The module ARS.exe is the primary component of Desktop Automation Services. Configuration of the service is performed through the use of an XML file. The XML document can be obtained either locally on the workstation or through directory services. The XML document is called the action file and the file is named actions.xml.
See an example file in Section 21.3, Example of an Action File
Each action is a set of configurable user-level operations such as mapping a drive, testing for an authenticated connection to a directory, and even running/ shutting down an application. The flexibility of the code to test for conditions and have the action triggers such as hot keys, provide tremendous flexibility to change the behavior of the workstation to fit your needs.
The ARSControl.exe runs as a Windows service. The ARSControl.exe then parses the actions.xml file and stores the configuration in memory. All actions performed by ARS.exe and ARSControl.exe are recorded in a DASlog.txt log file at different configurable levels of details.
After you have configured the ARS.exe application, it’s actions are available individually or in combination with the scripting interface that is available on Windows. For example, VBScript, JavaScript, login scripts, SecureLogin scripts and batch files.