How To Automate Computer Operations With Batch Files

How To Automate Computer Operations With Batch Files

 
Remember that black window of MS DOS commands in the days when Windows operating systems were not born? That some commands would actually run for lines in order to open up a file lodged deep in folders? Then came batch files where one would write down the most common commands in notepad and that would automatically launch those files every time that the computer is switched on. In came the world of automations. With the advent of the Windows series XP until Vista, we were introduced to the mouse and screen interface and with couple of clicks of the button files are now opened, browsers being accessed.

Today the MS DOS commands may seem to be things of the past but the concept of batch files has survived over the ages and still many are loyal to it when it comes to saving time and achieving automation in the least possible time. How? Following are some of the benefits of using batch files to help automate few of the functions that you perform on your computer regularly.

It will save time enormously as all you need to do is click on an icon on your desktop to open three/four files simultaneously.

You can have your most favorite files and websites open automatically as you switch on your computer.

Batch files will help you cut through the number of clicks that you may need to find a hidden file that you access frequently.

So what are batch files?

Batch files are text-based documents containing MS DOS commands. When executed, each command will be processed without the user being required to type each command. Batch files are simple text files that can be built easily with Windows' Notepad where you would type in all the commands once and then forget about it!

Sample Batch File

Let's consider that you use Google, Microsoft excel and control panel everyday. So if you were to create a batch file with commands for all these three to automatically open, you will need to first open the notepad.

Then type the following:

START "http://www.google.com"

START "c:/program files/microsoft office/office/winexcel.exe"

START "c:/windows/control.exe"

Now save the notepad file as "Batchfile01.bat" or any other name that suits your requirement with .bat extension on the desktop.

Every time that you click on the desktop icon, the three windows will open automatically and you will not need to click on a number of items.

Better still, if you save a shortcut of the same in the start up folder of your computer, then every time that you start your computer, the three windows will start up automatically and you do not have to click on the icon either.

If you want the windows to open in a minimized format then just add "m" at the end of each command. So your commands will look like as follows:

START "http://www.google.com"/m

START "c:/program files/microsoft office/office/winexcel.exe"/m

START "c:/windows/control.exe"/m

There are other innovative ways to create more batch files. These are simple to create and you can test your knowledge in creating good batch files. Remember you do not need to be a software programmer to create one!

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About the Author Gregg Hall is an author living on the Treasure Coast of Florida. Now that you know more about using batch files be sure that you get quality computer accessories by going to http://www.nsearch.com