TaskRunner

TaskRunner is a complex software application dedicated to hardcore users who wish to automate a wide range of tasks on their computer, from opening a file and launching a program to shutting down the computer or cleaning browser traces.

Before proceeding any further, it should be mentioned that casual users with no previous experience in task automation tools are likely to have a hard time getting used to this application since it has rich options and configuration settings. On the bright side, they are pretty self-explanatory and don't require help documentation.

The interface looks rudimentary, making it obvious that the developer wished to focus on functionality instead of appearance. It's possible to create a list with as many tasks as you want, each with its particularities.

You can ask TaskRunner to run an executable or open a file, back up, download or delete data, monitor running processes or services, perform a system cleanup, or remind you of something important using notifications. Also, it can send emails automatically and ping an IP address, as well as log of, restart, stand by or shut down the computer.

Depending on the selected task, it's necessary to go into details. For example, programs can be launched using command-line arguments. When it comes to PC cleanup, the tool can be asked to clear Internet Explorer and Firefox objects, such as history, cookies and temporary Internet files.

Reminders can be scheduled using emails, popup messages or sound cues. If you're interested in IP ping, you can specify the IP address or host name in the local network, along with the packet size and timeout. Tasks can run once or regularly, for instance every few days, at PC startup or shutdown.

TaskRunner is capable of recording its activity to log files so that you can later inspect the events. It has extra tools ready for monitoring emails, performing web searches using your default web browser, uploading files to FTP, and others.

Taking into account its comprehensive set of options and configuration settings, TaskRunner should please power PC users looking for complete control over task automation.