Can I use macros to speed up my email replies?
QI have limited experience of writing and responding to emails but I often find myself having to type my full name, address and postcode. This, as I’m sure you can imagine, is extremely tedious. I believe it might be possible to save this information to something called a macro, and then have it repeat the information whenever I need? How do I do this? Jim Mitchell
AWindows doesn’t have a built-in macro recorder, but there are plenty of free tools available that’ll do the job. This might not be necessary for your needs, though.
All modern email programs offer a ‘signature’ option, which automatically adds text to the end of new messages. Typically, a signature would simply be your preferred sign-off and your name, but it can just as easily include your full address. In Windows 10 Mail, for example, click the Settings cog followed by Signature. Flip the ‘Use an email signature’ switch to the On position, then type your name, address and postcode into the box below (see screenshot). If you use Mail to sync more than one account, tick the ‘Apply to all accounts’ box.
Now whenever you click the ‘New mail’ button to create a new message, the composition window will aready contain your personal details. If you need to put them elsewhere in the message, use the normal Windows copy, cut and paste shortcuts: that’s (Ctrl+x) to copy and cut the highlighted text, and Ctrl+v to paste it where you want.
If this doesn’t fulfil your needs, try Tinytask ( www.snipca.com/24293), a great little tool that records both typing and mouse actions. It’s a portable app, so you don’t need to install it as such. Simply double-click the downloaded file, choose where you want to store the decompressed program and then, whenever you need it, just double-click the Tinytaskportable.exe file to run it.
To start recording a macro, click the blue button (or use the Ctrl+shift+alt+r keyboard shortcut). Perform the actions and typing you want to record, then click the red button (or repeat the keyboard shortcut mentioned above). Now, whenever you need to replay the macro, click the green button, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+shift+alt+p.
Click the floppy disk icon to save macros, or the spanner icon to access more settings (hint: we’d suggest ticking ‘Play Speed: Fast’).
QI decided to give Google Chromecast a try, so I downloaded and installed the latest version of the Chrome web browser on my ipad. When I opened the menu and looked for a Cast option, however, I couldn’t find it. I often visit my elderly mother, who is fit and able to look after herself but can’t get her head around modern technology, such as tablets. She gets confused by her TV and the limited channels available on her set-top box. Technical difficulties in her area mean she can’t receive cable TV, and her retirement complex doesn’t allow the installation of satellite dishes. If I could use Chromecast to send films and other programmes from my ipad, it would give her a change of viewing. Can it be done? Rick Berej
AYes, it can, although this ability is limited to certain websites and apps. The list of compatible services is pretty good, however. For example, if you visit the mobile version of the Youtube website (at http://m. youtube.com) and play a video, you can tap the Cast button and, assuming you’ve set up the Chromecast correctly, broadcast Youtube videos to your mum’s TV. Many other popular apps offer the same ability, including Netflix and BBC iplayer (see screenshot). You can browse the full list of compatible apps at www. snipca.com/24276.
You’ll also need to install the free Google Home app on your ipad to set up and manage your Chromecast — get it from www.snipca.com/24277.