AutoIt

There are many repetitive activities performed when using Windows computers. From repetitive testing of user interfaces to repetitive installing of computer programs (and their patches).

This automation package can be used to save time doing these repetitive tasks. The package name is AutoIt.

To start with the simplest example (screenshot #1) we create a script in a text file with the extension .au3 (to distinguish it from a standard .txt file). Then running the script gives the obvious result (screenshot #2). And to demonstrate a simple piece of automation: say we want to automatically close a window every time it opens (quite a frequent occurrence on computers!). Screenshot #3 shows a script which will close Notepad every time it opens. The script looks for the Notepad CLASS and simply sends the Alt-F4 key combination to the window when it appears. Simple! If the name of the window is not so obvious, then you can use the supplied AutoIt Window Info tool to determine the exact window name.

Of course, the above examples just show little of what is possible with AutoIt. The scripts that you create can be converted into standalone executables.
But a major ability is to create your own Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). For example, you may have some software to test. Say the software is itself a GUI. You may have 10 separate tests to run on the GUI. These can all be controlled from your own "scripted GUI" which you can use to initiate and control each separate test. Your own GUI can then report back the number of test successes and failures.

AutoIt is compatible with Windows 95 / 98 / ME / NT4 / 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista / 2008.
A truly powerfull automation tool. And its freeware!