file coming in?

Message edited by author 2009-09-09 21:24:10.

09/09/2009 09:29:05 PM · #4

Yes, I have a clocking device that can be connected to a pc. When a racing pigeon enters the loft a special band on its leg signals the clock that the bird has returned home and records the exact time and gives the birds speed in yards per minute. This information is sent to the pc for later review. I would like this file to be automatically sent to an e-mail address so if I was not home I could have the info imediately....without "Go to my pc"

09/09/2009 09:37:47 PM · #5

ie: I want my pc to recognise it has new info, save it to a new file and send the file to my e-mail, where my cell phone will alert me I have a new message.

Message edited by author 2009-09-09 21:38:32.

09/09/2009 09:38:47 PM · #6

If you already have something that is generating the file, then I think something to monitor the folder would be what was needed. I'll give some thought to if I have run across anything free or cheap that might work.

09/09/2009 09:51:36 PM · #7

Thanks Steve.

09/09/2009 10:08:31 PM · #8

Originally posted by David Ey:

I'm still not sure I understand your requirements... Are you saying you already have the hardware/software solution to convert the clocking device data and drop it into a unique file on the PC? Or do you need something to collect that information in the first place, from the hardware itself?

09/10/2009 11:41:28 AM · #9

Oh, CD I see. Just handle the pc file to the e-mail sending end of it.... recognise there is a new file with a certain name in the pc and send that file to an e-mail.

Thanks, David

09/10/2009 12:15:25 PM · #10

Came up empty handed. I thought I knew of a program that might be able to do that, but after reading the documentation, it's not capable of doing what you need.

09/10/2009 12:37:54 PM · #11

Originally posted by David Ey:

Oh, CD I see. Just handle the pc file to the e-mail sending end of it.... recognise there is a new file with a certain name in the pc and send that file to an e-mail.

This is a trivial undertaking (about 5 lines of code) in a "real shell" (not so trivial in DOS Batch). Have you already installed, or would be willing to install, something like Cygwin on your box?

ETA - Well, I might take that back. Might be pretty easy in Batch after all, now that I found a command-line MTA for DOS. The client MTA is $30 -- is that within your budget? I can knock out the script for you (no charge!)... ;) Cygwin, above, is free, but will require a bit of set up and learning curve to move into, if you're not ready for it...

Whats the specifics on the files your receiving from the existing software (full path name and example file names, for example)?

Message edited by author 2009-09-10 12:46:36.

09/10/2009 02:43:52 PM · #12

Thanks guys.

CD, I'll get back to you. I am comp illeretate and will have to get some answers for you. Thanks, David

09/10/2009 03:26:20 PM · #13

Originally posted by David Ey:

CD, I'll get back to you. I am comp illeretate and will have to get some answers for you. Thanks, David

Okey-doke -- no problem. In that case, Cygwin is definitely not for you. ;) If you can drop the $30 for the DOS command-line MTA (I'll keep looking for a free one as well), I can knock out the script for you once you send me the details for the file names, and you'll be all set.

Message edited by author 2009-09-10 15:26:35.

09/10/2009 03:49:15 PM · #14

I've used Cygwin as a means of writing firmware to a flashcard. Spent quite a few hours on the phone with a remote tech trying to get it working for him. (Eventually it was replaced with a nice neat Windows GUI app to do the job) When they gave it to us and said it was the firmware writing utility, I looked at it and the firmware, and recognized that is was Linux routines for Windows. Definitely not for the meek.