Getting Started with PowerShell Automation

With PowerShell, you can easily script commands to perform a range of functions, such as:

1. Taking Screenshots

Automate screenshots at desired intervals by using PowerShell scripts to trigger a screen capture tool and save it with custom names or locations.

# Function to take a screenshot and save it
Function Take-Screenshot {
    param (
        [string]$fileName
    )
    $bounds = [System.Windows.Forms.Screen]::PrimaryScreen.Bounds
    $bmp = New-Object System.Drawing.Bitmap($bounds.Width, $bounds.Height)
    $graphics = [System.Drawing.Graphics]::FromImage($bmp)
    $graphics.CopyFromScreen($bounds.Left, $bounds.Top, 0, 0, $bounds.Size)
    $bmp.Save($fileName)
}
        

2. Adding Delays Between Actions

Use sleep commands in PowerShell to add custom wait times between each action. This allows for natural pauses in automated processes, making them more manageable and less error-prone.

# Function to introduce a longer delay between actions
Function More-Sleep {
    Start-Sleep -Milliseconds 3500 # Adjust delay as needed
}
        

3. Sending Keystrokes

Send specific keystrokes to control various applications without manual input. This is particularly helpful for navigating applications or filling in repeated fields.

# Send keystroke "A"
[System.Windows.Forms.SendKeys]::SendWait("A")
        

4. Sending Keystrokes with Control Key

This command sends a keystroke with a control key combination, such as Ctrl + A.

# Send keystroke "A" with Ctrl
[System.Windows.Forms.SendKeys]::SendWait("^A")
        

5. Sending Keystrokes with Alt Key

Similar to the above, this function sends a keystroke with the Alt key.

# Send keystroke "A" with Alt
[System.Windows.Forms.SendKeys]::SendWait("%{A}")