Macros are a resource that remains ignored by most users. With a single keypress you can invoke multiple commands at once, saving time and effort. The problem is that major operating systems don't offer any mechanism to save macros, so we have to download an additional tool. AlomWare Actions is one of the lightest and easiest to use, with a free edition that lets us register ten different actions.
I remember that in MS-DOS I could save macros. If my memory doesn't fail me, the main command was DOSKEY, but there was also another possibility of assigning entire strings to function keys (unfortunately, that already escapes me). Macros can be very powerful allies. Let's imagine a traditional session: You turn on the computer, and what do you do first? Most likely you try to open your browser and access some services, which require your username or email address. How many times do we do that manually per week? Now, how does assigning the opening of the browser and pasting the email in the cursor position sound with only two keys, say, F3 and F4?
The truth is that you can do that and much more if you have the right program, and AlomWare Actions is one of the best in this category. Sending emails, assigning text to the clipboard, simulating mouse clicks, controlling Windows volume, locking the computer, emptying the trash, performing calculations... the list goes on. AlomWare Actions includes a wizard that simplifies macro creation, but all its power emerges in advanced mode. The program's interface is very Spartan. On the left we see each configured action with its name and associated keyboard shortcut, while on the right we find the steps tied to the actions.
AlomWare Actions comes in two versions, a Lite and a full one. The Lite version imposes a maximum limit of ten programmed macros, which may be sufficient or not depending on usage. The paid version raises that limit to 999, but those interested will have to pay $14 for it. Personally, I feel very comfortable with the Lite edition, therefore, I recommend that you try it.
