Computer enthusiasts are likely familiar with system logs and if they are diligent little administrators – they are on top of the messages recorded within. For others, system logs typically contain the gory details of what is going on within a computer. They can be purely informational and generally unnecessary, or they can detail the first signs of critical problems developing. In the Windows world these messages are called events and the entire history can be viewed through Windows Event Viewer. Take a peak inside yourself?

From the Windows Start Menu search for event viewer and execute it.

Windows Event Viewer contains the familiar navigation down the left-hand side panel. Windows Logs are broken down into a number of categories but typically the most referenced are Application and System; logically you already understand the differentiation.

The Event Log is an excellent first step in troubleshooting any strange behavior that creeps up inside Windows. Specific events are further divided into levels of severity ranging from Information, to Warning, to Critical or Error. Given infinite time, ideally every administrator is surveying the logs routinely, looking for warning events before they mitigate to larger issues. Unfortunately, rarely is it possible to keep in touch with the events in a timely fashion. Microsoft understands this which is why in Windows Vista and 7 it’s possible to create notification alerts when certain definable events occur.

Using the Actions panel on the right-hand side of the Event Viewer application you can attach a task to an event. The task  can be a simple desktop alert or even an email – helpful for remote monitoring of servers and workstations.

Event 11 points to a critical problem with an attached disk drive – just what we’d like to monitor for in the future. The unfortunate event is found in the Event Viewer log and the Basic Task Wizard is initiated.

The wizard allows us to set an action to one of three things the next time this particular event ID is recorded: start a program, send an email, or display a message.

As it is my local workstation it makes the most sense to just display an alert message to garner my attention.

The task can become quite elaborate with it’s ability to launch a specified program; perhaps a quick back-up should be initiated for your most vital documents for example? The possibilities can be as simple or as complex as necessary for your comfort level.