Applescript and Automator

I'm not a switcher but I know this is a switcher question. Can anyone explain what Applescript and Automator do and how to use them?

Thanks,
Damien

Check out the following website:

TUAW Tip: enable the AppleScript menu

Once you enable the Applescript menu then you have a wealth of pre-written scripts at your fingertips.

I'm still fairly new with Automator and only use Workflows that I pick up here and there rather than creating my own ... eventually I'll get there.

If you want some background
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AppleScript

Basically its a scripting language that lets receptive tasks be accomplished by the OS and those applications that support applescript (just about any established apple developer)

Thanks, I'll check those out when I get a chance.

What about automator? I've found one action that I like. It lets you lock up your computer but everything keeps running. To access your computer again, all you have to do is enter your name and password. That's pretty cool. Anyone have any other cool automator actions or any info on how to create them? Thanks!

Another question, is there anything that you can do with Automator apps that you can't do with AppleScripts or vice versa? I'm just trying to get a firm grip on the uses of each. I can't believe it's taken me almost a year to ask about these. Does that make me stupid? LOL