How to Open a Web Page Automatically

Computers are excellent tools for automation. If you can program the computer to do something at a certain time, it will automatically do so. Windows Task Scheduler allows you to automatically open programs at a specified time. You can use this same feature to open a web page automatically. Although Apple Incorporated does provide a scheduler with Macintosh OS, a third-party has a developed a freeware program called Scheduler for Macintosh that functions in a similar manner as Task Scheduler.

Things You'll Need

• Mac OS or Windows XP

Instructions

Windows Vista

1. Open Task Scheduler. Task Scheduler comes preinstalled as an accessory with Windows XP to Windows 7. Select the "Start" menu. Navigate to "Accessories>Task Scheduler."

2. Add a new trigger. The trigger determines when the web page will open. Select the "Triggers" tab. Select "New." Set the start date and time. Then, select "OK."

3. Add a new action. Select the "Actions" tab. Select "New." Make sure that "Start a program" is selected in the "Action" drop-down menu. Browse to the desired web browser.

4. Add the web page. To open the web page automatically in the chosen web browser, add an argument to the action. In the "Add Arguments" text box, enter the URL of the web page you want to open automatically.

Mac OS

1. Download Scheduler for Macintosh. Scheduler for Macintosh is freeware you can download from the Macscheduler website or Apple Computer's download page.

2. Create a new document schedule. Select "File>Open New Document" or select the document button.

3. Set the date and time. Change the date and time section to reflect the time you want to open the web page automatically.

4. Enter the URL. Rather than selecting a document to open, enter the URL of the web page in the "Document to open" dialogue box.

5. Select the web browser. In the "Application to launch" section, browse to the web browser where you want your web page to open. Then, click "OK."

References

• Microsoft: How To Schedule Tasks in Windows XP

Resources

• apple.com: Download Scheduler for Mac