A program for automating certain actions. How to Automate Repetitive Actions on Your Computer

Some regularly performed tasks on the computer, such as checking the disk for viruses and/or spyware, backing up and synchronizing data, cleaning the disk from unnecessary files, etc., take up quite a lot of user time, which can be used with much greater benefit. After all, it is not at all difficult to configure a computer to automatically perform these tasks, and at a time convenient for booting the system.

However, the range of tasks that are repeated day after day that can be automated is by no means limited to those listed above. Thus, the computer can be entrusted with independently performing a variety of operations: launching applications, checking and cleaning the system registry, updating antivirus databases and other necessary data, downloading files, checking, receiving and sending email, archiving data, copying files, generating, sending by email, printing documents, etc. At the same time, the PC can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined moments: at each Windows startup, when the computer is turned off, daily, weekly and monthly at specified hours, etc., as well as when certain system events occur. In other words, the computer can perform many actions independently, even in the absence of the user - you just need to configure the PC accordingly.

Automating tasks that are regularly performed on a computer is important from two points of view. Firstly, it will allow you to perform many everyday operations almost or completely without user intervention and thus save a lot of time. For example, at the beginning of the working day, a PC can automatically launch applications necessary for work, independently open certain documents and folders, download mail, etc. In some cases, it makes sense to configure the computer to monitor changes - files and directories on the disk (in particular, when changes in a given directory, you can synchronize the entire contents of the directory with another directory) and certain Web pages (for example, notify by letter about the presence of changes on controlled Web -pages) on the Internet. Of particular interest is the automation of work using macros, which contain a sequence of recorded movements and mouse clicks and keyboard button presses in any Windows applications and can be played back at any time according to a schedule or when a certain key combination is pressed. In this way, for example, you can quickly configure your computer to certain type activities, opening required applications and/or documents and performing some frequently repeated operations.

Secondly, automation of a number of operations, the need for regular implementation of which users are well aware of, but nevertheless they are neglected, will make work on the PC much more reliable and prevent many stressful situations. Examples of such operations are backup, synchronization, checking the disk for the presence of malicious components, preventative cleaning of the disk and system registry, etc. And if in reputable companies qualified administrators are responsible for these operations, then in small offices and especially at home, users have to independently deal with these tasks. And if you entrust their execution to a computer, the stability of work will increase significantly. So, you can instruct your computer to regularly automatically back up or even simply copy an archive of email messages and folders with important documents, for example once a week, due to which the possibility of losing them will be significantly reduced. If you configure the system for automatic computer general cleaning, then it won’t be on disk extra files, the registry contains outdated data, and the speed of the computer will be stable.

Ways to solve the automation problem

There are three ways to solve the automation problem. The first way is to choose applications for performing repetitive tasks that have a built-in scheduler that allows you to carry out certain actions on a schedule. Most packages for backing up and/or synchronizing data, as well as for checking the disk for viruses and/or spyware components, have a built-in scheduler. Quite often, applications have the ability to perform scheduled tasks to clean the disk of unnecessary files and to eliminate outdated entries in the system registry. It’s easy to set up download managers to work according to a schedule, which can download necessary files V automatic mode, by independently connecting to the Internet, downloading data, and then disconnecting and turning off the computer. In some professional bookmark managers, you can configure automatic check Web pages for changes, and for different pages a special schedule may be determined. Some programs for monitoring Internet news, etc. can also work according to a schedule.

The second way is to use standard features Windows operating system, which has a built-in scheduler that allows you to automatically run program files when the system boots or according to a specified schedule (daily, weekly or monthly). This allows you to automate such time-consuming and regularly performed operations as backing up a disk, cleaning it from various file debris, testing the disk for viruses and/or spyware components, etc. In this case, it is not at all necessary to create your own task for each operation - you can first prepare a batch file with the required sequence of commands, which will then launch the scheduler at a time specified by the user. To create the corresponding tasks in Windows scheduler The Scheduled Tasks panel is intended, which can be opened from the Control Panel or called by the command Start => Programs => Accessories => System Tools => Scheduled Tasks (Fig. 1). To create the necessary tasks, you need to click on the Add task object, which will launch the built-in task wizard, which will guide the user through all stages of its creation. For automatic start programs through the scheduler Windows service The task scheduler should work in automatic startup mode, and if for some reason it is disabled, then select Start => Run and launch the services administration editor services.msc. Double-click on the name of the Task Scheduler service and on the General tab, set the startup type to automatic (Fig. 2).

Rice. 1. Create a new task using Windows Scheduler

Rice. 2. Enable automatic startup of the Task Scheduler service

And finally, the third way is to use task schedulers from third party manufacturers, which opens up many more possibilities for users. These programs allow you to perform a variety of actions automatically - from opening required folders, applications and documents before carrying out various operations with files for synchronizing directories, archiving data, for reproducing certain sequences of keystrokes and mouse manipulations, downloading files, turning off the PC, etc. Solving all these tasks automatically does not require any programming skills or the ability to create batch files. With task schedulers running in the background, you can automate processes at a visual level by simply telling the system what needs to be done and when, and defining execution parameters. This helps to configure the system much faster, more conveniently and more reliably automatic solution certain tasks and save users a lot of time. The range of scheduling programs is quite large and includes both serious, expensive packages for automating a wide range of network and computing operations, such as AutoMate, and designed for IT specialists, and more available solutions oriented towards the general user.

To automate many operations today in the mass market, the user is offered great amount programs: some allow you to run in certain time necessary applications, others speed up and simplify access to various functions using hot keys, others provide more comfortable and faster installation of applications, others can independently close applications, turn off the computer, etc. In addition, there are comprehensive solutions, which allow you to automate many computer processes- we’ll tell you exactly about them. Most of these applications allow you to automate complex computer tasks without programming knowledge, and any task in them is modeled based on a certain set of actions specified and configured by the user in visual editor. All applications from this group are quite simple and accessible, do not require much time to master and allow you to achieve results very quickly, however, the range of automation tasks solved with their help is limited to the list of supported actions. The most popular applications in this group are Automize and Workspace Macro Pro.

A number of software packages, in addition to visual task development, provide the user with the opportunity to create tasks and edit them at the level program code. Of course, this assumes that users have the appropriate knowledge and skills, and the development of each task is a lengthy process, but such packages allow you to automate almost any task. Among the popular and well-proven products is the Macro Scheduler application.

Automation programs

Macro Scheduler 8.0

Developer: MJT Net Ltd

Distribution size: 3.2 MB

Price: Professional - $197, Standard - $87

Running: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server

Macro Scheduler is one of the best solutions for automating tasks using macros. The application has, among others, a Russian-language interface and is presented in two versions: Professional and Standard (the latter does not have the ability to compile scripts into EXE files).

This application allows you to create macros automatically - by remembering the program of all actions performed by the user and generating the corresponding program code, and therefore is accessible even to beginners. True, the list of tasks that can be automated in this way is limited. In addition, Macro Scheduler implements the ability to develop macros in a visual editor and directly write program code by the user manually (Fig. 3), which allows you to automate almost any task, even the most labor-intensive. In this regard, the program can become indispensable for automating a variety of regularly performed tasks - for performing various work with the disk (backup, copying, synchronization, cleaning, etc.), for generating financial reports, to control the movement of files and download emails, to test and install software, to transfer files over a local network and download files from the Internet, to generate responses to emails etc. Macro Scheduler is a software-independent solution and can compile scripts into stand-alone EXE files that can be run on any computer running under Windows control. Of course, all this should be of interest to professionals.

Rice. 3. Editing a macro at the code level in Macro Scheduler

Automatic creation of scripts is implemented in Macro Scheduler in the same way as in other applications, the only difference is that it is possible to edit the script generated by the program at the program code level. Writing a script manually is similar to developing a program, so without knowledge scripting language MacroScript is indispensable in this case. Moreover, if necessary, VBScript code can be included in scripts, which makes it possible to use the program to automate OLE/ActiveX tasks. The MacroScript language contains more than 200 scripting commands and standard programming constructs, including the ability to send keystroke and mouse click messages to other applications, wait for windows to open and close, give focus to a specific window, perform Internet operations, launch programs and execute commands, read, recording, copying, moving, deleting and executing files, managing applications using dynamic data exchange (DDE), etc. The included components will help speed up the process of mastering the scripting language. ready-made macros(running defragmentation, writing mail message, turning off the computer, etc.), availability in the help system full list language operators with detailed examples and support for a built-in debugger to help create complex scripts.

Automize 6.31

Developer: HiTek Software

Distribution size: 10.25 MB

Distribution method: shareware

Price: $79.95

Running: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server with support for Suns Java 1.3, Mac OS X versions 10.1 and higher and Linux Redhat

This popular multi-platform task scheduler is a powerful and reliable (if a bit clunky) tool for automating processes. Automize is convenient, intuitive clear interface, provides visual creation tasks, does not require programming skills, contains templates for performing the most standard tasks- therefore it can be used by a wide range of users.

Thanks to the availability large number built-in actions, support for dynamic data exchange and the ability to monitor the status of folders, files, sites, tasks, etc., Automize allows you to automate a very wide range of processes (Fig. 4), the main ones of which include the following:

Rice. 4. Create a task in Automize

managing bat files, scripts and applications (running on a schedule, interrupting work when certain events occur);
backup and synchronizing files and folders, archiving folders and files, printing documents and deleting files on a schedule;
loading a list of Web pages with regularly studied information; transfer and download files via FTP, synchronization with remote FTP servers;
checking, receiving and sending email, including with attachments (you can also impose various restrictions on received messages);
control of Web page updates with the ability to automatically download changed pages for further offline viewing, monitoring folders for changes;
launching Telnet commands on a schedule and saving data about the results of their work;
testing TCP/IP network configuration, diagnosing connection errors using ping commands;
displaying notifications on the screen reminding the user about the start of some events and tasks he has planned.

Automize allows you to manage tasks in remote mode and can notify you of their progress by email. Tasks can be performed as in specified time, and periodically: daily, weekly, monthly, and, if necessary, also when certain conditions are met. Thus, the program's support for dynamic variables, which ensure dynamic data exchange between applications and tasks, allows you to launch certain actions and tasks only in cases where previous actions or tasks have been successfully completed.

Workspace Macro Pro - Automation Edition 6.0

Developer: Tethys Solutions, LLC

Distribution size: 2.91 MB

Distribution method: shareware

Price: Commercial license - $64.95, Personal license - $39.95

Running: Windows NT/2000/XP/2003

Workspace Macro Pro is a robust tool for automating repetitive tasks with macros that can be created from built-in templates using a wizard or by running them directly certain actions using the mouse and/or pressing certain keyboard combinations. Both options are extremely simple and allow you to generate the necessary macros in a matter of minutes, which allows you to recommend Workspace Macro Pro to a wide user. At the same time, the package supports the development of macros in visual designer macros, selecting and configuring valid actions from the list (Fig. 5). Although this is more complex and time-consuming, it allows you to automate more complex tasks, and therefore may be of interest to professionals.

Rice. 5. Editing a macro in the built-in designer of the Workspace Macro Pro application

The templates cover standard tasks that most often arise for users and allow you to quickly generate macros for downloading files via FTP, for removing traces of your Internet presence in the system, for turning off the computer, etc. The list of acceptable actions when developing macros in the visual designer is wider and includes downloading applications and opening documents, running other macros, closing windows, connecting to the Internet, opening Web pages, downloading files via FTP, etc. The application provides many options for determining the conditions for executing macros: in addition to the traditional automatic launch options in schedulers, when pressing a certain key combination when loading the operating system and when exiting it, it is also possible to re-run macros through user defined periods of time and when the computer is idle.

Regardless of the method of creation, macros can be launched automatically in accordance with the launch mode defined for them, or from the system tray via context menu. For a macro on the desktop, you can additionally automatically create a shortcut corresponding to it for quick launch and/or copy the corresponding shortcut to the startup folder to automatically execute the macro when Windows boot. For any macro, you can specify the speed of its execution, as well as the number of repeated executions and the conditions for them. If necessary, macros can be password protected from editing by other users; You can also request a password when executing macros.

VistaTask 5.0

Developer: Vista Software

Distribution size: 2.03 MB

Distribution method: shareware

Price: $99

Running: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003

VistaTask is an effective and reliable tool for quickly automating most of the problems that arise when working in Windows tasks. The application is convenient, intuitive and easy to customize user interface, provides a wide range of supported actions and allows users to create action scripts without programming knowledge - by visual choice actions and setting their parameters. The number of actions allowed in scenarios ensures the automation of both simple tasks that arise for home users and some business processes, which is already relevant for companies. The package comes with detailed documentation, complemented by a series of training problems that you can build on and edit to solve your specific problems. The program is relatively easy to learn, although beginners are still better off choosing a cheaper and simpler application.

VistaTask supports a very wide range of tasks, the main ones of which are the following:

quick launch - launching programs, opening documents, executing MS-DOS programs, starting and stopping services, opening the control panel, etc.;
working with windows - activation, opening in full screen, minimizing the working window or all open windows, changing the size of the working window, etc.;
using the keyboard, working with the mouse and using the menu - pressing a certain key combination, blocking/unblocking input, various options moving and clicking the mouse, highlighting the system item or custom menu and etc.;
working with files and folders - creating a new file, reading, saving and deleting files, copying, renaming and moving files, creating and deleting folders, etc.;
work on the Internet - downloading an Internet browser, opening and saving a Web page, creating, sending and deleting an email message, downloading and deleting files via FTP, etc.;
performing system actions - copying text to the clipboard and pasting text from the clipboard, clearing the clipboard, taking a screenshot active window, restarting and shutting down the computer, etc.

The list of actions may also contain If and TextLoop expressions - the first ensures that actions are performed depending on the results of comparing parameters with some given values, and the second allows you to perform cyclically repeating actions. In addition, actions may include operations such as checking the existence of a specific file, loading a certain program, opening a specific window, etc. The resulting script can be compiled into an EXE file (Fig. 6), which will allow it to be subsequently used outside of VistaTask. To successfully debug complex scenarios, the program provides implementation capabilities control points and step-by-step execution.

Rice. 6. Compiling the script to executable file in VistaTask environment

It should be noted that the ability to run scripts on a schedule is not provided in this program, since it is assumed that the scripts are launched directly by the user. This to some extent limits the range of tasks to be solved, however, it is quite possible to get out of the situation and automate in VistaTask even those operations that must be performed strictly according to a schedule or in the absence of the user, for which it is enough to prepare the necessary script in the form of an EXE file, and in the Windows scheduler set the start time.

AutoTask 2000 3.68

Developer: Cypress Technologies

Distribution size: 3.68 MB

Distribution method: shareware

Price: $59.95

Running: Windows 95/98/Me/NT4/2000/XP/2003

This very simple tool for automating standard tasks is designed for a wide range of users, as it has a user-friendly interface (Fig. 7) and is easy to learn. The program can help automate processes such as creating backup copies, downloading applications, cleaning the disk from computer junk, checking email, etc.

Rice. 7. Managing tasks in AutoTask 2000

Tasks created in the AutoTask 2000 environment represent a certain set of linear actions and are created in the task editor by selecting and setting the parameters of the desired action using a wizard. Directly in the task editor, any task action or the entire task can be tested. If necessary, you can immediately edit any of the actions by changing its content and/or position in the list of actions, which is very convenient in practice. Tasks can be executed according to a schedule that differs sufficiently flexible settings and allowing, in addition to the usual capabilities, to set time intervals for restarting tasks and clearly define time boundaries when a task can or cannot be executed. In addition, it is possible to execute tasks if certain logical conditions are met: for example, you can ensure that a task starts if there is specific file, or a certain program is running, or a certain window is open, etc. The list of actions allowed in tasks includes launching and closing programs, executing DOS commands, opening a window with a message, pressing a key combination, actions with windows (minimizing, maximizing, closing, etc.), system operations (ending a work session, restarting and shutting down the computer ), Internet operations (connection, disconnection, generation of mail message). In addition, it is possible to use actions related to checking various conditions (the state of a program or task), as well as transmitting DDE commands that ensure dynamic data exchange between applications.

xStarter 1.82

Developer: xStarter Solutions, Inc.

Distribution size: 3.83 MB

Distribution method: shareware

Price: $39.5, free for users from Russia

Running: Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003

xStarter is an easy-to-use and very convenient task scheduler that allows you to quickly automate frequently repeated operations (Fig. 8). The program has a Russian-language interface and is accompanied by detailed help system in Russian and a series of examples, and therefore can become a good automation tool for a wide category of Russian users.

Rice. 8. Automation of reservations in the xStarter program

Tasks can be scheduled or launched when Windows boots, when a user logs on, when certain events occur, or can be called from the context menu. Events mean pressing a certain key combination, creating/activating/closing Windows windows, the presence of file changes in specified directories, etc. Actions in tasks may include launching applications, starting and stopping services, executing file operations(copying, deleting, etc.), synchronizing directories, archiving data, recording and playing macros, downloading or sending files via FTP protocols and HTTP, displaying a message on the computer screen, establishing a connection to the Internet, etc. In addition, it is possible to use If expressions (to perform an action depending on the results of comparing parameters with specified values) and TextLoop (to perform cyclic actions).

Main functions

easy-to-learn Basic-like syntax;
movement emulation computer mouse and keystrokes;
process management;
managing windows of active applications;
launching certain actions by pressing hot keys;
creation of GUI – graphical user interface;
working with the registry, clipboard, network;
processing functions, cycles, logical conditions and etc.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

free distribution;
small size and independence;
simple syntax;
Unicode support;
editor with syntax highlighting;
imitation of cursor movements and keystrokes in any application;
interaction with controls even in inactive windows.

Flaws:

you need to spend some time learning the language.

Analogues

AutoHotkey. Free set professional tools for automating work on a PC. This program is self-sufficient, can customize key combinations, and has its own programming language. All this makes it possible to create complex sequences of operations and graphical dialog boxes. The program can also use COM, which is used to control other applications. But this solution also has its downsides: the lack of an editor with syntax highlighting and the inability to debug scripts.

xStarter. A free automation program that even novice users can understand. In its visual designer you can record a sequence of actions. It is also possible to create a graphical interface, dialog boxes. The program contains a task scheduler. Of the minuses: the keyboard layout is not always correct, the lack of a text programming function for operations.

Work principles

To create a script, assign a folder to it and install AutoIt. Click on the free space in this folder and check the items “Create”, “AutoIt v3 Script”:

Creating a script

Then give the script a name, then open it to write commands by calling the context menu and selecting “Edit Script”. After this, the editor for the program - SciTe should open:

Editor for the program

At first the script will be empty. The comments in it are highlighted green. There are single and multi-line comments.

To add the ability to display text in your script, use the MsgBox function by entering the line MsgBox(0, "Tutorial", "Hello World!") at the end of the file. The values shown in parentheses are the function parameters.

There are two ways to run the file:

1. Via the context menu:

Running the script

2. Through the editor:

Launch via editor

To learn how to work with files in the program, we suggest watching the video:

AutoIt functional program for writing scripts.

Few of today's users remember the reckless 90s and the computers of that time. Automation of tasks was possible even then; you can at least remember our trusty old autoexec.bat - a file that ran every time the computer was turned on, took control and automated the execution of routine work.

Now, of course, everything is not entirely like that, but there are many programs with the help of which any PC user can solve the automation problem for themselves for free own computer. This article will discuss several modern applications created for similar purposes.

Why do we need programs to automate actions on a computer?

Every day, each user performs many routine operations - launches antiviruses, archives data, downloads files, looks at his mail, etc. This is not the most big list constantly repetitive work.

What about those who constantly send a lot of messages, print out documents, delete outdated files and checks your hard drive?

This is a rather tedious task, so maximum automation of actions is desirable for constantly repeating processes. There are several programs that can take over this function. With their help, you can organize not only the above actions, but also clean system registry from unnecessary trash, constantly update data, etc.

Important information. Such automated programs it is better to run it at night, when the computer and network are not loaded, in order to unload your work as efficiently as possible work time.

Windows Task Scheduler

The problems of automating computers running the Windows operating system are not at all difficult to solve. After all, there is a built-in program for this - Task Scheduler.

If you have Windows installed on your computer, then you don’t need to download anything, just find and run this application. You can do this in the following way:

Click on the “Start” button;
In the menu that opens, select an item such as “Control Panel”;
A panel opens, in it you need to select “Administration”;
In the window that opens, find the “Task Scheduler” sub-item and launch it with two mouse clicks.

Windows automation in older versions of the system, for example, in the 7th, can also be done simply by typing in command line required command:

In the “Start” button menu, select “All Programs”;
Find the “Standard” item in the list;
Open the “Command Line” sub-item;
In the command line that opens, type the file name Taskschd.msc and press Enter.

At 10 Windows versions this is easier to do. The file name Taskschd.msc is typed in the “Run” window, and then clicked “OK”.

List main commands applications:

Create simple task– the process is performed using a wizard;
Create a task – in this case everything will be created “manually”;
Import task – imports some other previously created and exported task; this is often used in local networks to synchronize the actions of several computers;
Display all running tasks - to see which specific tasks are running and running;
Enable job log – the scheduler log records all automation actions;
Create/delete folder – in the scheduler you can create or delete your own folders for work;
Export – using this command created on this computer the task can be exported to another computer or simply remembered for further actions.

How to create your own task project in Windows Scheduler

You can create an automated task to run the defragmentation program, which will run, for example, every Wednesday at 3 am. To do this you need to do the following sequence actions:

That's it, the task is ready. But you should be careful with spyware– they can use the task scheduler for their own purposes.

Software automation with xStarter

This program can be downloaded from the resource http://www.xstarter.com/rus/. The download is free, and updating xStarter will also be free.

This application allows you to automate processes using user-created macros; for this you do not need to know programming techniques; anyone can do this. Any actions in operating system are recorded by the program in special files, reproducing which you can always get the desired result.

A special addition to the application called Job Scheduler for Firebird/Interbase is designed to work with servers databases, it can execute scripts on SQL language, restore old databases, etc.

Thus, the xStarter program has expanded capabilities compared to standard scheduler tasks for Windows. From the application, you can independently create executable files.exe, which can be easily transferred to any other computer.

By using Web add-ons Pilot can remotely control other computers on the local network.

In addition to these innovations, the xStarter application has the following advantages:

you can track the status file system, if it changes, the user will be warned;
automation of work with e-mail;
organization of work with FTP and HTTP.

The xStarter program will help you improve your productivity by a third.

If you need truly efficient application automation, then the Macro Scheduler app is what you need.

This program is shareware, that is, it assumes certain period– 30 days for free use, then you can purchase a paid one working version.

In this application, you can also create your own macros simply by recording a sequence of actions. For more knowledgeable and advanced users, it is possible to write code in MacroScript in a visual editor - this is to create more complex versions of tasks.

The Professional version allows code to be compiled into an executable file.exe that can be run on various Windows PCs. There are three versions in total Macro programs Scheduler – Lite, Standard and Professional. Certainly, Professional version the most “advanced”, but also the most expensive – $195.

If you have experience creating macros, then working with the program will not be difficult for you. All your actions after clicking the Record button will be recorded in the editor. Stop recording by pressing CTRL+ALT+S. Afterwards, the recorded script can be played back by clicking the Start button.

The program code of the recorded script can be corrected manually, but for this you need to know the MacroScript language. You can also insert fragments written in VBScript into the code.

But in most cases, it is enough to use templates of existing scripts using the Macro Scheduler Automation Tool. There you will find templates for working with text files and images, registry, with memory buffer, with various devices etc.

AutoTask 2000 overview

After 30 days, you need to buy a working package of the AutoTask program for $60. This application is very different simple interface, it is very easy to work with even a beginner.

In AutoTask you can record a script for executing a macro, just like in previous applications. This is done with the help of a wizard, which greatly simplifies the task.

In addition, the program allows you to create complex structured task schedules that can be edited as needed. Each action is specified separately, parameters and conditions are selected. You can test their execution directly from the task editor.

Having examined this application, we can conclude that it is very convenient to use; you do not need any specific skills or knowledge of any programming language. But alas, sometimes there may be slight difficulties in completing tasks due to the complex structure of the schedule.

The application also allows recording macros by recording the sequence of user actions on the computer. Everything is the same as in previous programs, plus a simple and friendly interface. True, there is no Russian-language version of the program, but is this a significant disadvantage?

Creating a macro based on existing templates is quite simple; you just need to click on Templates and select the desired template option. You can then add the created macro to the Schedule.

Macros can also be recorded. To do this, click on the Record button in the File menu. To stop recording, you need to click on Stop.

To create a macro in the visual designer, run the Create a macro using Macro Editor command. This constructor does not have advanced features, but for standard version It is quite suitable for use.

In conclusion, you can consider an automation program for Mac computer or iMac. After all, it’s not just Windows...

Of course, such a program exists in the macOS environment and it is called Automator. With its help, you can create many tasks that will be automatically executed by the computer when certain user-specified conditions are met.

The Automator application from Launchpad opens. From the list of all tasks, you can select one - process, program, service, print plugin, folder action, reminder, image capture plugin.

If you selected the “Service” template, a new window opens where you can create new process. Creating it is simple: just drag and drop the actions on the left that you want to perform automatically into the free area of the window.

Working with Automator is very easy even for an untrained user - after all, this is everyone’s trick software products from Apple.

Instead of a conclusion

Of course, it is possible to organize your work productively and effectively. We hope that the above computer automation programs will help you with this. Which one to choose is up to you. Good luck!

The article was published on the Boris Lion website June 21, 2008 - http://borislion.ru/ (The initiative to write this article belongs to Boris Lion, for which many thanks to him)

In this article you will learn about automation routine actions on your computer. I will also talk about how and with what help this automation can be organized.

Quite often on a computer you have to do some simple but repeated actions such as mouse movements, keystrokes, and text input.

This is monotonous and completely uninteresting work. I wish I could do it myself! Or, so that the computer would take over its execution.

It is quite possible.

To solve this problem there are special programs, which allow you to record user actions (mouse movements, keystrokes) and then play them back at the right time.

Roughly speaking, you show the computer what it needs to do, and then it itself will reproduce your actions when and as many times as you need.

In this case, the software you work with will consider that the reproduced actions come from the user, from you.

This way, you can automate any repetitive actions on your computer.

I tried several automation programs and what I was most pleased with was the development of Denis Safonov called AutoClickExtreme: .

The AutoClickExtreme program is designed to automate repeated user actions.

Using it, you can process tables in Excel, process a large number of files, make a backup copy of important data, and also transfer databases from one format to another.

This is only a small part of the possible applications of this program. With it you can automate almost any simple, repetitive task.

Here useful features AutoClickExtreme.

Ability to quickly play back recorded actions. The computer is faster than you and can do the same things tens of times faster.
Ability to manually edit the result of an action recording. For example, you can remove unnecessary actions in the recording, such as unnecessary mouse movements.
The ability to insert text of any length instead of any short word (the "autotext" function) in any program.
The launch of a specific playback can be linked to a hotkey.
And using this key, launch it at any time you need
The ability to play back recorded actions in a loop any number of times.

Put in 100,000 cycles and go to sleep, everything will work itself out.

Ability to insert an arbitrary delay into recorded actions. You can delay the start for any period of time, insert a delay command between any actions.
In addition to the advantages, there are also some limitations when using the AutoClickExtreme program. Doesn't always adequately reproduce recorded actions in DirectX-based games. There is no way to work with

console programs

, since working with it is based on different principles for entering information from the keyboard and mouse than Windows applications.

Personal automation is a creative matter; you will probably be able to come up with some of your own, original applications for this program.
I will now give you some valuable ideas on using AutoClickExtreme.
In your absence, it is possible to run any programs or processes.
Moreover, your computer itself is quite capable of doing complex things such as starting an Internet connection, connecting to a specific site and performing some actions on it. It is possible to perform actions for programs running with long delays. It is better to leave a “robot” in your absence, which will continue the work after completing any lengthy process. with the program, and “hang” them on a specific hotkey.
Mass process a large number of documents: databases, images, texts, making some standardized edits.
Possible to make backups valuable documents on your computer. Automated backup of the most important folders to another medium, which would be done without your presence, will protect your work files from loss in case of failures.
If you need to automatically number or calculate something in your work, you can use standard program"calculator" or Excel, where the data is inserted, the calculation is carried out and the result is then copied to another file.
It is convenient to distribute information from one document to several different ones.

Why does it make sense to automate your work as much as possible with AutoClickExtreme?

You will be able to save time and nerves that you would otherwise spend on routine operations.
By calling recorded actions to hotkeys, you can give yourself additional tools for work, saving your time even more.
You completely eliminate errors. The human factor works, and when performing the same type of work, sometimes there will be shortcomings. The computer doesn't make mistakes.

Overall, I liked AutoClickExtreme. Interestingly, the demo recording draws "by hand" in a graphical Paint editor quite complex images. It's worth a look.

To summarize, I can say that optimizing and automating your work on a computer is an important topic that allows you to get a lot of benefits. AutoClickExtreme is very useful tool, which I advise you to try and use.

xStarter automates everyday tasks based on scheduler or system events.

Key Benefits

Reduce your working hours by 35%.

By creating macros for your daily tasks, you save yourself from routine. And the computer can run these macros using xStarter even in your absence according to a schedule.

Take care of the safety of your data.

If automatically backing up your documents and email requires little to no effort, then why not do it?

Replacement for Windows scheduler.

The xStarter advanced scheduler will allow you to more accurately specify the moment to start a program or complete a task. Tasks can be run exactly at a specified time, periodically, or in a complex format. When xStarter is running in NT service mode, it is possible to launch tasks even in the absence of active users.

Track changes to files and directories.

As soon as it appears in the specified directory new file, the xStarter program will notify you about this or perform any action. In the same way, xStarter tracks changes and deletions of files and directories, including changes to subdirectories.

Actions on the Internet.

Sending and receiving email, working with files via FTP and HTTP - this is just a short list of what you can automate when working with the Internet. For example: receive daily reports and save them to a specified directory; send notifications about completed tasks without user assistance; download log and other files, etc.

Windows macros.

You can record macros while working in any program and with any object in the environment Microsoft Windows, with the help of xStarter. Each macro is a file that contains a sequence of recorded movements, mouse clicks, and keyboard button presses. This file can be played at any time using a schedule or hotkey, as if you were performing these actions yourself.

Remote control.

With xStarter Web Pilot it becomes possible to run tasks on remote computers, view tasks and their logs, disable/enable.

Compiling tasks.

You can create .exe files from xStarter tasks and transfer tasks between computers. When running tasks, users can fill in some parameters specific to given user or computer.

Firebird/Interbase.

A special version of xStarter Job Scheduler for Firebird/Interbase allows you to perform specific tasks for specified database servers. With this version you can run SQL scripts, backup/restore databases, etc.