Mouse Recorder is universal service, designed to free the user from any repetitive action when performing tasks on the computer. To automate the process, you should record an algorithm of actions (macro) - mouse movements and keystrokes. Mouse and keyboard recording is performed using the program. You do not need special programming skills - the process is easy and simple. The program's capabilities allow you to individually configure any mouse movement or keystroke on the keyboard to quickly complete a specific task. Automation of mouse and keyboard actions simplifies your computer work, allowing you to complete the same process in less time, increasing the speed of project completion. At the same time, the application provides a unique opportunity to use your recordings in conjunction with the separate service "PhraseExpress", which adds additional features Your work.
Mouse Recorder - an affordable service for automating work on Windows
Mouse Recorder is a free program for recording macros, the playback of which can significantly simplify and speed up the execution of certain tasks: debugging software computer, identifying web page errors, simulating user actions and similar work on a PC using the automated operation of the service. The program for recording mouse and keyboard actions is easy to use and does not require special user training.
Record mouse and keyboard and repeat
To simplify your monotonous work on repetitive tasks, just install Mouse Recorder, which even a novice programmer or web designer can use. Automation of the mouse and keyboard occurs in several stages: first, we record the desired macro using the “Record” button, then, in order to repeat the recorded actions in the future, you need to press the “Play” button at an adjustable playback speed. This way you can easily remember the actions of the mouse and keyboard and repeat them at the right time. A convenient editor allows you to customize any mouse movements, actions of buttons on the keyboard, as well as edit and add the necessary pauses, clicks and keystrokes. The accuracy of recording mouse movements and time intervals of clicks is maintained by the program in automatic mode.
Simulate mouse and keyboard
Everything is created for comfortable use - recording and automation of user actions occurs under the direct guidance of a person and automatic system utilities. The Mouse Recorder program will allow you to restore the window positions of the recorded application if the window for some reason has changed its position on the screen. For multi-user use of the Mouse Recorder program, you can synchronize with the Dropbox web service, which will allow other users to access your recordings.
Screenshots of the Mouse Recorder program
|
|
OS Windows has gained popularity primarily due to its convenient and clear interface. But if regular user From this only benefited, but for the admin, push-button control has many inconveniences. Of course, some problems can be solved by console commands and scripts, but not all. And here they come to the rescue special means automation.
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, it should be remembered that AutoIt works without problems 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. None additional applications and no 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 last option allows you to run the job exactly 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 using 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 separate process, logging. 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 antiviruses and fireware may not like. 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 opportunity - remote control launching tasks, as well as viewing the log using special application xStarter Web Pilot.
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 predefined 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 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 Microsoft platform.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 panel on the left, from the 29 available groups, select required action and move it with the mouse to the middle field. A wizard appears to help you refine your settings. For example, let's create an action that allows you to get data on a section hard drive. 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, place. 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, Account, on behalf of which it will be executed. 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 are 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 triggered, use VBS scripts and JavaScript 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 latest version 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. It has everything: 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.
One of the most popular programs that allows you to record most mouse actions is RoboMouse. With its help, the user can record all clicks, mouse movements, and movements of many elements. Of course, this software is not limited to ordinary recording of actions. Its capabilities include repetition of all memorized movements, and they can be repeated in any quantity.
After installing this program, the user can directly use the program interface (buttons). Unfortunately, in most cases it is not very convenient to do this, since the program itself is minimized to the tray and will have to be opened from there, and this is already unnecessary steps. There is a way out of this situation - using hot keys instead of the interface. To record, you can either click on the corresponding button or use the combination ALT + F9. After you have recorded all the necessary actions, you can stop recording using the Alt+F10 combination.
Ghost Automizer
In addition, you can use the Ghost Automizer program, with which the user has the opportunity to record not only mouse actions, but also all keystrokes. The program interface is quite clear - there are record and stop buttons, a selection menu (you need to choose what to record), save all actions and repeat them. All this is written on the buttons themselves, so anyone can understand the program. In addition, the program is distributed absolutely free of charge and does not require any installation.
vTask Studio
The functions of the vTask Studio program will also be useful, which also allows you to record actions of both the keyboard and mouse. To start recording, you can click the Start Recording button. After this, the program will immediately begin recording all user actions (keystrokes, mouse movements). The user can use the task scheduler to view the recorded results. It is possible to control the playback speed of recorded data.
All of the programs listed above are very convenient to use in cases where it is necessary to automate a particular process. For example, regularly check email, open any pages in the browser, and even install an operating system, because in this case you always have to install the same drivers and programs.
It would seem that such a simple procedure as installing a game on a computer cannot cause any difficulties. However, there are certain nuances to this action. The system may simply not install the game due to its excessive requirements.
You will need
- PC with corresponding game system requirements, game disc
Instructions
All modern games are installed on a PC using a CD/DVD drive. If your drive is designed to read only CDs, the game recorded on DVD disc, you will not be able to install. Based on this, even when purchasing a game, pay attention to the type of reader installed on your computer. To install, the disc with the recorded game must be inserted into the drive. After 5-10 seconds, an installation window will open in front of you, through which you can install the game to the desired disk partition.
There are many tasks regularly performed on the 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 up quite a lot of user time, which could be spent with much greater benefit. 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 self-execution a variety of operations: opening documents and web pages, checking and cleaning system registry, updating any data, downloading files, checking, receiving and sending Email, archiving data, copying files, generating, emailing and printing documents, etc. Depending on the settings, the computer can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined moments: every time Windows startup, when turned off, daily, weekly and monthly at specified times, 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 use standard features operating system Windows, which has a built-in scheduler that allows program files to run automatically 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 automatic start programs by means Windows scheduler It is necessary for the Task Scheduler service to run in automatic startup mode. To transfer it to this mode(if for some reason the auto mode is disabled) launch the service administration editor (command "Start" > "Run" > "services.msc"), double-click on the name of the "Task Scheduler" service and on the "General" tab set the type to automatic launch.
If you need to perform several tasks sequentially (for example, launch a number of applications after logging into Windows), then it makes more sense 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 appointed 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
To automatically create new task Based on the built-in list of actions, you need to 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).