EventGhost

It is always easier and more comfortable when the computer executes repetitive actions for us. Thanks to specialized applications, we only need to click a button in order to launch numerous programs or perform other tedious actions. EventGhost makes it easy to automate almost any action on your computer. What's more, it can be controlled from a distance, by using various input devices, like infrared or wireless remote controls.

The software is free and it can be used on Windows 2000 or any later edition. The straightforward installation process will take only a few moments of your time. EventGhost is not too demanding when it comes to system requirements, so you can run it even on older machines.

EventGhost lets you set up numerous macros, from basic executions to complex procedures, by defining a series of actions and events, in logical order. You can organize them in folders and sub-folders, in a tree menu. The created macros are basically parent folders for defined actions, which are selected on a separate window. Starting applications, muting the sound card, playing sounds, shutting down the computer or executing other power related actions, changing registry values or pressing the Play or pause button in Winamp are just a fraction of the available actions.

Depending on the selected action, a new window will show up, with configuration options for that specific action. For example, if you select an action to run a program, you will have to specify the path of its .exe file, choose a priority, add command lines and more. In some cases you will not have to make any settings.

Besides actions, you can add events as well. This is where EventGhost makes itself different than other applications. The software records any event, triggered by the user or the system and it displays it in a log, in the main interface. If you want to add an event, you can just click it and drag it from the log to your macro. The log is updated immediately, each time you switch to a different window, when the system goes to idle mode and so on. This is like recording a macro, but instead of clicking a record button or starting all over again, due to a mistake, you can just perform a series of actions and choose what you need from the log.

As previously mentioned, the software supports various control devices. You can find plug-ins for numerous devices, on a separate window and you can add them just like actions or events. Any inserted item can be moved up or down in the tree menu, if you want to change the order of your actions. Furthermore, they can be disabled or enabled instantly. Instead of deleting an action, you can just disable it and reactivate it, if you change your mind, without going through its settings a second time.