How to Automate Repetitive Actions on Your Computer

     

Translation of an independent article, placed on Boris Lion site (2008 June, 21; borislion.ru). Boris Lion wrote it of his own accord.


        From this article you'll learn about automation of routine actions on computer. I'll also tell you how to organize automation and what to use for that. Very often we have to do some simple repetitive actions on computer, such as mouse movements, key strokes, text input. The work is monotonous and extremely boring. Oh... it would be great, if it were done by itself! Or if my computer itself did it.

        But it is possible. There are special programs to solve this problem. They can record user's actions (mouse movements, key strokes) and then reproduce them at any time you need. In other words, you show your computer, what it should do, and it will reproduce your actions, when you need the needed number of times. And the programs you work with will "believe", that it is you who carries out the actions not an automation program. Thus, any repetitive actions on computer can be automated.

        I tried several automation programs, and the one I liked most is Denis Safonov's creation named AutoClickExtreme: http://www.autoclickextreme.com/. AutoClickExtreme is a program to automate repeated user's actions. It can automate: work with Excel tables, work with a large number of files, making back ups of important data, data base transferring from one format to another. It is just a small number of things the program can do. It can automate almost any simple repetitive task.   

Here are useful abilities of AutoClickExtreme: 

1. It can reproduce the recorded actions at high speed. Computer can do your work ten times faster then you do. 

2. The recorded actions can be edited manually. For example, you can remove needless actions from the record, such as an unnecessary mouse movement. 
3. It can insert any text in any Windows program instead of a short word (AutoText). 

4. A "hot key" can be set for any task. This key can start the task at the needed moment. 

5. The recorded actions can be reproduced any number of times. Set 100000 cycles an go to bed, everything will be done by itself. 
6. You can insert a pause between the recorded actions. You can delay a task for any period of time and insert play delay between any actions.


Except for the advantages there are some limitations in the use of AutoClickExtreme: 

1. Sometimes it inadequately reproduces recorded actions in games on DirectX basis. 
2. AutoClickExtreme doesn't work with console-based applications, as their principles of data input from keyboard and mouse differ from those in Windows applications. 

        Personal automation is a creative thing. I'm sure, you will think of your own way to use this program.

        Now, I'll list some valuable ideas about the use of AutoClickExtreme.

Why is it wise to automate your work with AutoClickExtreme?

        1. You can save the time and nerves, you would spend on routine operations.

        2. Using hot keys to start certain tasks, you will click and press less and save even more time. 

        3. You will secure yourself against all defects. Human element causes mistakes even when we are doing repetitive work. Man is prone to error, but computer is not. 

        On the whole, I liked AutoClickExtreme. It is interesting, that the demonstration record draws complicated things "with hands" in the graphic editor Paint. It's worth watching! To sum up, I can say, that optimization and automation of computer work is very important and helpful. AutoClickExtreme is a really useful tool, that I advise you to try and use in your work.

You can also read: 

Pixel Control - a New Range of AutoClickExtreme Opportunities 

The Command line Is a Useful Heritage from MS DOS

How AutoClickExtreme Works