AutoMate and AutoMate Pro enable you to set up different "tasks" to be executed automatically without any intervention. These can be scheduled to run at specific times and intervals, and can be simple routines like running Scandisk, or more complex - like controlling applications. The difference in the Pro version is the addition of a Visual Basic compliant scripting language.

You can create procedures to launch applications, send keystrokes to an application, communicate via DDE, play sounds, restart or shut down Windows.

Any procedure can be called externally from within another procedure. For example: If a condition is met, run procedure A. You can create a custom dialog interface for your procedures. The Pro version gives you a custom dialog editor with all the trimmings.

This program is evolving quickly. I received a box with both a CD and a floppy disk set. Naturally, I installed the CD, and then later noticed that floppy version was newer. After installing that one, I went to the JE Software Web site and downloaded an update. And a new release is planned for the end of October. This should bring the printed documentation updated to the current release.

My experience with BASIC is limited. I've used QuickBASIC and VBScript to a limited extent, so the syntax looked familar to me. It was easy to create a script to automatically dial-up my Internet Service Provider and check for E-Mail, using two of the custom commands that were added to the scripting language: ConnectTo and HangUp.

Help is never far away - tips are shown on the bottom of most screens as you move the pointing device around the screen.

I've created procedure to play some of my favorite WAV files, and to show images - sort of a multimedia presentation. Before Automate, I had to use batch files for this, which were much slower and less attractive, since they ran in real mode. And now the important files that are changed every day are backed up more frequently, and it's done in the background. The routines that I use less often can be started from a command line or from a Windows shortcut-key combination, if I choose.

The next reminder I set up will be to sign up for a Visual Basic Class. This is where the power of AutoMate Pro really shines - to take automation to the next level.