c# Windows Service Console.Writeln

Question

I wrote, installed, and successfully started a Windows Service in c# that does nothing :) Initially I just want echo stuff to the console, db queries the service makes etc. I used the OnStart in my service, but from a cmd prompt when I do a net start "My Service" where do these messages show up?

I'm open to better ways. I'm new to this and feeling my way through it step by step by echoing back to the console my progress. Should I echo to the event log instead? How do I do that?(I know, I know, google it)

 protected override void OnStart(string[] args)
    {
        base.OnStart(args);
        Console.WriteLine("Sham-Wow!");
    }

Answer 1

You cannot write the console from a Windows Service.

I recommend you using any logging utility, such as log4net.

The second alternative is writing to the Event Log (System.Diagnostics.EventLog)

Answer 2

Try System.Diagnostics.Trace.WriteLine and you will see your messages in Output window of Visual Studio or with dbgview utility.