CTFreak is a self-hosted task scheduler that allows users to run commands, bash scripts, PowerShell scripts, Ansible playbooks, and SQL queries on remote machines using SSH or WinRM, without the need for any agent software. It provides centralized logging, alerts, and cron-like scheduling through a web interface. Developed by Jean-Yves Pellé, a French software developer, CTFreak has been available for nearly four years. It offers an alternative to managing tasks separately through crontabs on Unix-based systems or scheduled tasks on Windows. CTFreak supports nine types of tasks, including running local or remote commands, executing bash or PowerShell scripts, running Ansible playbooks, sending HTTP requests, and creating workflows that can trigger other tasks in sequence or in parallel. Workflows can be nested, although this feature might be challenging for some users. Installation is described as simple, involving downloading a single binary file, making it executable, and running it. The tool is available in multiple formats, such as Docker, Snap, and Cloudron, but the binary version is recommended for users who plan to use Ansible. The installation process also includes setting up the tool as a systemd service to ensure automatic restarts after system reboots. To use CTFreak, users create projects and add tasks. For example, a local command can be scheduled to back up a folder, while a PowerShell script can be set to check disk space on a Windows machine. The tool allows users to add remote machines, which requires enabling SSH or WinRM on the target machines and having PowerShell 7.2 or newer installed. Tasks can be filtered by tags, making it easier to manage multiple machines and tasks simultaneously. CTFreak supports sending alerts through popular communication platforms like Discord, Slack, Mattermost, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and email, as well as opening tickets in systems like GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and YouTrack. It also includes incoming webhooks to trigger tasks from external tools and a REST API for script-based interactions. Additional features include a file explorer for browsing remote machines, calendar integration to avoid scheduling tasks on holidays, and user access controls. Data is stored in a SQLite database, and users can back it up by copying the entire folder. The free version of CTFreak has several limitations, such as a maximum of 8 tasks, 1 parameter per task, 3 users, and 1 alert and ticket notifier. It does not support parallel task execution, but it does not limit the number of machines that can be controlled. Secrets such as passwords are stored in plain text in the SQLite database, although a command is available to encrypt them using AES-256-GCM. The Pro edition of CTFreak is priced at 369 € for the first year, followed by 299 € annually, with discounts available using a specific code. More advanced users can opt for the Business and Sovereign editions. The free version is downloadable and well-suited for use in home labs or small-scale environments.