Pimp Windows with AutoHotkey Scripts & ac'tivAid

Introducing ac'tivAid: Enhancing Windows Functionality

ac'tivAid is a collection of AutoHotkey scripts designed to augment the capabilities of Windows operating systems, offering features familiar to users of other platforms.

The tool functions as a platform with a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to add a personalized selection of scripts to their system.

A Wealth of Extensions

Currently, ac'tivAid boasts a library of over 60 extensions. These include convenient features like an automated shutdown shortcut, a volume control reminiscent of macOS, and a script to minimize windows to the system tray.

Despite being entirely free of charge, this program possesses a slight limitation.

Origin and Language Considerations

ac'tivAid was originally developed by the German magazine c't, which explains the unconventional punctuation observed in certain areas.

While a complete English GUI is readily available, complete with a comprehensive Help section, supplementary documentation such as FAQs, the homepage, and the user forum are currently offered solely in German.

However, with a little guidance through the straightforward installation process, users should be able to navigate the program independently once the English GUI is activated.

Installation Process

The program is compatible with Windows 2000 through Windows 7. It was successfully installed and tested on Windows 7 English without issue, and the following steps will guide you through the process.

Download ac'tivAid_v131.exe, which includes AutoHotkey, from the Heise website [Broken URL Removed]. Alternatively, a .zip file is available for those already running AutoHotkey or preferring manual installation.

Run the .exe file and click > Annehmen to accept the license agreement.

The license permits modification and redistribution of ac'tivAid, provided the Heise publishing copyright notice remains intact. Commercial exploitation of the program is not permitted.

Completing the Installation

In the subsequent window, click > Durchsuchen... to specify the installation directory for ac'tivAid.

Then, click > Installieren to begin the installation.

Upon completion of the installation, several pop-up notifications may appear regarding hotkey combinations and advising you to exit administrator mode as soon as possible.

In this instance, the pop-ups were displayed in English, and the program launched with the English GUI.

Switching to English GUI

If the language autodetection fails, you can easily switch to the English GUI.

Click on > activAid in the sidebar, then select > English from the > Sprache wÃ¤hlen / select language: drop-down menu located in the top right corner.

Finally, click the > Ãœbernehmen (apply) button at the bottom of the window.

Exploring and Utilizing Extensions

Now that the installation is complete, exploring the available extensions is simple.

Click on > Extensions in the sidebar to view a list of available scripts. Selecting an extension displays a brief description of its functionality at the bottom of the window.

Clicking the question mark icon provides a more detailed explanation. Note any conditions listed in the description, as they may be necessary for the script to function correctly.

To optimize system performance, ac'tivAid only loads installed extensions.

Select the extensions you wish to use, move them to your list of installed extensions using the arrow button, and click > Apply to activate the new scripts.

The activated extensions will then appear in the sidebar.