A "macro" in the context of computer usage, especially for the average user, refers to a series of commands or actions that are recorded, grouped together, and can be executed automatically with a single command or trigger. The primary purpose of macros is to automate repetitive tasks, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity ultimately saving us lawyers time.

Here's a breakdown of how some macros are commonly used:

Office Software: Programs like Microsoft Outlook, Word, or other office suites often have macro functionalities. For instance, in Outlook, you can have macros automatically move certain e-mails to specific folders - e.g., moving noted "junk" e-mails to a junk folder or trash, or moving e-mails that are known to have "invoices" to an invoice folder for later review.  In Microsoft Word, macros can be used to automate repetitive tasks or to add functionality that might not be easily accessible through the standard interface; e.g., suppose you often need to highlight all instances of a specific word or phrase in a document. Instead of doing this manually, you can use a macro. In Excel, you can record a macro to format cells, input data, or perform calculations. Once recorded, you can run the macro to automatically perform the same series of actions without manually doing each step.

Automation Software: There are dedicated software tools, like AutoHotkey or AutoIt (for Windows), that allow users to create macros for a wide range of tasks on their computers, from opening specific programs to filling out forms. I use Hazel (for Apple Computers) to automatically move certain files to certain folders based on the tags I give the files.  I also use Hazel move calendar invite files, e.g., an ".ics" file, to the trash from the downloads folder after to has opened and entered into my calendaring program. This helps keeping your hard drive clear of those little unnecessary files that build up and waste space on your computer.

Keyboard and Mouse Software: Some advanced keyboards and mice come with software that allows users to assign macros to specific keys or buttons. This can be useful for both gaming and productivity tasks.

A Warning about Macros!

It's worth noting that while macros can be incredibly useful, they can also be misused. Malicious macros can be embedded in documents to spread malware. As such, many modern software applications prompt users before running macros, especially if they originate from an unknown source.  So be careful when running macros, especially those from unknown sources, as they can contain malicious code.