writing win 98 batch files

I would like to write some batch files to help my win98 system run more smoothly. I would like to write batch files to: 1.Securely delete files and folders.
2.Manage the programs that start when Windows does.
3.Track and report on changes made to my system when
installing programs.

I’m quite new to PC’s , but I did take a class in html, and I was told that using html was a good way to write batch files. Is this true? IF so, how do I do it? If not how would I write these batch files and enter them into my system? If I can’t do some of these things with batch files are there any kind of system hack or procedure for me to acomplish them, without purchasing or downloading any kind of utility.