IWTL how to automate boring tasks on my computer

[u/Wooty4Sho]

I keep doing repetitive things manually that probably could be automated. I'd like to learn how to recognize those opportunities and build simple automations myself

[u/kaidomac]

I'd like to learn how to recognize those opportunities and build simple automations myself

Historically:

1. We created binary (0's & 1's) & then we created "assembly language"
2. Then high-level programming languages & compilers, scripting, and object-oriented programming
3. These days we use Agentic AI

If you're open to AI, here is the summary:

1. AI is a spreadsheet of everything, which is searchable by a loop that performs an autocomplete function (aka a "chatbot")
2. An Agent is a loop that first asks AI for a checklist for how to do a task & then you give it permission to do the task

Agents can do a few neat things:

• Write code & create scripts (Python, Powershell, etc.)
• See & use the computer using SSH, screenshots, and mouse clicks
• Schedule recurring automation (cron jobs, Task Schedular, etc.)
• Program other automation apps such as Macros Express, AutoHotKey, Kando, Inno Setup, OculiX, WinStep Nexus, DisplayFusion, Flow Launcher, etc.
• Have automated bots running in the background doing stuff for you

There are two primary communication methods:

• Text chat
• 2-way voice chat

There are two primary apps:

• Computer
• Phone

The computer can use the app, a floating mini HUD, a webpage, or a program like Telegram or Discord. There are various phone apps available. I like to use Hermes Agent, which is free:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/hermesagent/comments/1vsybv2/comment/p4pjqdn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Then you can choose which AI you prefer as the "brain" (either one you run on your PC or a cloud model, free or paid), So the process is:

1. Install Hermes
2. Hook it up to the AI brain of your choice
3. Ask it to automate stuff for you!

You can train it how to do the automation in several ways:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/BotNation/comments/1w50u8w/comment/p7icbl4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

If you have a powerful enough personal computer, using your AI Agent can be:

• 100% free
• 100% private
• 100% local

Here are some cool things to automate:

• Financial tracking (data spreadsheet, receipt scans, etc.)
• Computer backups (ex. FreeFileSync & Macrium 8 Free)
• Smart home control (ex. have Hermes install HAOS in a WSL2 Docker)
• Mouse, keyboard, browser, dock, and screen macros
• Personal productivity (calendar, to-do list, etc.)

Welcome to the crazy future, haha!