disc and execution monitor (DAEMON)

Disc And Execution Monitor (DAEMON) is a background program in the Unixoperating system that runs autonomously after startup. However, the term daemon is also used in other contexts.

A well-known application example is the realization of data transfer proceduresin Usenet. In Usenet, data transfers are realized by dial-up connections.

Since dial-up connections cannot be established at all times(busy state, line congestion), the necessary data transfers are automated by a daemon process. The program automatically establishes the necessary data connections, monitors the transmission and then terminates the connections - generally to several different destinations in succession. The data network coordinator determines at what times and how often this is done each day.