Windows Tip: How Batch Files Can Open Multiple Programs

When would you use a batch file? Whenever you have a need to open several programs for a given task. For example, when it comes time to pay the monthly bills you generally would open a browser to access online banking, open a spreadsheet to track payments, and the Calc program for calculations. A single batch file can easily open all three with a single click. Within it, you would create the following commands:

NOTE: The following examples and file paths are from Windows 7. XP paths may be different for some programs as well as for MS Office (Office 2007 is used in the example below) on your Computer.
Also, due to some sites not allowing the use of back slashes, the examples below use forward slash for folder paths. When creating your batch files, use a back slash in the folder path.

• start /d C:/Windows/System32 calc.exe
• start /d "C:/Program Files/Mozilla Firefox" firefox.exe
• https://www.bankofamerica.com start /d C:/finance/spreadsheets budget.xls

When creating a batch file, use the Notepad program (or any other text editor) and save it with a.BAT extension (not the default.TXT extension).

Let's quickly review each command listed above. First, the Start command instructs Windows to open a separate window within which the program executes.

Second, the /d is called a Switch and instructs the Windows to read the following information as a file or command path for locating the program. If there are spaces in the path, the complete path will need to be placed in double quotes.

Third, the name of the file to be executed is added, including its extension.

And fourth, if there is a file or URL to be opened, then this is where it is placed. For example, the budget spreadsheet budget.xls.

The above is a simple example. Batch files can handle more complex tasks. Below is an example of a complex batch file...

• @echo off
• color 3
• title Conditional Shutdown
• set /p name=enter a name:
• :start
• cls
• echo Hi, %name%
• echo.
• echo 1.Shutdown
• echo 2.Quit
• set /p choice=enter your choice 1,2:
• if %choice%==1 goto shutdown
• if %choice%==2 exit
• :shutdown
• cls
• set /p sec=enter the number of seconds that you wish the computer to shutdown in:
• set /p msg=enter the shutdown message you wish to display:
• shutdown -s -f -t %sec% -c "%msg%
• echo shutdown initiated at %time%
• set /p cancel=type cancel to stop shutdown
• if %cancel%==cancel shutdown -a
• if %cancel%==cancel goto start

Enhancing and Removing Noise From MP3 Clips

The methods used to enhance voices and remove background noise on MP3 clips varies depending on what type of program you use. There are many to choose from running the gambit from the simplest to the most complicated. Camtasia falls somewhere in between and is a great program for working with your MP3 clips and you can purchase and download the software right from the Internet. Once you have it downloaded, you'll want to follow these steps:

Audio Enhancements:

1. Click "Audio Enhancements" option from "Task List."

2. The "Audio Enhancements" will appear. Choose the "even out volume levels option."

3. Choose an option on the "Settings" menu that is the best description of the audio variation levels on the "Timeline."

4. The leveling of volume should happen immediately. Choose " Play" in preview to hear the newly created audio. Check and uncheck "Even out volume levels" while the audio is playing, you should be able to hear an audio quality comparison before and after the option is applied.

5. Choose "OK."

Removing Background Noise:

1. Click the "Audio Enhancements" option from "Task List."

2. The page "Audio Enhancements" will appear. Choose the "Remove Noise" button. The silence selection will detect any noise in the clip.

3. Once the process completes the status will turn green and shows the notice "Noise Removal Enabled."

4. The waveform audio color will change colors from teal to burgundy. Choose "Play" in preview to hear the newly created audio. Once the video is running, check and uncheck "Restore Noise" to hear an audio comparison for quality after and before choosing the option.

5. Choose "OK."

If you happen to be refining your MP3 clips for voice over auditions, you will want to produce the best audio quality possible each and every time you hit record. If there are foreign sounds in the background or foreground of your auditons producers and casting directors will get distracted and move on. Your demos and auditions need to be of consistent professional quality in order to represent your voice over services in the best possible light. The first few seconds the producer clicks the play button on your audition demo are fleeting. So take the time needed when preparing your demos and polish them up before clicking the send button. Taking those extra steps will give you a better chance capturing the interest of the producer in those first few precious seconds and may help you land the job.