
Despite Apple's attempts to promote it over the years as a simple plain-English scripting tool, AppleScript is still pretty technical stuff. The trouble with this view is that AppleScript has a tarnished reputation, at least as a mainstream utility. You might be tempted to call it "AppleScript for Dummies" if that name did not invoke a book title instead. Those of you familiar with the history of Mac OS probably view Automator as a repackaging of AppleScript. Still, if you remain more than a bit skeptical, I understand your reluctance. With Automator, it is surprisingly easy, and almost fun, to create "quick and dirty" solutions to problems that would otherwise be lengthy and tiresome to complete.

Because Automator is Apple's best ever attempt at a macro-like utility for the masses. However, I suspect that, if you could check out how many people running Tiger have actually used Automator, you'd get a very low response.

Take a look at any of Apple's promotional material for Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) and you'll find that a feature that consistently gets a top-billing is Automator.
