Despite the effort required at the beginning, devising command macros will save much time in the long run. One way that I use command macros is having a two key combination which shuts down my PowerBook. I learned the value of this at the airport, when I had to quickly start and shut down the PowerBook for the airport security guard making sure it was a computer and not a bomb. Using the mouse, I would have had to hold up the line, making the people behind me unhappy travelers. Many macro programs are shareware, so you can try them out before purchasing them.
Some programs do only text macros or command macros, while others do both.
For the Mac, my favorite text macro program is TypeIt4Me . For command macros, I like KeyQuencer Lite . In Windows, I use a text macro program called Perfect Keyboard . There are many other good macro programs for windows, including EZ Macros , Shorthand , Macro Magic , WinTask , and KeyText . QuicKeys by CE software is a popular commercial program which does both text and command macros.