The same check, three hundred times
After every update, a technician must check that 300 PCs can reach the file server. Doing it by hand takes a day.
A short script does it in a minute. It never gets bored and it never skips one.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can say when to use a macro or a script to automate a task.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Network | computers joined so they can share data |
| Router | a device that passes data between networks |
| Automation | getting a computer to do a repeated task |
| Macro | recorded steps inside a program that you can replay |
| Script | a text file of commands that a computer runs in order |
| Loop | a way to repeat the same steps |
| Regression testing | running old tests again after a change |
| Command | a short instruction you type |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Macros and scripts
A macro is a recording. You switch on the recorder inside a program, do the steps once, and stop. Later you play them back. A macro in a spreadsheet can format a report in one click.
A script is a small program written as text. It can run any command, on any number of machines. It can be changed with a text editor.
Macro or script?
| Macro | Script | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Recording your clicks | Writing commands |
| Lives in | One program | A file the system can run |
| Good for | Repeating steps in a spreadsheet or document | Checks on many machines, back-ups, test runs |
| Weak point | Stops if the screen layout changes | Needs some coding skill |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check
Have a go
Check
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.