First: if this is in the wrong place, I apologize.

I'm a newcomer to Linux, but I'm trying to learn what I need to in order to correctly use it.

I've got a program I need to run multiple times, without my having to do anything. The book on Linux I've got mentioned the 'crontab' command, but I'm not sure I understand how to use it correctly. I tried to set up a call to the program I needed the way the book demonstrated, and nothing happened. Similarly, I've looked at a couple of websites found via a google search, but they simply showed the same kinds of examples as the book.

Basically, I need to know the correct way to set up a job with crontab, and the correct way to make sure it runs when it's supposed to.

I'm not sure if this information is needed to determine the cause, but I think the server I'm working on is running Suse 9. (Remote connection; I may not be correct in this.)

Anyone out there willing to take pity on this ignorant newbie?

Thanks in advance,
-EnderX