From ADAM - Academic Data Management for Schools

See also: Configuring cron

Cron is a script named after the Unix utility of the same name that is used to run scheduled events in the background of a computer's operation. Similarly, ADAM uses a script that should be configured to run with an automated scheduling service. This script is responsible for the following actions:

• Creating database backups
• Removing old analysis images
• Sending daily absentee alerts
• Maintaining the error logs

Windows machines generally do not have a "cron" equivalent installed, but a small service called "MoodleCron" can be downloaded and will perform the same function. More information and a download link can be found here.

The cron service (or MoodleCron) should be configured to fetch the cron.php page within your ADAM installation on 5 minute intervals:

http://yourserver.com/adam/cron.php

The actual URL will depend on how you access your ADAM installation.

Once running, specifics of how and when the cron script performs its action can be configured in the Site Settings.