>I have a little program that only function is to check for some files and print a report for each incoming file. I was talking to a customer who is using the program. He asked me if it is possible to change this program from an application to a service. He said that the program is running on the server and for some security reasons he would prefer that it were a service. I have no idea what he was talking about but I said I would look into this. So I do now <g>
>Anybody can help me understand the difference between application and service and is it possible to make a VFP app to a service?
>
>Thank you.

A service is basicly a program that runs when you boot your machine.
If you want to see a few of them...

Start - Programs - Administrative Tools - Services

* You have to have NT4, 2000, or XP to do this. *

Keep in mind if you do this, you wont have an interface to your program (but it sounds like you don't need one anyway)

There are ways to do this yourself - but if you don't mind blowing 80 bucks..take a look at this...
http://www.eltima.com/products/screenshots/application-as-service

...or if yer cheap like me, you'll want to goto DOS and use the INSTSRV command...

There is a good example of how to do this here....
http://www.geocities.com/lwddemon/setiservice/

...and if you ever wanted to know what all those darn services do... take a look at this...
http://www.blackviper.com/WIN2K/servicecfg.htm