Record and repeat user actions. Automate tasks regularly performed on a PC

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 anti-virus databases and other necessary data, downloading files, checking, receiving and sending email, archiving data, copying files, generating, sending by email mail, printing documents, etc. At the same time, the PC can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined moments: every time Windows starts, 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 set up a computer for a certain type of activity, opening the necessary 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 spring cleaning, then there will be no unnecessary files on the disk, no outdated data in the registry, 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 the necessary files automatically by independently connecting to the Internet, downloading the data, and then disconnecting and turning off the computer. Some professional bookmark managers can, if desired, be configured to automatically check Web pages for changes, and specific schedules can be defined for different pages. Some programs for monitoring Internet news, etc. can also work according to a schedule.

The second way is to use the standard features of the Windows operating system, which has a built-in scheduler that allows you to automatically launch 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 appropriate tasks in the Windows Scheduler, use the Scheduled Tasks panel, 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. To automatically launch programs through the Windows Scheduler, the Task Scheduler service must run in automatic startup mode, and if for some reason it is disabled, 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 scheduler programs 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 the necessary folders, applications and documents to carrying out various operations with files for synchronizing directories, archiving data, reproducing certain sequences of keystrokes and mouse manipulations, downloading files, turning off the PC and 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 to automatically solve certain tasks much faster, more conveniently and reliably 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 affordable solutions aimed at the general user.

To automate many operations today in the mass market, the user is offered a huge number of programs: some allow you to launch the necessary applications at a certain time, others speed up and simplify access to various functions using hot keys, others provide a more comfortable and faster installation of applications, and others can close applications independently. , turn off the computer, etc. In addition, there are complex solutions that allow you to automate many computer processes - this is what we will talk about. 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 a 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 ability to create tasks and edit them at the program code level. 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, for monitoring the movement of files and downloading emails , for testing and installing software, for transferring files over a local network and downloading files from the Internet, for generating replies 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 Windows. 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 in this case you cannot do without knowledge of the MacroScript scripting language. 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 ready-made macros included in the package (running defragmentation, writing an email message, turning off the computer, etc.), the presence in the help system of a complete list of language operators with detailed examples, and support for the built-in debugger, which will help in creating complex scripts, will help speed up the process of mastering a scripting language.

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 has a convenient, intuitive interface, provides visual creation of tasks, does not require programming skills, and contains templates for performing the most standard tasks - so it can be used by a wide range of users.

Thanks to the presence of a large number of 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 (starting on a schedule, interrupting work when certain events occur);
backup and synchronization of 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 the TCP/IP network configuration, diagnosing connection errors using the ping command;
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 remotely and can notify you of their progress via email. Tasks can be performed either at a given time or 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, which can be created from built-in templates using a wizard, or by directly performing specific actions using the mouse and/or pressing specific keyboard shortcuts. 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 the visual macro designer, selecting and configuring valid actions from the list (Fig. 5). Although it 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 by pressing a certain key combination when loading the operating system and when exiting it, it is also possible to re-run macros at user-defined intervals 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 through the context menu. For a macro on the desktop, you can additionally automatically create a corresponding shortcut for quick launch and/or copy the corresponding shortcut to the startup folder to automatically execute the macro when Windows boots. 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 tasks that arise when working in Windows. The application features a user-friendly, intuitive and easily customizable user interface, provides a wide range of supported actions and allows users to create action scenarios without programming skills - by visually selecting 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 to 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 for moving and clicking the mouse, highlighting a system or user menu item, 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, creating a screenshot of the active window, restarting and shutting down the computer, etc.

The list of actions may also contain If and TextLoop statements - the first allows you to perform actions depending on the results of comparing parameters with some specified 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 the ability to implement checkpoints and step-by-step execution.

Rice. 6. Compiling the script into an executable file in the 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 backups, 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 is quite flexible and allows, 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 is launched if a specific file exists, 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, is accompanied by a 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 a Windows window, changes to files in specified directories, etc. Actions in tasks may include launching applications, starting and stopping services, performing file operations (copying, deleting, etc.). etc.), synchronizing directories, archiving data, recording and playing macros, downloading or sending files via FTP and HTTP protocols, displaying a message on the computer screen, establishing an Internet connection, etc. In addition, it is permissible to use If expressions (to perform an action in depending on the results of comparing parameters with specified values) and TextLoop (for cyclic execution of actions).

Greetings to all, dear readers of the blog site. Today will not be an entirely ordinary article, because today we will not talk about, but about one very interesting program that allows you to automate some processes on your computer. The program has very powerful functionality, which is not possible to talk about in one article, so only the main features will be considered, which, to be honest, should be enough for the average user.

I think many people know about the standard Windows task scheduler; most people don’t like it (like me) for its rather meager functionality and inconvenient interface. But recently, while surfing the Internet in search of an alternative to the standard scheduler, I came across a utility called "xStarter". Moreover, the capabilities of this program pleasantly surprised and even amazed me, here are just a few of them:

You can automate file operations
You can track changes to files and directories
It is possible to create your own macros and run them
It is possible to launch programs on a schedule
You can force the computer to turn off after a while or by an event (for example, after finishing a program)

Plus, the program is completely free and is constantly updated, which is also good news. And what's most interesting is to automate tasks on your computer You will not need any programming skills, although for this you need to carefully study the interface, which is what we will do now.

A small digression - I just want to clarify the situation in order to avoid confusion. It is necessary to understand the difference between a job scheduler and a task scheduler. In the first case, the program allows you to organize a convenient list of tasks for the current day, something like a diary or notebook. But the second case is exactly what we are talking about today. But let's get back to our sheep.

So, first you need to download and install xStarter, you can do this from here, and you need to download exactly the version called “xStarter”, the rest will not suit us. I don’t think it’s necessary to describe the installation process here, because everything is simple. After starting the program, a window will open in which we can see the “Sections/Tasks” field on the left - here, theoretically, you can create unlimited number of tasks and set the sequence of their execution.

In order to create a task, you need to right-click the context menu and select “New task” in it, or select the icon with the same name just above the top, after which several tabs should appear next to it (on the right).

We are only interested in three tabs - the first of which is called “Schedule and Information”. Here we can give a name to our newly created task, and also choose how to launch this very task for execution. And there are several options here:

By time
By event
Complex format

By time - simply select the time and date, or indicate the time interval after which the task will be launched. You can also make the task run every X hours.

The second option is triggering by event. All the most “killer” functionality of the program is concentrated here. There are a huge number of options available to us, starting from launching xStarter itself (launching the program is also an event), and ending with ejecting/loading a CD from the optical drive.

Well, the last, third option offers us everything the same as in the first paragraph, with the only difference being that you can select not only the time, but also a specific day of the week and month (only on this day of the week, month and time - the task will be executed).

Any task has a list of actions; the task consists of a certain sequence of actions. There can be several actions themselves, or one at all. There are quite a lot of actions in the program, here are just a few of them:

Start/stop programs
Displaying your own messages on the screen
Window manipulation in Windows
Shutdown/Hibernation
Copy/move/delete/sync files (or directories)
You can organize text alerts in case of changes/deletions of files or folders
Creating macros - recording sequences of keyboard presses, movements and mouse clicks. Macros recorded in this way can imitate your behavior at the computer.

This variety of actions allows you to create tasks of almost any complexity. By the way, if you want, you can use official xStarter forum, where there is a special section with examples of performing a variety of tasks.

Examples of tasks in xStarter

Now I propose to move from words to deeds. Let's first try to create the simplest task, for example - turning off the computer after a certain time. To do this, in the “Run task” field, select “By time”, check the “After some time” checkbox and indicate the period of time after which, according to our idea, the computer should turn itself off.

Okay, the task has been created, the event has been specified, but we have not yet specified any actions, and without this the task will not work. Go to the "Actions" tab, right-click and select "New Action", look for the menu item "Power" - Turn off computer.

If you want, you can check the box next to “Force closing applications” to speed up the process. That's it, now you can rest assured, at the specified time the computer will turn off on its own.

There are often situations when you need the computer to turn off itself, but at the same time, the results of all applications running at the time of shutdown are preserved. This is easy to do; in fact, this method is not much different from the previous one. We do everything the same as before, only this time in the action selection window we select the “Stop the computer” item and uncheck the first item (stop method). Then click “ok”. As a result of completing this task, the computer will seem to go into sleep mode, but at the same time it will completely turn off, and the next time it starts, all applications will remain in the same place as they were before shutting down. Those. it turns out that the computer saves the image on, and the next time it is turned on, it simply loads this image back into memory. But I don’t recommend working in the OS for a long time after such a boot - it’s better to immediately save everything unsaved and reboot “normally”, otherwise system errors may occur (after a few minutes my computer froze, although this may have nothing to do with it).

For example, I would use the method described above like this: I would leave the computer on overnight, and he went to bed, but after estimating how long it would take for the movie to download (for example).

Be sure to click the “apply” button at the end - when you click it, the task will automatically start running. You can stop it, again through the context menu, by right-clicking on the task.

Via xStarter you can prevent any application from running(for example, games), this is done like this: a task is created again, the event is “start/stop process”, in the process name you indicate the actual process of your application - if it is not in the list, just run and minimize your application, then the process should appear.

After which we create another action, this will be a text notification in the window - we write our title (window title) and the message itself.

When I started the game it turned out like this:

Here is another option for using xStarter, with its help you can copy/move files from one folder to another, and it will not require any participation from you. Let's create a separate task that will be triggered by an event; the task will be launched when certain keys are pressed.

Well, for convenience, you can create a text alert about a successfully completed task.

In general, the program is quite interesting, of course, not all functions were considered, but I hope that I was able to introduce you to some of its capabilities, and then you can get information on the forum, the link to which was just above the text.

I forgot to say, for the “Windows Windows” event you will need to first install a special plugin called xStartHooks. And finally, any task in xStarter can be compile into a separate .exe file, the performance of which does not depend on the presence of the program itself.

Hi all!
I wanted an invite to Habr ( thanks to Nast user for the invite), and finally this fact became the driving force for writing an article, which is based on the history of personal experience in the field of automation of PC-related tasks.
I am an automator, I like most tasks (software, hardware) to be performed automatically without the intervention of me or other people.

Target:

Tell and perhaps teach how to optimize work on a PC.
Anyone who has been looking for such information will have the knowledge to start and develop into a task optimizer.
To provide an additional opportunity to overcome laziness and do something truly useful for yourself and others.
Show an example of how to make a program that automatically executes a recorded algorithm of actions for your convenience.
To prove that automation is not boring, but as a result it is useful and even very interesting.

Causes:

Firstly. I often come across the fact that most users do not know how to organize their working time, specifically on a PC. It’s funny to watch when a user is distracted from really expensively paid work by small software (sometimes hardware) actions, and then looks indignantly at the boss, who this month reduced the bonus for poor performance relative to previous results.

Secondly. I used to often have routine tasks that I forced to be performed automatically using various software products. But no matter how many software options exist, there are always functions that are not so easy to implement in one package. And I had to use several automation programs in combination along with programs for the standard purpose of office or not-so-office work.

Third. The time came when a real routine task appeared. It was connected with the fact that it was necessary to extract text, tables, images from a PDF file, with protection installed on it against copying, recognition by any software, printing, and something else. In general, the author of the file set maximum protection in some (I don’t even remember) program for creating PDF files. And another important point, there are 202 pages in the file, the background is blue, and the text is sometimes yellow, sometimes blue. And most importantly, the time frame for receiving the finished text is only 3 days. I sometimes suffer from laziness, so I immediately discarded all physical labor, and also, I did not look for a team of a dozen who love to manually print text from a picture. As always, I turned to software products to automate tasks. After all, after spending one hour writing the correct algorithm, you can spend half a day doing more enjoyable things.

But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. I already said above that one program can do a maximum of 99.9% of the required work. So I started searching on the Internet and using one by one the most fashionable, according to ratings and reviews, automation programs, of course, provided that, firstly, they could perform the functions I needed in the GUI environment, and not in the console, and secondly, they are free. Yes, by the way, we are talking about Win applications. I will not recommend which application is better and which is worse - you can try it yourself, depending on your goals and convenience habits. In principle, I can automate better in BASIC than any program special for this matter, but I didn’t want to install Visual Studio - it’s a waste of time and hard drive space. Moreover, you need a program that already has all the options for controlling a PC, where you just need to select all the necessary actions from the list and change a few parameters for yourself. And for a typical user, this is exactly what is required, there is no need to learn programming languages, everything should already be created in advance and work.

So here it is. I chose the xStarter program (at that time v.1.9.2). 90% correct. I won’t praise it, I’ll just say that the application really has a very convenient environment for the widespread implementation of the automation algorithm. The only bad thing is that some functions are not configurable, for example, the screen screenshot function loses quality due to compression - it is not suitable for text recognition. And I also didn’t like that there was no separate window that would show the coordinates of the mouse cursor; I had to download a gadget for the sidebar in Vista OS “Mouse Pointer Locator”. And, of course, the third thing is not very important for an advanced user, but in some controversial issues it is necessary – this is help with the functionality of the application. It feels like the help file is from an old version, and there is only part of the functionality in the description.

At the time of writing, I checked the new version of xStarter v.1.9.3 - the help file is now complete, there are sights for determining the starting and ending points of the cursor on the screen, and the quality of the screenshot has noticeably improved, now text can be recognized. Well done guys! I will be happy to wait for new releases of this program, where I will get even more functionality.

And I implemented the PDF file recognition algorithm (with Protection) very simply:

Full screen PDF
Screenshot of “Print Screen”
Paste into “Photoshop”
Loop up to page 202
Macro in “Photoshop”: cropping, saving
Folder with pictures in “Fine Reader”

Handmade:

Manually, text analysis and error correction.
Saving in “Word”
Editing a DOC File

Time usage of individual tasks:

Creating an automation algorithm – 25-30 min.
Setting up the algorithm – 30-60 min.
Text recognition and editing – 4-5 hours.

Total time use:

With automation (1 person only edits the text, the rest is automatic) – 5-7 hours.
Without automation (1 person does everything manually) – 3-5 days.

Practical example: (not about what was written just above!)

I will show you not just an example of the “Hello World” type, I will show you how to create a bot (that is, an automation algorithm) for the game “Friend Factory” on the site vkontakte.ru

I was attracted to this game precisely because you can earn virtual money using a bot, despite the fact that the game runs in a browser and is a Flash object. I have no competence in flash technologies, so I immediately threw aside specially generated requests for controlling the game without a browser (if such exist at all?), my bot will only use the mouse cursor specifically for the game, and a few more functions for control browser, screenshot, variables, loops, and nothing else is needed.

The bot consists of 2 tasks:

“Friend Factory – Purchase (Firefox)” is the main algorithm of the bot. "Firefox" is simply a designation of the browser with which the algorithm will work. Can be adjusted to suit anyone.
“Read_Compare_ff” is an additional algorithm for checking the image for the fact that it has changed.

The bot algorithm performs the following:

Finds the browser window with the game running and opens it in full screen.
Next, the 2nd task is launched, which takes a snapshot of the screen area, exactly in the place where the number with the amount of money in the game is located.
Now the bot should move the cursor and click on the “Nursery” button, then “All” and buy the first pet it comes across.
When a pet is purchased, the amount of money decreases - our 2nd task according to point 2 will check this.
If there are no pets at all in the “Everything” nursery (this often happens), then repeat step 3 endlessly.
After the purchase, the bot, after some time, checks (point 2) the fact of the sale of the pet - that is, an increase in the amount of money.
If the pet is sold, then the bot repeats step 3, if not sold, then the bot presses the “Nursery” button to update the game result an infinite number of times.

This is a general description of the operation of the algorithm that I made for my own purposes, and I use even now. The first one was a bot for visiting the game every 2 hours, but it gave much less profit in the game than the 2nd one. It’s good to leave the bot running while you’re away from your PC.

And finally...

Advantages of automation:

Increased PC productivity (primarily for repetitive tasks).
There is more time for rest or other activities.
Overcoming the threshold of initial laziness, that is, the intention to create an algorithm to make your own existence easier.
Useful for personal purposes.
Additional knowledge of technology can only be beneficial.

Disadvantages of automation:

People don't want to learn and develop; they are content with doing what they have been doing for decades. Laziness prevails!
People are afraid to do work faster, because the boss will immediately overwhelm them with more work. Again, laziness trumps bonuses!
From school, people are taught to work, not to earn money!

Result:
I want this article to help at least someone develop in the field of process automation. And so that everyone who is indirectly related to this article would express their subjective opinion about the information they read. Well, of course I will already very grateful for the invitation to the Habrausers lava;)

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Size: 879 KB
Price: free
Purpose: task scheduler

nnCron is a very unusual task scheduler. Unlike most of the competitors under consideration, this program does not have a traditional application window. The scheduler is controlled from the context menu, called by right-clicking on the application icon in the system tray.

It’s worth noting right away that the traditional ability for all schedulers to launch programs at a specified time is not the only function of nnCron.

When it comes to launching applications on a schedule, it is worth noting the possibility of starting programs as services. You can configure tasks to run on behalf of any user in the system.

nnCron can monitor and restart overdue tasks and reminders, shutdown or hibernate your computer. Of course, the reverse operation is also available - you can wake up the system to run a task.

The scheduler allows you to flexibly manage the state of working application windows. You can hide, close, kill, minimize, maximize, and hide in the system tray windows specified in the scheduler settings. In addition, it is possible to change the size and location of windows, and change their transparency mode.

nnCron can add arbitrary application icons to the system tray, as well as remove them from there. You can also display any messages on the screen and in a log file, including requests to perform actions specified in the settings.

The scheduler is able to work with the clipboard, registry, and also emulate keyboard input and mouse operations.

Users of a dial-up connection can use the ability to automatically dial up to the provider, as well as forcefully disconnect the telephone connection.

But this is not all the capabilities of the scheduler. If you really want, you can make nnCron beep through the system speaker with a specified duration and frequency, play audio files, synchronize the system time, assign a specified priority to processes, and also interrupt their work. The scheduler has options for tracking files, windows, processes, mouse movements, computer idle time, keyboard shortcuts, the appearance of a disk in the drive, the presence of a host on the network, changes in a remote resource via the HTTP protocol, the amount of free disk space and RAM load.

The program can start automatically after fatal errors. nnCron allows you to use VBScript and JScript languages, as well as regular expressions, in tasks. The scheduler can execute arbitrary programs in the Forth language (SP-Forth) and expand its capabilities with plug-ins.

The nnCron distribution includes two utilities intended exclusively for programmers.

WinSpy allows you to find out the current coordinates of the mouse, find out the class of the object over which the mouse is located, and obtain information about the coordinates of the main and child windows.

Console is a means of interactive communication with nnCron for those who know the Forth language. Using the console, you can also administer nnCron remotely.

The program understands the cron format (UNIX) and is controlled using text files. Developers see only advantages in this method of storing settings.

For example, tasks will not be lost in the event of a forced system reinstallation. However, such a decision can be looked at from the other side. Managing a program using graphical tools is much easier than having to learn the syntax of text-based configuration files. At the same time, no one prohibits developers from writing settings not to the registry, but to the same text files.

The widespread use of the high-level Forth language in nnCron configuration further indicates that the product is aimed at experienced users. The program does not have Wizards, Assistants or other tools that make it easier to master and initial setup. Russian-language help and other documentation are downloaded separately from the main software module.

Official site:
Size: 5207 KB
Price: free
Purpose: automation of everyday tasks

When creating any software product aimed at an untrained user, developers are faced with the task of implementing the maximum number of useful functions in combination with ensuring ease of development. And if, as a bonus, the distribution package also turns out to be compact, then the program is simply doomed to success.

Many process automation programs have a significant drawback - they are difficult to master. Are you tired of routine operations, you just want to automate some of them. Why do you need to study high-level languages and create intricate scripts yourself? Of course, if you are a system administrator of a large enterprise, then such knowledge has long occupied the gray matter of the brain. But most of the users of personal computers have other work specialties, often not related to high technology. And it is unlikely that they will take on weighty tomes of descriptions of multi-tiered algorithms just for the sake of something running on their computer.

xStarter compares favorably with many programs considered within the framework of process automation in that, having the broadest capabilities, the program can be mastered without any Herculean efforts. The reason for this is a well-organized user interaction combined with a large number of sample tasks, based on which you can automate your own, unique operations.

The application's working window consists of a sidebar, which contains many examples of typical automation tasks, and a main area containing all the information and settings for the current task. Tasks launched for execution have a green check mark next to the main icon. All available xStarter actions are divided into several groups. Each list item has its own icon. All this suggests that the developers have ensured maximum visibility of all operations, simplifying the visual perception of the information provided by the software product. Just a quick glance at the list of actions is enough to understand what the active task is about.

All tasks can be grouped according to arbitrary criteria; the program implements a true tree structure. The list of task properties is grouped in four tabs - schedule and information, actions, additionally, task log.

The choice of schedule is made from three main points and one additional (complex). Any task can be executed once, after some time and periodically. You simply enter the required time values, and setting up the schedule is complete.

When setting up actions, first of all, you need to create a new list item. This opens a new window where the list of available operations is presented in the form of a tree structure. Each group and each list item has its own unique icons and text descriptions. When setting up user actions, you practically don’t need to strain yourself or delve into the intricacies of the processes themselves. For example, you want to regularly open a web page. To do this, just select the “Internet” group, then select “Open web page”. You enter her address. The setup is complete. The remaining examples of automation are not much more complicated than those described above.

Additional settings allow you to manually specify the priority of launched processes and specify the exact launch conditions. You can also launch applications on behalf of any user on the system and change the values of Windows environment variables.

And finally, a report on the work done is displayed in the last tab window. If desired, you can disable logging of all events.

What operations can xStarter automate? The full list of program features is too large to blindly quote official information. But it is still worth noting some of the tasks available for automation. First of all, this is any performance of any file operations. Flexible backup settings suggest good data security. The program can monitor changes to files and directories, synchronize them, record and run Windows macros.

xStarter allows you to work with email and files using the FTP and HTTP protocols. And finally, the basis of all schedulers - you can run any program on a schedule.

The program is free for you and me, Russian-speaking users.

Hello, dear friends! Recently I needed a program that could record all the mouse actions and repeat my movements. Don't think I was trying to spam. I just decided to experiment with one Internet game, which, according to folk craftsmen, can bring in quite a lot of income. If you use certain tricks, of course.

Today I will tell you what the RoboMouse mouse recording program is, why it is needed and how to use it.

To start recording actions, you must click on the “Record” button or “ALT” + “F9”. After this, the program will be minimized to tray. Now you can make movements to record. When you have completed all the necessary actions, press the “ALT” + “F10” button combination and the recording will stop.

If you want to check whether the actions were recorded correctly, click on the “Play” button or the “ALT” + “F11” button combination. Once you are sure that everything went well, save the recording by clicking on the “Save” button. If the recording is not successful, then click on the “Clear” button and try to play the process again.

If you need this entry to be repeated more than once, specify the number of repetitions in the right part of the program window.

P.S.: For those who don’t understand how to work with it: