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Automation of routine work on computers. Automation of routine tasks on a PC - an overview of solutions

Hello dear friends! Recently, I needed a program that could record all 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 craftsmen, can bring in a rather big income. If you use certain tricks, of course.

Today I will tell you about what RoboMouse mouse recorder is, why you need it and how to use it.

To start recording actions, you must press the "Record" button or "ALT" + "F9". After that, the program will be minimized to tray. Now you can make movements for recording. When you have completed all the necessary actions, press the combination of buttons "ALT" + "F10" and the recording will stop.

If you want to check if the actions are recorded correctly, click on the "Play" button or the combination of the "ALT" + "F11" buttons. After making sure that everything went well, save the record by clicking on the "Save" button. If the recording is not successful, then click on the "Clear" button and try to reproduce 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.: Who did not understand how to work with it:

Many tasks that are regularly performed on the computer, for example, opening many applications that are necessary 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 be put to better use. The fact is that it is very easy to configure the computer to automatically perform such tasks, and at the right time from the point of view of loading the system - for example, when synchronizing large amounts of data and checking the 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 repetitive day-to-day tasks that can be automated is much broader and not limited to the above. A computer can be instructed to independently perform a variety of operations: opening documents and web pages, checking and cleaning the system registry, updating any data, downloading files, checking, receiving and sending e-mail, archiving data, copying files, generating, sending by e-mail mail and printing documents, etc. Depending on the settings, the computer can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined times: 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 at system startup or according to a specified schedule daily, weekly, or monthly. This feature allows you to automate such time-consuming and regularly performed operations as backing up a disk, cleaning it from various file garbage, testing a disk for viruses and/or spyware, etc. In this case, it is not necessary to create a task for each operation - you can pre-prepare a batch file with the desired sequence of commands, which the scheduler will run at a user-defined time. For each operation, a task is created, and this is not difficult at all. First you need to open the "Scheduled Tasks" panel (from the control panel or by the command "Start" > "Programs" > "Accessories" > "System Tools" > "Scheduled Tasks"). And then click on the "Add task" object and, following the instructions of the wizard, specify the required action to the scheduler.

Note that the password you enter for the task must match your Windows logon password, and for Windows Scheduler to start programs automatically, you must have the Task Scheduler service running in automatic start mode. To transfer it to this mode (if for some reason the auto mode turned out to be disabled), run 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 desired sequence of commands (you can create it in notepad), we give an example of such a file below. And then configure the scheduler to run this file at the set time. True, for this you will have to deal with the technology of creating batch files.

Specialized scheduling programs

Specialized scheduler programs allow you to perform in automatic mode much more various actions than is possible using the standard Windows scheduler. For example, opening the desired folders and files, launching applications, reproducing certain sequences of keystrokes and mouse manipulations, downloading files, turning off the computer, etc. Moreover, to solve all these tasks in automatic mode, it is not at all necessary to be able to create batch files, and even more so, to have some programming skills. You can automate processes at a visual level by simply telling the system what task to run at what time and setting the execution options. This way will be much more convenient, faster and more reliable, it will allow you to optimally configure the system to automatically solve certain problems and help save the user a lot of time. The range of scheduling software is quite large and includes both solid expensive packages for automating a wide range of network and computing operations, such as AutoMate ($ 995), which are designed for IT professionals, and more affordable (in terms of price and complexity of application) solutions, targeted 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 set of predefined actions - that is, to collect them as if from "cubes". This is not difficult at all and will take a little time, but the possibilities of automation will be limited to the corresponding set of actions. Other solutions additionally support recording macros or action scripts - this means that the program in a certain mode is able to 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, you must follow a number of rules (otherwise, the result of the scripted utility will be more than disappointing):
  • Before starting to record the script, you need to close all running applications;
  • in the process of writing a script, when specifying any data, it is necessary to first set the focus to the editable field and only then enter the data, and when choosing a menu item, first select the parent item, and then the child;
  • when specifying a path, the desired path must be entered in the corresponding field manually, and not by specifying a directory in the directory tree. Otherwise, the automatic execution process will hang, because the directory tree at the time of execution may look something different than during the script recording process.
In addition, when creating scripts, it is necessary to disable applications that can interfere with the performance of certain actions: antivirus, firewall, etc. Some programs, among other things, provide the user with the ability to create tasks and edit them at the level of program code. This approach assumes the availability of relevant knowledge and skills, and the development of each task is a long process, but packages from this group allow you to automate almost any task.

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
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 the actions performed by the user and independently generating the corresponding program code. On the other hand, Macro Scheduler provides for the development of tasks in a visual editor. Here you can limit yourself to choosing predefined actions or even write the program code manually, which allows you to automate almost any, the most time-consuming task. Therefore, the program will be useful for automating a variety of regularly conducted operations. For example, it can help in automatically performing various disk operations (backup, copying, synchronizing, cleaning, etc.), automating control over the movement of files and downloading e-mail, testing and installing software, transferring files over a local network and downloading files from the Internet. etc. Tasks can be started manually, scheduled, or triggered by certain conditions (pressing hot keys or events related to windows/files/folders). It is possible to compile the 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 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 by hand is like developing a program, and in this case, knowledge of the MacroScript scripting language is indispensable. This language contains more than 200 script commands and standard programming constructs. Among them - 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, scripts can include VBScript code, which makes it possible to use the program to automate OLE/ActiveX tasks. The program (previously there was Russian-language localization, the Russification package was downloaded separately from the main distribution kit) is presented in several editions, for a wide user the editions of 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, commercial version of Macro Scheduler Lite edition is $39, Macro Scheduler Standard edition is $95, Macro Scheduler Professional is $195. Macro Scheduler's interface is elegant and user-friendly. At the top of the working window there is a command menu and a toolbar. The sidebar contains a list of categories - that is, macro tasks can be divided into different 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 opened "Macro" window - for example, 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 lead to the appearance in the task script (Script tab) of the corresponding program line in the MacroScript language. In exactly the same way, the entire list of actions is formed. 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 the task execution - schedule ("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 ("Edit" button), and at any time you can insert/delete/change any lines of program code in it, and test any action using the built-in debugger. You can go the other way - write a 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 execute 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 the entry by default, you need to press the key combination "CTRL + ALT + S". Upon completion of the script recording and in case of its successful testing, the conditions for launching the corresponding task are configured.

If the script turned out to be recorded unsuccessfully, then its recording can be repeated, or the program code of the script can be corrected manually using the debugger ("Debug" menu), which allows you to perform the process of step-by-step execution of the task. For users who are new to programming, it is wiser to choose the overwrite option.

To quickly launch individual tasks on demand, you can create shortcuts to them on the desktop ("Shortcut" button).

xStarter automates routine 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 the routine. And the computer can execute these macros using xStarter even in your absence according to the schedule.

Take care of the safety of your data.

If it takes almost no effort to automatically back up your documents and email, then why not do it?

Replacement for Windows Scheduler.

The advanced xStarter scheduler will allow you to more accurately set the start time of a program or task. Tasks can run exactly at the specified time, periodically or in a complex format. When running xStarter in NT service mode, it is possible to run tasks even if there are no active users.

Track changes to files and directories.

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

Actions on the Internet.

Sending and receiving e-mail, working with files via FTP and HTTP - these are just a short list of what you can automate when working with the Internet. For example: receive daily reports and save them to the 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 programs and with any objects in the Microsoft Windows environment using xStarter. Each macro is a file that contains a sequence of recorded mouse movements and clicks, keyboard button presses. This file can be played at any time by schedule or hotkey as if you were doing it 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 starting tasks, users can fill in some parameters that are 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 execute SQL scripts, backup/restore databases, etc.

Automation of 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;
  • display messages on the screen;
  • connection to the Internet;
  • directory synchronization;
  • window operations;
  • operations with text and log files;
  • disabling and connecting network directories;
  • etc.

Tasks can be scheduled, hotkeys, or system events.

System requirements

Intel Pentium or compatible processor
Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista

If you work on the Internet, then surely you sometimes have to do tedious mechanical work that you want to entrust to an assistant or robot. Wildfire will become such an assistant for you, not knowing fatigue and mistakes.

The main function of Wildfire is to record the sequence of your actions in the browser, and then repeat them. At the same time, the extension is able to recognize and reproduce almost any operation, including creating new tabs, clicking any mouse button, following a link, refreshing a page.

After installing the extension, a new icon will appear in the browser toolbar. Clicking on it opens a pop-up window with two buttons. To start macro recording, click the Start Recording button. The extension icon will turn red and you will be able to perform all the operations you want to record. To stop recording, click the Stop Recording button.

The recorded macro will open in the built-in editor as a flowchart. Here you can edit any operation. To do this, select the desired element or link so that its properties panel appears on the side.

The recorded macro can be run at any time. It looks just magical - new tabs open themselves, the necessary sites are loaded, comments you specify are written, files are downloaded.

If you plan to use the recorded macro in the future, then you need to save it as a favorite. To do this, click the star button on the macro editor toolbar and give the script a name. The saved macro can be found in the Settings section on the Favorites tab. On the adjacent Scheduled tab, you can set the macro start time and specify the repetition interval.

Wildfire is a handy tool thanks to which you don't have to repeat the same actions every time. It can be used both for useful actions, such as testing sites, and for cheating views and spam. We hope you make the right choice.


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 working application window. The scheduler is controlled from the context menu called by right-clicking on the application icon in the system tray.

It should be noted right away that the ability to run programs at a specified time, traditional for all schedulers, is by no means the only function of nnCron.

Stopping at the launch of applications on a schedule, it is worth noting the possibility of starting programs as services. You can configure the launch of tasks on behalf of any user in the system.

nnCron can monitor and restart overdue tasks and reminders, shut down or put your computer to sleep. Of course, the reverse operation is also available - you can wake up the system in order to start any task.

The scheduler allows you to flexibly manage the state of application windows. You can hide, close, kill, minimize, maximize, and hide in the system tray the windows specified in the scheduler settings. In addition, it is allowed to change the size and location of windows, 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 the log file, including requests to perform the actions specified in the settings.

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

Dial-up connection users can use the possibility of automatic dialing to the provider, as well as forced disconnection of the telephone connection.

But this is not all the features of the scheduler. If you really want to, 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, changing a remote resource via the HTTP protocol, the amount of free disk space and the load on RAM.

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

The nnCron distribution includes two utilities designed exclusively for programmers.

WinSpy allows you to find out the current coordinates of the mouse, find out the class of the object the mouse is over, get 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. You can also remotely administer nnCron using the console.

The program understands the cron format (UNIX) and is controlled using text files. In this way of storing settings, developers see only pluses.

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

The extensive use of the high-level language Forth in configuring nnCron further indicates that the product is aimed at advanced users. The program does not have Wizards, Assistants and other tools that facilitate its development, initial setup. Russian-language help and other documentation are downloaded separately from the main program module.

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

During the creation of any software product aimed at an unprepared user, developers are faced with the task of implementing the maximum number of useful functions, combined with ensuring ease of development. And if, as a bonus, the distribution is also compact, then the program is simply doomed to success.

Many programs for automating processes have a significant drawback - the complexity of mastering. You are tired of routine operations, you just want to automate some of them. Why study high-level languages ​​for this, compose intricate scripts on your own? 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 working specialties, often not related to high technology. And they are unlikely to take on weighty tomes of descriptions of multi-tiered algorithms just for the sake of something running on their own computer.

xStarter compares favorably with many programs considered in the framework of process automation in that, having the widest possibilities, the program is mastered without any titanic efforts. The reason for this is a well-organized user experience, 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 checkmark 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 the maximum visibility of all operations, simplifying the visual perception of information provided by the software product. 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 has a true tree structure. The list of task properties is grouped in four tabs - schedule and information, actions, additionally, task log.

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

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 element of the list has its own unique icons, text descriptions. When setting up custom actions, you practically do not need to strain yourself, delve into the intricacies of the processes themselves. For example, you want to open a web page regularly. To do this, just select the "Internet" group, then select the "Open web page" item. You enter her address. Setup completed. The remaining examples of automation are not much more complicated than those described above.

Additional settings allow you to manually specify the priority of the processes to be launched, specify the exact launch conditions. You can also run applications on behalf of any of the users in the system, change the values ​​of Windows environment variables.

And finally, in the window of the last tab, a report on the work done is displayed. 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 still, it is worth noting some of the tasks available for automation. First of all, these are any execution of any file operations. Flexible backup settings make it possible to assert good data safety. The program can track changes to files and directories, synchronize them, record and run Windows macros.

xStarter allows you to work with e-mail 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 us, Russian-speaking users.

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