Computers Windows Internet

A program for pressing keys in the game. Mouse Recorder Record mouse movements

A lot of regularly performed tasks on the computer, for example, opening many applications that you need to work, checking the disk for viruses and spyware, backing up and synchronizing data, cleaning the disk from unnecessary files and the like, take a lot of time from the user, which can 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 boot - 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 repetitive from day to day that can be automated is much wider and not limited to the above. The computer can be instructed to independently perform 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, e-mailing and printing documents, etc. Depending on the settings, the computer can perform tasks specified by the user at strictly defined moments: at each Windows startup, during shutdown, daily, weekly and monthly at specified hours, etc., as well as when some system events occur. In other words, the computer can be taught to perform many actions on its own. In theory, there are two ways to do this.

Built-in Windows Scheduler

You can use the standard features of the operating room Windows systems, which has a built-in scheduler that allows program files to run automatically when the system boots or according to a specified schedule daily, weekly, or monthly. This feature allows you to automate such time-consuming and regularly performed operations as disk backup, cleaning it of various file junk, testing the disk for viruses and / or spyware, etc. At the same time, 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. A task is created for each operation, and it is not difficult at all. First, open the Scheduled Tasks panel (from the Control Panel or by using Start> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Scheduled Tasks). And then click on the "Add task" object and, following the instructions of the wizard, indicate the required action to the scheduler.

Please note that the password entered for the task must match the Windows login password, and for automatic start Windows Scheduler programs require the Task Scheduler service to run in automatic startup mode. To translate it into this mode(if for some reason the auto mode turned out to be disabled) start the service administration editor (command "Start"> "Run"> "services.msc"), double-click on the service name "Task Scheduler" and on the "General" tab set automatic type launch.

If you need to perform several tasks sequentially (for example, launch a number of applications after logging into Windows), then it is wiser 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 set up the scheduler to run of this file v set time... However, for this you have to deal with the technology of creating batch files.

Specialized scheduler programs

Specialized scheduler programs allow you to perform in an automatic mode much more varied actions than is possible with the standard Windows scheduler. For example, open the necessary folders and files, launch applications, play certain sequences of keystrokes and manipulations with the mouse, download files, turn off the computer, etc. Moreover, to solve all these tasks in automatic mode, it is not at all required to be able to create batch files, and even more so, to own any programming skills. You can automate processes on a visual level, simply by telling the system what task at what time to complete and setting the execution parameters. This way will be much more convenient, faster and more reliable, it will allow you to optimally configure the system for automatic solution certain tasks 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 are designed for IT professionals, and more affordable (in terms of price and complexity of use) 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 preset actions - that is, to collect them as if from "cubes". It is not difficult at all and will take a little time, but the possibilities of automation will be limited by the corresponding set of actions. Other solutions additionally support the recording of macros or action scripts - this means that the program in a certain mode is able to memorize all the 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 script operation of the utility will be more than disappointing):
  • all running applications must be closed before starting the script recording;
  • in the process of writing a script, when specifying any data, you must first set the focus on the edited field and only then enter the data, and when you select a menu item, first select the parent item, and then the child;
  • when defining a path, the required path should be entered in the corresponding field manually, and not by specifying a directory in the directory tree. Otherwise, the automatic execution process will freeze, because the directory tree at the time of execution may look something different than when the script is being written.
In addition, when creating scripts, it is necessary to disable applications that may 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 program code level. 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 version
Spreading: shareware

Macro Scheduler is one of the most functional solutions among the programs for automating tasks. In total, it implements three technologies for their creation. On the one hand, the program allows you to generate macros automatically - by storing 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 the choice of 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 performed operations. For example, it can help in the automatic carrying out of various work with the disk (backup, copying, synchronization, cleaning, etc.), automating control over the movement of files and downloading e-mail, testing and installing software, transferring files via local network and downloading files from the Internet, etc. Tasks can be started manually, executed according to a schedule, or when certain conditions are triggered (pressing hot keys or events related to windows / files / folders). It is possible to compile scripts created in the program into standalone 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 you cannot do without knowledge of the MacroScript scripting language. This language contains over 200 scripting commands and standard programming constructs. These include program codes for sending messages to other applications about keystrokes and mouse operations, performing operations on the Internet, launching programs and executing commands, reading, writing, copying, moving, deleting and executing files, managing applications using dynamic data exchange. (DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange) etc. If necessary, you can include VBScript code in scripts, which makes it possible to use the program to automate OLE / ActiveX tasks. The program (previously there was a Russian-language localization, the Russification package was downloaded separately from the main distribution kit) is presented in several editions, for the general user the editions of Macro Scheduler Lite, Macro Scheduler Standard and Macro Scheduler Professional may be interesting, a detailed comparison of editions is available at the following address. The demo versions of the first two editions are fully functional for 30 days, the commercial version of the Macro Scheduler Lite edition is $ 39, the Macro Scheduler Standard edition is $ 95, and the Macro Scheduler Professional is $ 195. The Macro Scheduler interface is elegant and user-friendly. In the upper part of the working window there is a command menu and a toolbar. The sidebar contains a list of categories - that is, macros 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 on the left panel of the "Macro" window that opens - 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. The entire list of actions is formed 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 the task execution - a schedule ("Run When" tab), pressing a keyboard shortcut ("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 in it, and test any action using the built-in debugger. You can also go the other way - to record 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 on its own. 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 recording 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 set up.

If the script was not recorded successfully, then its recording can be repeated, or the program code of the script can be corrected manually using the debugger (menu "Debug"), which allows you to perform the process of step-by-step execution of the task. For users new to programming, it is wiser to choose the overwrite option.

For quick launch individual tasks on demand, you can create shortcuts on the desktop ("Shortcut" button).

Mouse Recorder is a universal service designed to free the user from any repetitive actions when performing tasks on a computer. To automate the process, you should record an action algorithm (macro) - mouse movements and keystrokes. Mouse and keyboard recording is done using the program. You do not need any special programming skills - the process is easy and simple. The program's capabilities allow you to individually customize any mouse movement or keystroke on the keyboard to quickly perform a specific task. Automating mouse and keyboard actions simplifies the work of the computer, which allows you to complete the same process in less time, increasing the speed of project execution. At the same time, the application has a unique opportunity to use your records in conjunction with a separate service"PhraseExpress" which adds additional opportunities 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 makes it possible to significantly simplify and speed up some tasks: debugging computer software, detecting errors on web pages, imitating 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 with keyboard and repeat

To simplify your monotonous work on repetitive tasks, you just need to install Mouse Recorder, which even a novice programmer or web designer can use. Automation of the mouse and keyboard takes place in several stages: first, we record the required macro using the "Record" button, then, in order to repeat the recorded actions in the future, press the "Play" button at a configurable playback speed. So 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 the movement of the mouse and the time intervals of clicks are observed 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 supervision of a person and an automatic utility system. The Mouse Recorder program will provide you with the restoration of the position of the window of the recorded application, if the window for some reason has changed its position on the screen. For multi-user use of Mouse Recorder, you can synchronize with the Dropbox web service, allowing other users to access the recordings.

Screenshots of Mouse Recorder




One of the most popular programs that allows you to record most of the mouse actions is RoboMouse. With its help, the user can record all clicks, mouse movements, movements of many elements. Of course, the usual recording of actions is software is not limited. Its capabilities include the repetition of all memorized movements, and you can repeat them 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 it will have to be opened from there, and these are unnecessary actions. 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

Alternatively, you can use by the Ghost program Automizer, with which the user has the ability to record not only mouse actions, but also all keystrokes on the keyboard. The interface of the program is quite clear - there are buttons for recording, stopping, 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 everyone 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 come in handy, which also allows you to record the actions of both keyboard and mouse. You can click the Start Recording button to start recording. After that, the program will immediately start recording all user actions (keystrokes, mouse movements). The user can use the task scheduler to view the recorded results. You can control the playback speed of the recorded data.

All of the above programs are very convenient to use in cases where it is necessary to automate a particular process. For example, regularly check mail, open any pages in the browser, and even install 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 in this action. The system may simply not install the game, due to its overestimated requirements.

You will need

Instructions

All modern games are installed on a PC using a CD / DVD drive. If your drive is designed to read only CDs, a game recorded on DVD disc, you will not be able to install. Based on this, even when buying a game, pay attention to the type of reader installed on your computer. For installation, 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 into the partition of the disk you need.

Windows OC gained popularity primarily due to its user-friendly and intuitive interface. But if an ordinary user only benefited from this, then for the administrator, push-button control has many inconveniences. Of course, some tasks can be solved using console commands and scripts, but not all. And this is where special automation tools come to the rescue.

AutoIt

One of the most popular automation tools for admins 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 these movements can be programmed using a BASIC-like language. The program can manage processes, access Windows API and DLL, registry, clipboard, files (read, change, delete), create GUI, messages, data entry forms, work with databases (MySQL and SQLite), read HTML code, download files, send e-mail 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 admin. 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 sweat a little with the AutoIt setting to find the necessary parameters.

Supports Windows from 95 to 2k8, including works in 64-bit versions of the system, "friends" with whist's UAC. It is convenient that the scripts can be compiled into an exe and then executed on another machine. No additional applications and no libraries are required.

AutoIt is distributed under a freeware license that allows 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, second version. The program comes with the SciTE4AutoIt3 script editor, the AU3Check.exe syntax checker, ready-made examples, the Aut2Exe compiler (and the reverse Exe2Aut) and help. During installation, the * .au3 extension will be associated with the AutoIt interpreter.

The scripting language used by AutoIt is one of its strengths. It is both powerful and simple. For example, to run a program, you just need to 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 the execution of the script until the window is activated. As parameters of the function, you should specify 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 windows of the installer of AutoIt itself 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 follow all the steps of the installer. 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 unambiguously refer to the license agreement window. It remains only to send him a 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 just help you get all the information on the window title, text (displayed and hidden), status bar, location, color, and so on. We just start and move the cross over 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 on the experimental program window. Help in AutoIt is very detailed, it has all the subtleties of using the language. In the documentation on the project website, you will find a link to the translated version of the help. Plus, on numerous specialized forums, there is usually a separate branch. There should not be any problems in learning AutoIt, in one evening you can learn how to write simple scripts, difficult decisions will require, of course, a lot of time.

Xstarter

Another popular program for automating routine tasks of a system administrator. The developer is our compatriot, Alexey Gilev (xstarter.com/rus), respectively, xStarter has a localized interface, and most importantly, the program is distributed free of charge for Russian-speaking users.

Once installed, xStarter can be started manually, automatically when a user logs on to the system, or started as a Windows service. The latter option allows you to run the task at 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 compound schedule, setting skips and actions for missed tasks, triggering on an event. In general, there are more than enough options. Using xStarter, you can expand the list of hotkeys or override their values ​​globally or locally. For example, you can easily make the task run when you press the key combination , but only if Firefox is running.

The launched program is placed in the tray, by clicking on the icon, we call the task editor. In the Sections / Tasks window, we will find two dozen examples, as they say, for all cases. Included tasks are marked with a green icon.

We select the closest in meaning (or create a new task), copy using context menu and edit to fit your needs. Each task is configurable 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, the key combination and the optionally active program window, upon the appearance of which the task should be completed. In the "Actions" tab, the actual macros are written. Press "New action" - a window for setting parameters appears. On the left side, we find the presets, divided into several groups, then clarify the parameters on the right side. The rest of the task tabs allow you to configure variables, set priority, run in a separate process, logging. Everything is very simple and straightforward.

To activate the blocked functions, you must additionally install the xStartHooks module. In this case, xStarter will behave like a typical Trojan or malicious software - it will start to intercept system calls, "press" keys and send messages, which may not like antivirus and firewalls. 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, and all the necessary libraries can be automatically added here under certain settings. Then we distribute such files to other systems and execute.

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, backing up and synchronizing data.
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 DBMS. Another unique opportunity - remote control launching tasks, as well as viewing the log using the special xStarter Web Pilot application.

Automate

Probably the most famous commercial task automation software is AutoMate, developed by Network Automation, Inc (networkautomation.com). Its main feature is the creation of tasks using a user-friendly GUI, without the need to write code. The entire process is simplified through the use of wizards and a dedicated Task Builder. The program contains a large number of ready-made templates actions 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 this writing supports more than 230 preset actions that allow you to schedule tasks, work with files and databases, transfer data via FTP / SFTP, encrypt using PGP, monitor systems, access WMI, and much more.

AutoMate is available in four editions, all geared towards specific uses: AutoMate Professional and Premium, AutoMateBPAServer 7 Standard and Enterprise. The simplest one - AutoMate Professional - provides a convenient interface for creating tasks on the local system. The most advanced - Enterprise - provides opportunities for easy management accounts and roles, work in AD, provides centralized management of several machines, SNMP support, telnet and terminal emulator.
All Win OSs from XP SP2 to 2k8 / 7 are supported. To install, you need the 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 the Task Builder. This process is quite simple: in the panel on the left of the 29 available groups, select the desired action and drag it to the middle field. A wizard appears to help you refine the settings. For example, let's create an action that allows you to get data for a section hard disk... Go to the System -> Get Volume Information menu, a wizard of the same name appears, consisting of four tabs.

We need to sequentially go through and select the parameters in each of them. In General, we indicate the disk partition and the parameters that we want to receive: type, label, file system, a place. Alternatively, you can immediately specify the selection of all volumes (All volumes) and then, by clicking the icon next to the field, set the check condition. The program provides a number of built-in variables, functions, and triggers that you can use in this field. You can also create your own condition. In other tabs, a description of the task and an action on errors are set.
After creating a task, it appears in the list in the middle, where it can be edited, moved, disabled, and so on. Next, in the same way, select and add other Actions. For debugging, you can add breakpoints to the job (Breakpoint, ).

The Task Administrator is designed to manage all tasks, both on local and remote systems. Having selected any task in it, we can view its properties, activate 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, suggested adding support for hotkeys 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: starting a program, sending mail, editing the registry. It supports working with files, simulating mouse clicks, it is possible to create a GUI. The program can monitor system events and take actions when they occur.

But the trick of AutoHotkey is the hotkey management. For example, to start the calculator with the combination , we write just one line:

The hash mark "#" corresponds to the key ... The documentation is quite detailed (the translation is available at www.script-coding.info/AutoHotkeyTranslation.html), it reflects all the features of the language. In addition to the interpreter itself, the project offers a utility for creating a GUI - SmartGUI Creator and SciTE4AutoHotkey editor with highlighting and code completion.

Scripts (extension * .ahk) can be compiled into an exe file and executed on any computer.

Install Firefox automatically with AutoIt

AutoItSetOption ("WinTitleMatchMode", 2)
AutoItSetOption ("WinDetectHiddenText", 1)
WinMinimizeAll ()
Sleep (1000)
Run ("FirefoxSetup3.6.6.exe")
WinWait ("Installation 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 the recognition of the admins and awarded by various media publications. With Automation Anywhere, you can easily automate any repetitive operation, both simple and complex, without the need for programming.

I must say right away that the product is very serious and has a huge number of possibilities. The program can work with files, send mail, start tasks according to a plan or when a trigger is triggered, use VBS and JavaScript scripts, and much more. The technology, called "SMART Automation Technology", eliminates the need for an administrator to be a programmer as well. Recording can be done in automatic mode, when the computer records all the user's actions. In the future, such a task, immediately or after editing, can be “scrolled” on other systems, observing 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 a sequence of actions in a web browser.

Moreover, Web Recorder latest version the program supports all major technologies used in the web: Java, JavaScript, AJAX, Flash, frames. The process is very simple: we launch Automation Anywhere, select a recorder, and the program starts recording all user actions. To stop, press the combination or click on the “Stop” icon in the floating window at the bottom of the screen. At the end of the process, the program will offer to save the record to a file (extension * .atmn). Editing and manual creation of a task is done using the Task Editor.

The developers have already included in the program several task templates that can be used as examples. Editing a recorded assignment also does not require knowledge of the 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 by categories, that can be added to the task. There is everything here: working with files and directories, backup, Excel spreadsheets, connecting to the Internet, sending e-mail, capturing a desktop image, starting / stopping services. Select the desired task and simply drag it to the right window. The 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 executable file and extend to other systems.

The task can start by time or when a trigger is triggered, this behavior is configured in the Trigger Manager, here you can choose: starting a window with a certain text, the 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 have not forgotten about security - Automation Anywhere allows you to protect the script with a password and encrypt.

In general, everything you need is in the program, only localization is missing. Supports Automation Anywhere all Windows versions: from XP to 2k8 / 7.

Conclusion

In fact, there are much more programs for automating routine tasks. Paid versions are distinguished by great convenience and friendly interface, the ability to work in a networked environment. Although, depending on the preparation and desire to tinker with the settings, you can do with free software like xStarter, AutoIt or AutoHotkey.

Standard Windows Task Scheduler

Microsoft finally realized the need for a normal scheduler, and, starting with Vista, the system has 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) or import a task. Thus, the main elements of the task are Triggers, Actions, Conditions and Settings. The trigger determines when and upon the occurrence of what event to start the task: by time, when the computer is turned on, when the system logs on, 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 the event code.

The conditions and parameters clarify the essence of the task, and the action determines what actually can be done (start the program, send a message). The possibility of delayed start of a task allows you to delay the start in situations when its immediate launch is unacceptable (for example, high system load). Conditions specify other options for the job, for example, when the computer is idle.