i've written c# windows service can write messages custom eventlog or number of files. these messages marked priority (so, example, errors , warnings stored in eventlog, if desired lot more can stored file).
what i'd create gui can listen these messages , display them in real-time. allowing user watch current messages (at whatever desired priority level), without need store file. assume separate program form of hook service, i'm unsure of start.
this first real windows service, seem missing keywords finding out how this... there code samples, tutorials, references, etc. how this?
update
lot of helpful answers, love when there's many ways solve problem! think i'm going implement self-hosting wcf based solution. i'm still light on details i'm trying learn wcf (i believe prove quite useful me in other projects)... far, i've found videos here helpful intro how-to.
what can have windows service have way of registering event (you can through using windows communication foundation). when error comes up, fires event, , winforms app notified. it's called duplex contract:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-us/wcf/thread/0eb69998-0388-4731-913e-fb205528d374/
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms731184.aspx
actually cool thing can have multiple applications listening way too. can display on screen, , have application log etc. without 2 external apps knowing each other.
