[drupal-docs] update to handbook cron page?

[Anisa]

so, I wrote this.  A bit choppy, I dumped in large chunks from the 
original handbook cron page: http://drupal.org/node/288 because I really 
don't know much about this stuff.  Please fix and make it more concise!  
Also, I don't really know about errors, but I do think that belongs in 
here too.

=======================
Cron

What it is...

Some modules require regularly scheduled actions, such as cleaning up 
logfiles. Cron, which stands for chronograph, is a periodic command 
scheduler executing commands at intervals specified in seconds. It can 
be used to control the execution of daily, weekly and monthly jobs (or 
anything with a period measured in seconds). Automating tasks is one of 
the best ways to keep a system running smoothly, and if most of your 
administration does not require your direct involvement, cron is an 
ideal solution.

Why you need it...

Drupal core modules that need/use cron:
Search (uses cron to index it, search will not return any results if you 
don't use cron.php at least once)

How to use it...

Just by going to www.example.com/cron.php with your web browser, you are 
using the cron function.  A blank page is a good sign here, it means it 
completed successfully.

However, it's a pain to have to go to www.example.com/cron.php everytime 
you want to run a cron job.  The trick is how can you automate the process.

How to set up a automated cron job...

Linux/Unix users

For the Unix/Linux crontab itself, use a browser like lynx or wget but 
make sure the process terminates: either use /usr/bin/lynx -source 
http://example.com/cron.php or /usr/bin/wget -o /dev/null -O /dev/null 
http://example.com/cron.php. Take a look at the example scripts in the 
scripts-directory. Make sure to adjust them to fit your needs. A good 
crontab line to run the cron script once every hour would be:

     00 * * * * /home/www/drupal/scripts/cron-lynx.sh

Note that it is essential to access cron.php using a browser on the web 
site's domain; do not run it using command line PHP and avoid using 
localhost or 127.0.0.1 or some of the environment variables will not be 
set correctly and features may not work as expected.

Shared hosting users...

Check with your host to see if they will allow you to set up a cron 
job.  Cpanel users may find this option in their control panel.

Host won't let you do it?  You can either ask some one else to set one 
up for you, or use poormanscron: http://drupal.org/project/poormanscron

Dealing with error messages...

Not the slightest clue, never gotten one.  ;p Someone else write this.
============================

Anisa.

Gabor Hojtsy wrote:

>> This wget thingy...  how well is it known to which people?  For 
>> example, if you tell a linux user, just use wget, is it like 99% 
>> likely that they will go, oh OK, as opposed to, what the hell are you 
>> talking about?
>
>
> IMHO it is very well known. Quite some install guides instruct you to 
> download something with wget for example.
>
> Goba