timers

From poached eggs to moon shots, Free Countdown Timer Portable can handle it

Countdown timer, egg timer, kitchen timer; whatever you call it, this simple gadget has applications ranging from "handy" to "essential." Since the beginning of the computer age, software versions of this common object have been keeping scientists, chefs, and busy parents on schedule; like their hardware counterparts, they employ some sort of bell or alarm signaling "time's up!" Comfort Software's Free Countdown Timer Portable is exactly what it claims to be: it's freeware that lets you set countdown timers, as many as you need, for events ranging from your next break … Read more

PC Sleep

Even though your computer is still working, you might not want, or need, to be there while it finishes up the job at hand. PC Sleep is a simple tool that lets you shut down your computer at a specific time or within a specific time frame, so you can set it and walk away.

Installing PC Sleep requires a Dot Net Framework, but the process is simple. While it offers eye-friendly and mouse-friendly features, the small interface is designed to do the job as quickly and efficiently as possible in two basic steps: choosing the action you want to … Read more

Measure your time spent using Android apps

There's no shortage of statistics or studies discussing how often people use their mobile devices. With this in mind, the KF Software House created App Timer Mini (ATM) to keep track of how much time you spend using your apps. A couple of setup steps are necessary, so here's how to get started:

Step 1: Grab a copy of App Timer Mini (ATM) for your device. There is a Pro version that will remove ads and restrictions on some features. However, the app still has enough functionality to do what you need.

Step 2: Tap the … Read more

Once more, in quintuple time

Learning to cook is challenging enough, what with ingredients, measurements, and cooking techniques.

But there's something even seasoned chefs struggle with: timing. How do you make sure that all the dishes you're serving during your meal are ready at the time you want to eat them? You don't want your meat to get cold while you wait for your potatoes to roast. You really have to choreograph it to make sure your meal comes together. I usually just set the timer on the microwave and hope for the best.

But if you're someone who needs some help coordinating the timing of your recipes, then this is for you: the DoneRight 5-in-1 Digital Kitchen Timer. … Read more

Keep track of time with Easy Timer

Whether you're cooking, trying to limit your Internet time, or need help waking up from a nap, having a timer on your computer is never a bad idea. Easy Timer lives up to its name, with a simple interface but surprisingly thorough set of features. It's a great program to keep handy for those times when you need a desktop alert.

Easy Timer has a simple analog clock interface that can be set to whatever size the user desires and dragged to any location on the screen. Right-clicking on the clock lets you set the alarm, open the … Read more

Create and share a countdown timer with ItsAlmo.st

Having a countdown timer counting down the exact seconds until a big event can be very entertaining. Since the creation of the Internet, there have been countless services and methods of creating a countdown timer to put on display. ItsAlmo.st looks to be a quick and easy way of creating and sharing a countdown timer. … Read more

Time's up

We've seen plenty of timer programs ranging from the bare bones to the full-featured; there's one out there for just about everyone. MyGiantTimer seemed like it would be a promising option both for people who need timers that can be viewed from a distance and for the visually impaired, but the potential usefulness of its large display is undermined by functional problems.

When we first launched MyGiantTimer we encountered a small screen that let us choose which kind of timer we wanted to use: a six-digit 24-hour timer, a four-digit 60-minute timer, or a two-digit 60-second timer. A … Read more

It's a revelation

Most timers have at least one thing in common: they display numbers as they count down. VisiTimer, however, does things a little differently. Instead of showing numbers, VisiTimer gradually reveals an image with a sweeping radial motion similar to the movement of the arm of a clock. It's a great choice both for kids and for adults who do better with visual representations than with numbers.

The program's interface is plain and easy to navigate. You can choose either an image to use with VisiTimer or a plain circle in the color of your choice. The program comes … Read more

All the time

Sometimes the most basic programs turn out to be surprisingly useful. Free Desktop Timer is a simple utility that allows you to create multiple timers on your desktop. This is one of those kinds of things that you might not even know you need until you try it.

Once installed, Free Desktop Timer appears as an icon in the system tray, ensuring that it's always handy when you need it. The program's interface is attractive, with eight different nice-looking skins to choose from. Arrows on the interface above and below the second, minute, and hour spaces let you … Read more

All in good time

Everyone's had the experience of sitting down at the computer and suddenly realizing that hours have passed in the blink of an eye. Whether you need to remind yourself of an upcoming event or just give yourself a reminder of how much time you've spent online, Free Countdown Timer is a good choice. This basic program provides a simple alarm clock with just enough features to be fun.

The program's interface is clean and very easy to navigate. Adding an event is as simple as clicking the Add button and filling in the relevant details. Free Countdown … Read more