Z-Cron for Windows

Used Z-Cron for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffSeptember 16, 2013

You can rely on Z-Cron as a robust scheduler that can handle not only shutting down the computer, but launching programs, leave reminder notes, and cleaning directories. Similar to the Unix Cron scheduler, and far more powerful than the native Windows task scheduler, Z-Cron is an aggressive sergeant-at-arms, able to tell your computer what to do and when to do it, leaving you to get on with your life when you're away from your machine. Besides the aforementioned tasks, Z-Cron also has the ability to schedule tasks to run daily, weekly, monthly, once, and at the system start-up.

The most unique tool that Z-Cron possesses, and what makes it such an excellent utility, is that it comes with a database of Embedded Tools. These tools are the basis for everything it can do, and they include a range of tasks such as an alarm clock, the ability to shutdown a remote computer on your network, activating a USB peripheral, and connecting or disconnecting from the Internet.

Do note that the installation is in German, although the program is in English. Still, that's not a cause for concern: getting the program going is about as simple as can be. The value of being able to have the computer do necessary tasks while you sleep or while you're away is a great weapon in any power users' arsenal.

Z-Cron for Windows

Used Z-Cron for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: March 19, 2013

Latest update: September 16, 2013

Version: 4.9-build-30

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 2000
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 16,140

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.3/5

13 User Votes

Help and Install is now in English
trod_runyonOctober 9, 2012
Pros
Used for about 6-7 months now, does its job perfectly.
Cons
I've scheduled programs, batch files and even sounds, and the interface for special events with arguments is a little obscure.
Summary
Try it it work, doesn't have virus/spyware and it's reliable.
Could not automate downloads on a schedule for off-peak
DuneamonJanuary 10, 2012
Pros
The program is purported to be capable of some useful tasks. I may try to automate some tasks in future, BUT ...
Cons
I could not set Z-Cron up to operate easily. I am an above average PC user, but do not have the confidence to install at Start-up and carry it's overhead. Assistance is limited even if you can understand the German Help text. My main goal was to automate downloads of software updates. I became quite frustrated just trying to schedule these.
Summary
I cannot recommend the program at present and need some better examples to follow to consider further usage. I may try to automate some Utility programs. malware and anti-virus scans, but will need to glean more confidence from Z-Cron Help if I am to take it any further.
Saved me from Windows 7 Task Scheduler Hell
joekharrisFebruary 16, 2011
Pros
I spent about three weeks unsuccessfully wrestling with the windows task scheduler. I was having trouble with mapped network drives, windows split credential system, running with elevated privileges, etc... With Z-Cron, it all worked very easily.
Cons
Some of the menu items are strangely translated and there is not much documentation.
Summary
A vast improvement over the windows 7 task scheduler.
Nice, easy to set-up and dependable
K-o-EDecember 27, 2009
Pros
Nice, easy to set-up and dependable; period.
Cons
The interface looks dull and old
Summary
I've tested slawdog's on my XP but at times it'll produce "out of memory" error and failed to shut-down. I'd set and left Zcron for several days already and didn't notice any error. Logs also show that it did what it's supposed to do on the dot.
Not what I wanted but I found it very useful anyway.
GarouDecember 20, 2008
Pros
I'm using it for several tasks that technically I could use the task scheduler for but it seems more reliable and can do a few more things that normally Id have to write a bat file and have the scheduler run the bat.
Cons
The German Installation and some of the other help files are in German but other then Id like it to be able to execute a php page it works great.
Summary
On my Linux server I have a cronjob that executes a php file for me and I was looking for a way to do it in on my Test server that I run from my regular PC. While this program wasn't capable of handling that task its made it easier to do some of my other scheduling tasks. Its a great find.
Very useful.
Pianosa23November 8, 2008
Pros
lets you run tasks automatically at regular intervals.
Cons
Nothing negative to report, so far.
Summary
Does what it says on the tin!
wrong language
lilmoya47August 7, 2008
Pros
Cons
Try to download but kept coming in a differant language
Summary
A rare failure for me
mikeaa52August 3, 2008
Pros
Unable to find any, and I am computer literate.
Cons
See summary
Summary
After 2 d/loads, gave up. Just could not make sense of program! Must be me.
ronnyramandtJuly 30, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
No Malware Easy Installation LOT OF COOL TOOLS! GREAT!
Jacqueline GoodisonJuly 28, 2008
Pros
I hope these other reviewers don't convince someone to not try the program. I scanned this with Avast and there was no malware. I believe that person who said that had a false positive (probably with Norton or an overzealous program because it offers OPTIONS that are normally reserved for Microsoft). This is sooo much better than Windows Scheduler! Very easy installation. The important words look like English words anyhow. Your machine will reboot at the end so close all your programs. There are awesome tools in here, aside from and alarm, you can schedule unzipping, directory changes, cleaning, starting and ending programs, power up and power downs in all kinds of combination. I don't know about the internet connection thing cause I have satellite and I'm always on. I highly recommend trying this program. Lots of options for personalization. It is safe and an easy download for anyone who has downloaded a few programs before. You will have to click around to become familiar with things. It's user friendly, but personally I may have designed some things differently. Another option is to copy the text (of the agreement or something) and go online translator if you want to be assured of the agreement. If you're looking for a good scheduler I'd definitely recommend this. I have lots of limtations with my satellite and three computers I'd like to synchronize and I can do this with this program. Looks like there's some website options too, I don't need them, but check it out if you're interested. I think it's great!
Cons
Well, installation in English would be nice..but that's cause I'm an American. If I was German, I'd say the program should be defaulted to German instead of American. Seems like a little problem to me because there's a million free online translator programs available you can just copy or type the text to and it'll translate it.
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Andreas Baumann

Schedule tasks for your computer.

Z-Cron is an important constituent of a system for the regular execution of recurring tasks. Z-Cron is a central coordinating point for the time control or automation of software. Next to the time controlled start of applications the program contains numerous tools, the automatic and time controlled system administration make easier which.