Simplify Your Computing Life with Macro Programs

As a computer user with disabilities, the software I have found most helpful are macro programs, sometimes called abbreviation-expansion programs by assistive technology professionals. These programs allow users to create shortcuts for words and commands. Each program works in a slightly different way, but all have the potential for saving a great deal of time and keystrokes.

There are two general types of macros you can create: text macros and command macros. Text macros are essentially abbreviations for users' most frequently used words. For example, I just type "dl" followed by a space and "Denise Lance" appears in my document or text box of a form on the web. Using text macros, I have more than doubled my typing speed!

Command macros can launch programs, move and click the mouse, and automate many other tasks such as shutting down the computer, by simply pressing a key or key combinations. Command macros are a bit harder to program because the user has to trace the keys and clicks he or she makes to perform frequent tasks and then translate them into the program's "language." Despite the effort required at the beginning, devising command macros will save much time in the long run.

One way that I use command macros is having a two key combination which shuts down my PowerBook. This is much faster than using a mouse to select the "shut down" from the menu. I learned the value of this at the airport, when I had to quickly start and shut down the PowerBook for the airport security guard making sure it was a computer and not a bomb. Using the mouse, I would have had to hold up the line, making the people behind me unhappy travelers.

Many macro programs are shareware, so you can try them out before purchasing them. Some programs do only text macros or command macros, while others do both. For the Mac, my favorite text macro program is TypeIt4Me. For command macros, I like KeyQuencer Lite.

In Windows, I use a text macro program called Perfect Keyboard. There are many other good macro programs for windows, including EZ Macros, Shorthand, Macro Magic, WinTask, and KeyText.

QuicKeys by CE software is a popular commercial program which does both text and command macros. Versions are available for Windows or Macintosh.

From my nine years of using this kind of software, I offer the following advice.

Guidelines for Making Text Macros:

• Do not use numbers.
• Single letters may be used, but avoid using just "a" and "I" (words in themselves). However, single letters may conflict with text-based menus, such as those on some on-line services.
  The copyright of the article Simplify Your Computing Life with Macro Programs in Assistive Technology is owned by Denise Lance . Permission to republish Simplify Your Computing Life with Macro Programs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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