Autoclose is a small utility designed to shut down Windows systems automatically.
Some of its features are:
- Shut down the system at a certain hour (e.g. at 12:00).
- Shut down the computer according to the CPU usage
- Several types of shutdown (shutdown, poweroff, restart, etc.).
- User-friendly interface.
- Works with Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000.
2. Legal stuff
_______________________________
This program is freeware for private use. For commercial use or inclusion in distributions for which you receive compensation of any type, such as including the program on a CD, please contact philippe.bornet@dihsr.unil.ch for prior authorization. You can redistribute this program freely when you include the complete original package. If you are interested in the source code, please contact philippe.bornet@dihsr.unil.ch.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. The author declines responsibility for any possible damage due to the use of this program.
3. Installation
_______________________________
Del Simply
Copy the program files to the directory where you want to store Autoclose.
Make a shortcut to the executable file.
Place the shortcut where it will be convenient for you to adjust the program settings.
4. Usage tips
_______________________________
- Due to the variations among the operating systems of Windows 95, 98 and NT/2000, Autoclose doesn't show the same options to all users.
- Under Win95 / Win98, you'll be able make your system shut down, power off, log off, hibernate and reboot.
- Under WinNT/Win2000, you'll be able make your system shut down, GO TO THE SWITCH OFF SCREEN?, power off, log off, hibernate, and reboot.
- The Force close option ensures that the system will shut down EVEN IF PROGRAMS ARE ACTIVE. (Delete ôOn the other handö) You may lose any unsaved data in any active program, so use this option carefully.
- Autoclose can be set to shut down the computer at any time or on any day; it can also be set to perform the same task at the same hour every day.
- Autoclose can be set to shut down the computer based on CPU usage (idle). When the CPU usage goes below a certain value and remains for a user-specified period of time, Autoclose runs the task specified in the "What" tab.
- In the options panel, you can set Autoclose to load with Windows, which is useful for recurring tasks.
- You can also specify a value for the warning countdown.
- Autoclose can wait for a specific amount of time that you set in the options tab and will then start shutting down based upon the CPU idle.
- The switch ô-startö in the commandline (e.g. autoclose.exe -start) will cause Autoclose to automatically start and count down to the shutdown.
5. Known problems and limitations
_______________________________
- The Poweroff option does not always work with Windows NT/2000. This is an issue of the version of Windows NT and the APM configuration of Windows 2000, and is not a fault of Autoclose.
- The hibernate option functions according to the Power Management abilities and settings of each computer.
6. Credits
_______________________________
⌐ 2001-2002 Philippe Bornet
If you have any suggestions, find a bug, or wish to send a compliment, send an e-mail to me at the following address: philippe.bornet@dihsr.unil.ch
