For me the best tool for automation since 2003 is quick macros.
*Quick Macros – automation software for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8. It allows you to automate various repetitive tasks. Some features:
Many macro commands, including user interface automation, launching programs, file management, text processing and custom dialogs.
Keyboard and mouse recorder.
Various triggers, including hot keys, mouse, scheduler, toolbars and menus.
Programming language with full API support. You can create programs for various purposes, and run them in Quick Macros or as exe files*
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