Autolauncher Game App Idea

[WaLLy3K]

If there's an application that already does this, it'd be cool if it was recommended here as I don't know of anything like this.

Basically, the idea is for a program to monitor game EXE files that a user defines (EG: HL2.EXE) and when it is launched, a batch file that the user specifies is launched where you can close applications and services that hog up your RAM.

When the game (Or any other program for that matter) is closed, another batch file that has been specified for that game will launch, restarting any needed services and the like.

General ideas are:

• A program that will start and stop processes and services for more demanding tasks;
• Runs in the system tray, the open GUI is only needed to make alterations to the games that are monitored;
• Icon in system tray has the option of being disabled so the app stays open but remains hidden (Reopening the app will launch the GUI);
• Which programs that are started and stopped reside in individual batch files for each monitored game;
• Optional timer to run start/stop batch files from time monitored executable was launched/stopped;
• Super low footprint, no useless crap in it and all that (Duh :O)

I know it would be a bugger for anyone to really start getting into this being close to Xmas and all, but it would be awesome if someone could write up something quick and nice in something like .NET ... because I don't like having to install Java.

It's an idea anyway for someone that's bored.

[SubNoize]

http://www.gotgames.com.au/forums/co...tel-fps-30018/ <-- kinda like that?

[WaLLy3K]

Very close, but does it allow opening and closing of particular apps?

I've been thinking about something like this for years, I just keep forgetting about it.

[SubNoize]

um, i know you can give it custom settings. i'm gonna play with the hacked one so it runs on intel and i'll tell you

[WaLLy3K]

Originally Posted by SubNoize

um, i know you can give it custom settings. i'm gonna play with the hacked one so it runs on intel and i'll tell you

It sounds like it could do the trick, but it doesn't work with Windows Vista (At least x64 anyway).

[SargeRX8]

I was building an application to do something like what you want(mainly manage applications, terminate and other ****). I could get it to do some basic stuff like start it, terminate it, give it some parameters n what not but i gave up because i couldn't find a way to make the programs database update based on the applications on the users machine.

Might give this another shot end of this semester.

[WaLLy3K]

Originally Posted by SargeRX8

I was building an application to do something like what you want(mainly manage applications, terminate and other ****). I could get it to do some basic stuff like start it, terminate it, give it some parameters n what not but i gave up because i couldn't find a way to make the programs database update based on the applications on the users machine.

Might give this another shot end of this semester.

I'd actually find an updated database to be too much of a pain in the ass TBH - I prefer it simple by specifying the games I want.

Then again, everyone's different.

[SargeRX8]

So you mean browse an EXE and just add that? Also would you want it in a way where the user defines what system services to stop and resume or would that be coded?

Everything you have specified is do-able but i dont know what you mean by super low footprint..

[WaLLy3K]

Originally Posted by SargeRX8

So you mean browse an EXE and just add that? Also would you want it in a way where the user defines what system services to stop and resume or would that be coded?

Everything you have specified is do-able but i dont know what you mean by super low footprint..

User specifies an EXE and points to two batch files to be run on game start and stop.

By footprint, I just mean it doesn't need to be bloated with useless crap or a useless language library, etc.

[SargeRX8]

I think i can probably do something like this. I might make this my new project for the next week or two.

[WaLLy3K]

Awesome!

[Wabtonio]

Such a program already exists.

I use it on my home computer.
Sygate Personal Firewall.

It meets everything you've said in your first post. Try downloading it and giving it a go.

[SubNoize]

i know bullguard anti virus has a gamers edition which probably does similar and it turns its self practically off

[WaLLy3K]

Originally Posted by Wabtonio

Such a program already exists.

I use it on my home computer.
Sygate Personal Firewall.

It meets everything you've said in your first post. Try downloading it and giving it a go.

I used to use SPF, the free edition. It would constantly screw up and cause 6.2Gb log files when I was offline. I also don't remember that feature in it.

Originally Posted by SubNoize

i know bullguard anti virus has a gamers edition which probably does similar and it turns its self practically off

I'd try it, but I actually have a legal copy of Outpost Security Suite.

[Wabtonio]

:| Disable log files?
The full edition is much more efficiant.

[f1tzy]

just use a batch file to kill everything that you have open, except for what you want

[WaLLy3K]

Originally Posted by f1tzy

just use a batch file to kill everything that you have open, except for what you want

That's the point, the application is a means to detect the game you specify and run the batch file accordingly.

Heck, it could even be used to copy single player saves of portal to your flash drive so you can keep playing on your laptop near seamlessly.

Though, that will have to mean that the application will need to recognise the application path so it sees that portal/hl2.exe was different to team fortress 2/hl2.exe.