Programs for automating actions. AutoIt – automation of routine actions on the computer
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 free 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 a new file appears in the specified directory, the xStarter program will notify you about it 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 Microsoft Windows environment using 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, and disable/enable them.
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 a 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.
Automate tasks without programming skills.
Each xStarter task consists of a set of actions. Actions are aimed at performing various functions, here are just a few of them:
- launching programs;
- displaying messages on the screen;
- Internet connection;
- directory synchronization;
- window operations;
- operations with text and log files;
- disabling and connecting network directories;
- etc.
Tasks can be executed according to a schedule, hotkeys or system events.
System requirements
Intel Pentium or compatible processor
Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Many regularly performed tasks on a computer, for example, opening many applications needed for work, checking the disk for viruses and spyware, backing up and synchronizing data, cleaning the disk from unnecessary files, etc., take the user quite a lot of time, which can could be better spent. The fact is that it is very easy to configure a computer to automatically perform such tasks, and at a time suitable from the point of view of system loading - for example, when synchronizing large amounts of data and checking a disk, it is better to choose night hours for these operations, when the computer is not used for other purposes . In reality, the range of tasks that are repeated day after day that can be automated is much wider and is not limited to the above. The computer can be entrusted with independently performing a variety of operations: opening documents and web pages, checking and cleaning the system registry, updating any data, downloading files, checking, receiving and sending email, archiving data, copying files, generating, sending by email mail and printing documents, etc. Depending on the settings, the computer can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined moments: every time Windows starts, when it is turned off, daily, weekly and monthly at specified hours, etc., as well as when certain system events occur. In other words, a computer can be taught to perform many actions on its own. Theoretically, there are two ways to do this.
Built-in Windows Scheduler
You can take advantage of the standard features of the 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 on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This feature 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 pre-prepare a batch file with the required sequence of commands, which the scheduler will launch at a time specified by the user. Each operation creates its own task, and this is not difficult at all. First, open the Scheduled Tasks panel (from the Control Panel or by clicking Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks). And then click on the “Add task” object and, following the wizard’s instructions, indicate the required action to the scheduler.Please note that the password you enter for the task must match your Windows login password, and for programs to start automatically using Windows Scheduler, the Task Scheduler service must be running in automatic startup mode. To switch it to this mode (if for some reason the auto mode is disabled), launch the services administration editor (command "Start" > "Run" > "services.msc"), double-click on the name of the "Task Scheduler" service and on the tab "General" set the startup type to automatic.
If you need to perform several tasks sequentially (for example, launch a number of applications after logging into Windows), then it is more reasonable to prepare a batch file with the required sequence of commands (it can be created in Notepad); we provide an example of such a file below. And then configure the scheduler to run this file at the specified time. However, to do this you will have to understand the technology for creating batch files.
Specialized scheduler programs
Specialized scheduler programs allow you to perform a much wider variety of actions automatically than is possible with the standard Windows scheduler. For example, open the necessary folders and files, launch applications, reproduce certain sequences of keystrokes and mouse manipulations, download files, turn off the computer, etc. Moreover, to solve all these problems automatically, you do not need to be able to create batch files, much less have any programming skills. You can automate processes at a visual level by simply telling the system what task needs to be performed at what time and setting execution parameters. This path will be much more convenient, faster and more reliable, will allow you to optimally configure the system to automatically solve certain problems and will help save the user a lot of time. The range of scheduling programs is quite large and includes both solid, expensive packages for automating a wide range of network and computing operations, for example AutoMate ($995), which is designed for IT specialists, and more affordable (in terms of price and complexity of use) solutions, aimed at the general user. We will focus on the most popular of these solutions. The functionality of such programs is very wide. Some solutions allow you to create tasks in visual mode from a certain set of preset actions - that is, to assemble them, as it were, from “cubes”. This is not difficult at all and will take a little time, but the automation capabilities will be limited to the appropriate set of actions. Other solutions additionally support recording macros or action scripts - this means that the program, in a certain mode, can remember all actions performed by the user with the mouse and keyboard, and in the future will be able to perform them independently. However, when recording such macros, it is necessary to follow a number of rules (otherwise the result of the utility’s operation according to the script will be more than disappointing):- Before you start recording the script, you need to close all running applications;
- in the process of recording a script, when specifying any data, you must first set the focus to the edited field and only then enter the data, and when selecting a menu item, first select the parent item, and then the child;
- When defining a path, the desired path should be entered in the appropriate field manually, rather than by specifying a directory in the directory tree. Otherwise, the automatic execution process will hang because the directory tree may look different at runtime than it did when the script was written.
Macro Scheduler Automation Tool 11.1.18
Developer: MJT Net Ltd.
Distribution size: Macro Scheduler Lite - 4.42 MB; Macro Scheduler Standard - 5.39 MB; Macro Scheduler Professional - no demo version available
Spreading: shareware
Macro Scheduler is one of the most functional solutions among programs designed to automate tasks. In total, it implements three technologies for their creation. On the one hand, the program allows you to generate macros automatically - by remembering all actions performed by the user and independently generating the corresponding program code. On the other hand, Macro Scheduler allows for the development of tasks in a visual editor. Here you can limit yourself to selecting preset actions or even write program code manually, which allows you to automate almost any, even the most labor-intensive task. Therefore, the program will be useful for automating a variety of regularly performed operations. For example, it can help in automatically carrying out various work with a disk (backup, copying, synchronization, cleaning, etc.), automating control over the movement of files and downloading emails, testing and installing software, transferring files over a local network and downloading files from the Internet etc. Tasks can be launched manually, executed according to a schedule, or when certain conditions are triggered (pressing hot keys or occurrence of events related to windows/files/folders). It is possible to compile scripts created in the program into independent EXE files (alas, only in the Professional version), which can be run on any computer running Windows. The automatic creation of macro scripts is implemented in Macro Scheduler in exactly the same way as in other applications, the only difference is that it is possible to edit the macro generated by the program at the program code level. Writing a script manually is similar to developing a program, and in this case you cannot do without knowledge of the MacroScript scripting language. This language contains more than 200 script commands and standard programming constructs. These include program codes for sending messages to other applications about keystrokes and mouse operations, performing operations on the Internet, launching programs and executing commands, reading, writing, copying, moving, deleting and executing files, managing applications using dynamic data exchange (DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange), etc. If necessary, you can include VBScript code in scripts, which makes it possible to use the program to automate OLE/ActiveX tasks. The program (previously there was a Russian-language localization, the Russification package was downloaded separately from the main distribution) is presented in several editions; for the general user, the editions Macro Scheduler Lite, Macro Scheduler Standard and Macro Scheduler Professional may be of interest; a detailed comparison of editions is available at the following address. Demo versions of the first two editions are fully functional for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version of Macro Scheduler Lite edition is $39, Macro Scheduler Standard edition is $95, Macro Scheduler Professional is $195. The Macro Scheduler interface is elegantly designed and user-friendly. At the top of the working window there is a command menu and a toolbar. The side panel contains a list of categories - that is, macro tasks can be divided into various categories for convenience. The main part of the working window displays a list of tasks of the selected category, and immediately after installing the program, this list already contains many very useful examples.
To automatically create a new task based on the built-in list of actions, click on the "New" button. Then select the desired operation in the left panel of the "Macro" window that opens - say, to launch the application, open the Running Programs/Files rollout, select the "Run Program" operation and specify the name of the file to be launched, adjusting the launch parameters if necessary. This will cause the corresponding program line in MacroScript to appear in the task script (Script tab). The entire list of actions is generated in exactly the same way. Of course, any action can be entered directly manually, but this already requires programming skills. Then it is determined what will serve as a signal to start executing the task - a schedule (the "Run When" tab), pressing a keyboard combination ("Hot Key"), or another event associated with a specific window, file or folder ("Trigger"). The task name is requested after closing the Macro window. Any task is editable (the "Edit" button), and at any time you can insert/delete/change any lines of program code, and test any action using the built-in debugger. You can go another way - write down the script. Then the program will generate the program code completely independently, remembering all the actions performed by the user with the mouse and keyboard, and in the future will be able to perform it independently. To record a macro, you need to click on the "Record" button, enter the name of the macro, click on the "Start" button and start playing the desired set of actions. To end recording, by default you need to press the key combination "CTRL+ALT+S". After the script is recorded and tested successfully, the conditions for launching the corresponding task are configured.
If the script was recorded unsuccessfully, then its recording can be repeated, or the script code can be corrected manually using the debugger (the "Debug" menu), which allows you to perform the task step-by-step. For users new to programming, it is wiser to select the overwrite option.
To quickly launch individual tasks on demand, you can create shortcuts on them on the desktop (the "Shortcut" button).
Size: 814 KB
Price: $15.00
Purpose: task scheduler
We have to perform many actions regularly. Our everyday life is exercise, breakfast, shower, trip to the office. For many people, their entire workday is scheduled down to the minute. You may accidentally forget something or deliberately skip certain routines.
The virtual life of computer systems, fortunately, lends itself to automation. You can assign a task to a specific time, and it will definitely be completed. It is a pity that with the help of any higher powers it is impossible to prescribe automatic brushing of teeth, shaving and other tedious procedures. But what is impossible in the real world has long been implemented in computers, within a special class of software designed to automate processes.
Active Task Manager is a utility for automatically performing a variety of tasks, with which you can schedule the work of programs that require regular launch. The essence of the utility's work comes down to answering two eternal questions - “what?” and when?".
The Active Task Manager work window consists of a taskbar with a small number of elements and a list of assigned tasks. By default, the program is configured to perform regular backups, check disk integrity, and also provide a constant reminder of the need to register.
Scheduled tasks can be EXE, COM executable files, as well as BAT batch modules. In addition, the program can display various warnings, perform backups using , and also turn off the computer.
The regularity of tasks can be specified in the form of intervals between successive starts, by specifying exact times during the day, week or month.
A new task is created using the Add Task button. This opens a fairly simple, understandable wizard. First you need to enter the name of the future task. Then you must specify the type of task - running an application, reminder, backup, or shutting down the computer. Reminders can be either text messages or audio alerts.
If you choose to launch a task, you will be required to select the path to the executable module and specify the launch keys. Next, you set the frequency of the task. The work is done.
To set up a reminder, you are asked to enter its text message and also specify the sound file. The choice of frequency for all types of operations is identical.
Backup only works if the system has the Active Backup Expert module, and you can only specify the type of data copy to be created - a full copy or an incremental addition.
The term “turning off the computer” means ending the current session, completely shutting down the workstation, rebooting, and also bringing the system into a state in which it is safe to disconnect the computer from the (electrical) network. Shutting down the PC can be done in the traditional way, as well as in force mode.
After completing the program setup, you will only see a small bell in the system tray. If you hover your mouse cursor over it, you will see a standard pop-up window (baloon) with information about the status of upcoming tasks.
The program runs as a standard Windows service, which, according to information from the official website, takes up only 180KB of RAM. Active Task Manager is a simple, compact utility for scheduling processes, which we could not seriously find fault with during all the testing. All manually scheduled tasks were completed exactly as described in the Help.
Automating an action with Perfect Automation requires no programming. Using a large set of ready-made commands, Perfect Automation can automate Windows tasks of any complexity. This program includes mouse and keyboard activity recorder, task manager integrated with planner and advanced script editor with full support for the Gentee programming language for those who need to automate complex tasks.
No programming required!
Perfect Automation has everything to automate the simplest routine operations without any programming. It is enough to sequentially indicate the required actions by selecting them from the list of commands. In addition, the built-in mouse and keyboard recorder can record all actions in one script and create an executable .exe file. You can play the recording either from Perfect Automation or by running the created program.
Of course, you can edit the script at any time by changing parameters and adding new commands. The script editor allows you to automate a variety of tasks in simple ways.
List of features
Standalone EXE files
Perfect Automation generates standalone executable files (.exe) from scripts that can be run on any Windows computer, even without Perfect Automation installed. Files created from scripts.exe do not require additional DLLs, libraries and other files. You can create real programs without writing a line of code and run them where needed.Script editor with Gentee support
The script editor includes a large set of ready-made commands for solving problems. In addition, the program supportsOS Windows has gained popularity primarily due to its convenient and intuitive interface. But if the average user only benefited from this, then for the administrator, push-button control has many inconveniences. Of course, some problems can be solved using console commands and scripts, but not all. And this is where special automation tools come to the rescue.
AutoIt
One of the most popular automation tools among administrators is AutoIt (autoitscript.com/autoit3), which simulates keystrokes, mouse clicks and other similar actions that a user usually performs when working in GUI applications.
Using AutoIt, all of these movements can be programmed using a BASIC-like language. The program can manage processes, access the Windows API and DLL, the registry, clipboard, files (reading, changing, deleting), creating GUI, messages, data entry forms, working with databases (MySQL and SQLite), reading HTML code, download files, send e-mails and much more. In general, it all depends solely on the desire to tinker with the settings. It is gratifying that AutoIt does not require programming skills from the administrator. In scripts, you can easily access window controls with just a couple of lines of code. However, keep in mind that AutoIt works seamlessly with standard Windows windows. If the authors took care of the uniqueness of the interface, you will have to work a little while setting up AutoIt to find the necessary parameters.
Supports Windows from 95 to 2k8, including working in 64-bit versions of the system, and is “friendly” with Vista UAC. It’s convenient that scripts can be compiled into an exe and then executed on another machine. No additional applications or libraries are required.
AutoIt is distributed under a freeware license, allowing its use without restrictions, including for commercial purposes. Installation is standard, there are no additional requirements. The current version is 3, which is syntax incompatible with the previous version 2. The program comes with the SciTE4AutoIt3 script editor, the AU3Check.exe syntax checking utility, ready-made examples, the Aut2Exe (and reverse Exe2Aut) compiler, and help. During installation, the *.au3 extension will be mapped to the AutoIt interpreter.
The scripting language used in AutoIt is one of its strengths. It is both powerful and simple. For example, to run the program, just write:
That's it, no more action. AutoIt is a great way to automate the installation process for applications that don't support answer files. To catch windows, the WinWaitActive function is usually used to enter parameters, which interrupts script execution until the window is activated. The function parameters should include the window title and optional additional text. The latter allows you to distinguish different windows of the same program from each other. For example, the AutoIt installer windows contain the same title - AutoIt v3.3.6.1.5, that is, if you use:
WinWaitActive("AutoIt v3.3.6.1.5")
This design will match all installer steps. Therefore, it is better to clarify by entering additional text that is displayed in the window, for example:
WinWaitActive("AutoIt v3.3.6.1.5", "License Agreement")
This will definitely take us to the license agreement window. All that remains is to send him confirmation: Send("!y")
As you can see, everything is simple. Along with the programs, the AutoIt Window Info Tool (AU3Info.exe) utility is also installed, which will help you get all the information on the window title, text (displayed and hidden), status bar, location, color, and so on. We just run it and place a cross on the window, after which we read all the values in the Window Info Tool. With its help, it is much easier to collect the necessary information from the experimental program window. Help in AutoIt is very detailed, it has all the details on using the language. In the documentation on the project website you will find a link to a translated version of the help. Plus, numerous specialized forums usually have a separate thread. There shouldn’t be any problems in learning AutoIt; in one evening you can learn how to write simple scripts; complex solutions will naturally require a lot of time.
Xstarter
Another popular program for automating routine system administrator tasks. The developer is our compatriot, Alexey Gilev (xstarter.com/rus), accordingly, xStarter has a localized interface, and most importantly, the program is distributed free of charge for Russian-speaking users.
After installation, xStarter can be launched manually, automatically when the user logs in, or started as a Windows service. The latter option allows you to run a task at exactly the specified time, regardless of the user’s registration in the system and other factors, as long as the computer is turned on. It offers periodic execution of tasks, a composite schedule, setting skips and actions for missed tasks, and triggering by event. In general, there are more than enough options. Using xStarter, you can expand the list of hotkeys or redefine their values globally or locally. For example, you can easily make a task run when you press a key combination
The running program is placed in the tray; by clicking on the icon, we call up the task editor. In the Sections/Tasks window we will find two dozen examples, as they say, for all cases. Enabled tasks are marked with a green icon.
We select the one that is closest in meaning (or create a new task), copy it using the context menu and edit it to suit your needs. Each task is configured in four tabs. So, in the “Schedule and Information” tab we indicate the name of the task, the time or event at which it will be launched, a key combination and an optionally active program window, when it appears, the task should be executed. The macros themselves are written in the “Actions” tab. Click “New Action” - the settings window appears. On the left side we find presets, divided into several groups, then we specify the parameters on the right side. The remaining task tabs allow you to configure variables, set priority, run in a separate process, and log. Everything is very simple and clear.
To activate blocked functions, you must additionally install the xStartHooks module. In this case, xStarter will behave like a typical Trojan or malicious software - it will begin to intercept system calls, “press” keys and send messages, which may not be liked by antiviruses and fireware. But with some antiviruses (for example, NOD32) this can be easily solved; just add xStarter to the exceptions.
For convenience, macros can be compiled into an exe file; under certain settings, all necessary libraries can be automatically added here. Then we distribute such files to other systems and execute them.
It remains to add that all Windows operating systems from NT4 to 2k8/7 are supported.
On the project forum you can find examples of some popular tasks, including uploading files, sending SMS and e-mail, backup and data synchronization.
A special version of Starter Job Scheduler for Firebird/Interbase is also available on the site; it is designed to execute SQL scripts, backup and restore data in these DBMSs. Another unique feature is remote control of task launches, as well as viewing the log using the special xStarter Web Pilot application.
Automate
Probably the most famous commercial program for automating tasks is AutoMate, developed by Network Automation, Inc (networkautomation.com). Its main feature is the creation of tasks using a convenient GUI, without the need to write code. The entire process is simplified through the use of wizards and a special task editor, Task Builder. The program contains a large number of ready-made action templates and reactions to them, which further simplifies the process of creating a chain of actions. The current version of AutoMate 7 at the time of writing supports more than 230 preset actions that allow you to schedule tasks, work with files and databases, transfer data via FTP/SFTP, encrypt using PGP, monitor systems, access WMI and much more.
AutoMate is available in four editions, all tailored to specific uses: AutoMate Professional and Premium, AutoMateBPAServer 7 Standard and Enterprise. The simplest - AutoMate Professional - provides a convenient interface for creating tasks on the local system. The most advanced - Enterprise - provides the ability to easily manage accounts and roles, work in AD, provides centralized management of several machines, SNMP support, a telnet and terminal emulator.
All Win OS from XP SP2 to 2k8/7 are supported. For installation you will need the Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.0.
The actual management is carried out using two consoles - Task Builder and Task Administrator. Tasks are created in Task Builder. This process is quite simple: in the left panel, from the 29 available groups, select the desired action and move it to the middle field with the mouse. A wizard appears to help you refine your settings. For example, let's create an action that allows you to get data on a hard drive partition. Go to the menu System –> Get Volume Information, a wizard of the same name appears, consisting of four tabs.
We need to go through and select the parameters in each of them sequentially. In General, we indicate the disk partition and the parameters that we want to receive: type, label, file system, location. Alternatively, you can immediately select All volumes and then, by clicking the icon next to the field, set the verification condition. The program provides a number of built-in variables, functions and triggers that can be used in this field. You can also create your own condition. In other tabs, a description of the task and action in case of errors are specified.
After you create a task, it appears in the list in the middle, where you can edit it, move it, disable it, and so on. Next, select and enter other Actions in the same way. For debugging, you can add breakpoints to the job (Breakpoint,
Task Administrator is designed to manage all tasks, both on a local and remote system. Having selected any task in it, we can view its properties, activate it, or create a new task. In the properties of the task, triggers, priority, protection, and the account on behalf of which it will be executed are prescribed. There are many settings, they are very diverse. Tasks are saved in files with the *.aml extension.
AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey (autohotkey.com) is a fork of AutoIt v2. Its author, Chris Mallett, proposed adding hotkey support to AutoIt, but the idea did not find a response, and as a result, the Initial release was released in November 2003. Unlike its parent product, AutoHotkey is available under the GNU GPL license.
The language syntax is based on AutoIt v2, some ideas taken from v3. With its help, you can easily automate repetitive tasks: launching a program, sending mail, editing the registry. It supports working with files, simulating mouse button presses, and it is possible to create a GUI. The program can monitor system events and perform actions when they occur.
But the trick of AutoHotkey is the management of hot keys. For example, to launch a calculator with the combination
The hash mark "#" corresponds to a key
Scripts (*.ahk extension) can be compiled into an exe file and executed on any computer.
Automatically install Firefox using AutoIt
AutoItSetOption("WinTitleMatchMode", 2)
AutoItSetOption("WinDetectHiddenText", 1)
WinMinimizeAll()
Sleep (1000)
Run("FirefoxSetup3.6.6.exe")
WinWait("Install Mozilla Firefox")
Send("(ENTER)")
WinWait("Mozilla Firefox Installation", "Installation Type")
Send("(ENTER)")
WinWait("Install Mozilla Firefox", "Summary")
Send("(ENTER)")
WinWait("Install Mozilla Firefox", "Shutdown
installation wizard")
Send("(ENTER)")
Exit
AUTOMATION ANYWHERE
The development of the Californian company Tethys Solutions, LLC () has already earned recognition from administrators and received awards from various media publications. With Automation Anywhere, you can easily automate any repetitive task, simple or complex, without the need for programming.
I’ll say right away that the product is very serious and has a huge number of possibilities. The program can work with files, send mail, run tasks according to a plan or when a trigger is fired, use VBS and JavaScript scripts and much more. The technology, called “SMART Automation Technology,” eliminates the need for an administrator to also be a programmer. Recording can be done automatically, when the computer records all user actions. In the future, such a task, immediately or after editing, can be “scrolled” on other systems, watching how the mouse itself runs across the screen and presses buttons. The program offers two recorders: Object Recorder for desktop applications and Web Recorder for recording sequences of actions in a web browser.
Moreover, Web Recorder in the latest version of the program supports all the main technologies used in the web: Java, JavaScript, AJAX, Flash, frames. The process is quite simple: launch Automation Anywhere, select the recorder, and the program begins recording all user actions. To stop, press the combination
The developers have already included several task templates in the program that can be used as examples. Editing a recorded task also does not require knowledge of code. By clicking the Edit button, we will see the entire sequence of actions performed on the screen (mouse movements, keystrokes).
The left editor window shows predefined commands, divided into categories, that can be added to the task. Everything is here: working with files and directories, backup, Excel tables, connecting to the Internet, sending e-mail, capturing desktop images, starting/stopping services. Select the desired task and simply drag it into the right window. A properties editing window immediately opens, in which we fill in the proposed parameters (they are specific for each item). The editor supports additional scripts, working with variables, debugging and much more.
The created task can be exported to an executable file and distributed to other systems.
The task can start by time or when a trigger is fired, this behavior is configured in Trigger Manager, here you can choose: launching a window with a certain text, appearance of a file in the directory, resource load (CPU, memory, free space), start/stop of a process or service, receiving a specific e-mail. The developers did not forget about security - Automation Anywhere allows you to protect the script with a password and encrypt it.
In general, everything you need is in the program, the only thing missing is localization. Automation Anywhere supports all versions of Windows: from XP to 2k8/7.
Conclusion
In fact, there are much more programs for automating routine tasks. Paid versions are distinguished by greater convenience and a friendly interface, the ability to work in a network environment. Although, depending on your preparation and desire to tinker with the settings, you can get by with free programs like xStarter, AutoIt or AutoHotkey.
Standard Windows Task Scheduler
Microsoft finally realized the need for a proper scheduler, and, starting with Vista, the system received an improved Task Scheduler (Administration.. Task Scheduler, or taskschd.msc) - significantly redesigned compared to previous versions. Its interface allows you to connect to another computer for configuration, create (simple and advanced versions) or import a task. Thus, the main elements of the task were Triggers, Actions, Conditions and Settings. The trigger determines when and upon the occurrence of what event to run the task: by time, when the computer is turned on, when you log in, or when an event appears in the log. In the latter case, you must specify the log where the event will be tracked, the source and event code.
Conditions and parameters clarify the essence of the task, and the action determines what can actually be done (launch a program, send a message). The ability to delay starting a task allows you to delay the start in situations where its immediate start is unacceptable (for example, high system load). Conditions specify other options for executing a task, for example, while the computer is idle.
