Sarasota PC Monitor
QuicKeys for Windows, V2.5
A Software Review
by Anita Plutchik, PhD.
Member of the Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc.I was never really much of a macro user until nearly three years ago when I got the first version of QuicKeys. Before that, when I had repetitive tasks, I would just do them, promise myself that I will make a macro for that job and then promptly forget about it. I?m sure it was related to the fact that I never found a simple way to create a macro. When I first got QuicKeys I was immediately impressed and am more so by the latest version.
QuicKeys, is a very sophisticated macro program. This version that I am reviewing is designed for Windows XP. works within the operating system and within most applications. It automates repetitious chores by assigning them to couple of keystrokes. You can create a QuicKeys macro to do about anything you can do with the keyboard or the mouse, no matter how long or how many steps the task takes. Once the steps are recorded, QuicKeys performs the entire task quickly, easily and automatically whenever you press the hot key(s) click the toolbar button designated for that task. In that respect it works much like macros do, but QuicKeys makes the process a lot less painful. It seems to have a language all its own and you need to learn some terms before understanding what you can do and how you can do it. I found this the most difficult part of using the program.
QuicKeys for Windows provides a wide range of capabilities, all with their own unique benefits. Clearly the benefit that it will have to any one person will depend to some extent upon many other variables. People who have many shortcuts on their desktops might be less inclined to use shortcuts provided by QuicKeys. People who do a great deal of word processing will have different needs than those who spend most of their computer time with graphics or databases. I can't imagine anyone using all of the features of this very comprehensive program. With this in mind I would like to list the major individual components of QuicKeys so that readers may pay attention to those features which seem to be of most importance to them. You should bear in mind that one of the strongest features of QuicKeys is the ability to use these functions together in a sequence to automate annoying, repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Having been using QuicKeys version 1, I am very impressed with all the new additions to the program. In particular it makes surfing the web so much easier and faster. The features I use work very well for me and therefore, I highly recommend this program and feel it would be an asset to anyone who spends much time using a computer for any reason at all.
In the interests of time and space (although it may not seem that way), I am including a complete list and brief description of the available features. I hope this points out the versatility of this program. So that you understand the language, I point out that the word Action means to automate a simple one-step task; the word Sequence means to automate a multi-step task.
General Features:
QuickStart Wizard: Upon installation, QuicKeys automatically scans your computer and helps you set up Actions that launch your favorite programs, open folders, type text and much more with no learning curve.
Custom Toolbars: Builds and toggles static or pop-out toolbars that contain any or all of desired Actions and Sequences; toolbars contain exactly the tools user needs and provides quick and easy access to desired Actions.
Sequence Recording & Playback: Watches and records actions, then plays them back; automates longer, more complicated tasks.
Timed Triggers: Sets timers to launch shortcuts when it's convenient for user; schedules longer tasks to occur when no one is at the computer.
QuicKeys Clipbook: Stores and organizes frequently used text or graphics files. ?Clear all? option added to clear clips; keeps graphics and text selections ready to be pasted in a document at a moments notice and saves time when searching for graphics or text.
QuickReference Card: A complete list of all shortcuts; never forget a hotkey.
Universal or Program-Specific Actions: Designates shortcuts to work only in certain programs or in all programs. standardizes shortcuts across all programs or creates program specific shortcuts when needed.
Zip Files: creates, extracts, validates or adds to a zip file automating zip file management with a single keystroke. Instant E-mail: compresses any file on the desktop and attaches it to an e-mail message in a single step.
Select Menu:
Accesses and chooses from the contents of any menu. No need to use a mouse to use a menu, change fonts, exit any program, save a file and more.
Sequence Tools:
Password Vault: Encrypts passwords that are part of Sequences.
Select Items in List/Dropdown List: Selects an item from a list, index or dropdown menu.
Conditional Execution: Tests a condition and then jumps to a certain step in a Sequence if the outcome is true adding logic to your Sequences.
Switch Tabs: Switches window tabs in a Sequence using tab controls eliminating unnecessary mousing.
Wait for User Input: Sequence will wait for user input, and review pertinent information during a sequence before continuing. Mouse Position: Remembers or restores mouse position, center mouse in screen, window or in a Sequence so that it is not necessary to constantly switching back to your mouse.
Message: Pauses a Sequence for user input giving more flexibility when working with sequences.
Check Condition: Checks conditions and attributes of files, folders, applications, windows and clipboard during a Sequence to make sure certain file attributes are correct before continuing Sequence.
Record One Action: Records a single Action without opening the QuicKeys Editor.
Action Toolbar in Sequence Editor: A new toolbar with tabs for each of the Action groups allowing adding Actions to a Sequence without navigating menus.
Automated Tasks:
Batch Processor: Runs any QuicKeys sequence on a group of files as one action. Benefit: saves time by executing a sequence or action on multiple files at the same time.
Insert Action: Plays an existing action or sequence within another sequence. Accesses your existing shortcuts within other sequences by simply calling them by name.
Open: Opens any program, file or control panel instantly.
Check Spelling: Checks the spelling of selected text with English and custom dictionaries; you can create your own personal dictionary for use in all programs and checks spelling easily in web based e-mail or text messages.
Folders: Quickly opens, creates, or switches to designated folders or virtual folders. (Virtual folders include Network Neighborhood, Control Panels, Printers, My Computer and Recycle Bin.) fast access to the folders you use most often. ???
Screen Capture: Takes a screen shot of the entire screen or an active window and can save it in the QuicKeys clipbook for quick access Screen Settings: Controls display settings saving time adjusting settings using hot keys.
Web Launcher: Launches any Web or FTP site instantly, even in non web-enabled programs.
Window Handler: Controls windows without having to use the mouse, giving quick access to a selected window; restores, centers, maximizes or selects windows.
Dial-Up Networking: Controls connection to Windows? Dial-up Networking Service and gets a laptop connected faster.
Type Text: Automatically types any block of text up to 255 characters anywhere automatically.
Quick Type: Automatically types text desired using typed abbreviations based on a previously created glossary thereby speeding up typing.
Special Characters: Types any foreign-language or special character. Advanced Text Tools: Reformats and cleans up text from the web or an e-mail message; automatically removes line breaks and extra spaces from web text and eliminates quote symbols from e-mail messages. Type Date and Time: Automatically types the date and/or time in any format designated.
Recent Files: Displays a list of files modified within a certain period of time. File Handler: Moves, renames or changes multiple attributes for a file or group of files, keeping files organized, stored and named; archives a large number of files with ease.
System Specials: Empties the Recycle Bin or move files to the Recycle Bin; controls the Windows operating system functions; enables log off, shut down or restart without touching the Start menu.
Choose Printer: Connects computer with any printer on the network.
Network Drives: Provides instant access to hard drives on the network; quick and easy access to shared file servers.
Screen Saver: Puts the monitor in low power mode; starts, stops, enables, disables, toggles or selects a specific screen saver or quickly disables the screen saver when not needed.
Set Audio Volume: Controls audio CD player/DVD player and computer sounds without leaving the keyboard to control these functions. Set System Clock: Synchronizes system clock with specified server or set to specific date and/or time; keeps system clock synched with a global clock.
QuicKeys notes a warning to users that, like any program that lets you define hotkeys, QuicKeys can cause conflicts with existing hotkeys in other applications. Also, you must set up each tool in a fashion that makes it easy to remember, or you will waste another mouse click calling up your cheat sheet.
Although I am aware that any review should contain the positive as well as the negative characteristics of any program, I don't think this program has negative features. The program offers so much, that I do feel that anyone who installs it will only use a small part of it. Nevertheless, that part is worth a great deal. The hotkey I use the most is the one left of the numeral one where with one stroke and in 2 seconds I type my entire name, address, phone, fax and email. This is so handy for letter head, sending it with an email request, etc. I highly recommend this program. It even came with a cute button saying I'm a Control Freak! - QuicKeys.
System Requirements: Pentium or equivalent processor; Windows 98 or newer; Windows NT 4 or newer; 32MB of RAM; Internet Explorer 4.0 or newer; 20MB of hard disk space; certain features enhanced by Internet connection.
CE Software, Inc.; http://www.cesoft.com/products/quickeys.html; Phone: 800-523-7638 x3053; Fax: 515-221-2258. User group members can purchase any current versions of QuicKeys for a special price of $59.95. Following is the URL for CE Softwares user group member discounts: http://www.cesoft.com/shop/usergroups.html. SPCUG members must include the name of our user group (Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group) under promotional codes when placing an online order.
Copyright 2003. This article is from the November 2003 issue of the Sarasota PC Monitor, the official monthly publication of the Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc., P.O. Box 15889, Sarasota, FL 34277-1889. Permission to reprint is granted only to other non-profit computer user groups, provided proper credit is given to the author and our publication. We would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication the reprint appears in, please send to above address, Attn: Editor. For further information about our group, email: admin@spcug.org/ Web: http://www.spcug.org/
The Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc. has 1,100+ members and was established in 1982. We are members of the Assoc. of PC User Groups (APCUG), the Florida Assoc. of PC Users Groups, Inc., and we are members of the America Online Ambassador Program.
See http://www.spcug.org for all reviews from the Sarasota PC Monitor, go to the Newsletter Section.