countdown

The publishers describe SNV Timer as a reminder program, but it actually includes three separate applications designed to manage shutdown operations, user-set alerts, and more. While many will see this diversity as a benefit, others will find that the lack of integration between programs and the redundancy of some functions negatively affect SNV Timer's usefulness.

When you install SNV Timer, you'll actually get SNV Timer, SNV Notepad, and SNV Calendar, each with its own desktop icon. SNV Timer does just what its name implies: it allows you to choose a specific time or number of hours for whatever … Read more

Windows users have a lot to be excited about. With Windows 8 launching on October 26 and a slew of new hardware coming off the assembly line, this is the biggest reinvention we've seen of Windows since the launch of XP.

But some people are less than excited about the change. Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols from ZDNet has no qualms calling this "the worst Windows version to date." Similarly, Ed Bott has a list of tips on how to skip Windows 8 and stay with Windows 7.

So in advance of the deafening marketing roar we're likely … Read more

The Cool Timer is free alarm clock software that allows you to set up a countdown timer on your desktop down to the minute and second you want. It is an easy and cool way to keep track of your tasks and scheduling.

The interface is very easy to understand and definitely user friendly. There are only a few feature buttons like Start Timer, Pause Timer and Stop Timer, which are all you really need to get started. There doesn't seem to be any limit on how many hours you can set the timer for. Our testing didn't … Read more

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

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

Leaving your computer up and running is sometimes necessary--if you're waiting for a download to finish, for example--but it's also a security risk. If you want to make sure that your system shuts down after a specific amount of time without your involvement, try Final Countdown. This simple utility can be set to perform a variety of shutdown tasks after you've gone, ensuring that your computer isn't vulnerable in your absence.

The program's interface is plain and intuitive, with its features arranged in an easy-to-navigate layout. Drop-down menus let users select the number of days, … Read more

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

Your grandma had a mechanical egg timer that dinged a bell. Your granddad had a stopwatch from his track-and-field days. You can still buy either new, but it's probably quicker and easier and certainly cheaper to download Cook Timer, a free desktop timer for Windows. That's great for the kitchen, you say, where you use your laptop for recipes. But what about out and about? What takes the place of granddad's stopwatch? Cook Timer, that's what. At 239.5 KB, it's smaller than some ringtones, and it has no dependencies so it's completely portable … Read more

Fresh off her appearance on MSNBC, Caroline McCarthy replaces Justin today to talk Net neutrality, iPhone users getting laid more than Android owners, Fallout New Vegas, and a Web-surfing contest.

There have been a lot of misconceptions and misstatements about Net neutrality. Usually on The 404, we strive never to talk about real issues, but the Net neutrality debate has really stirred up the emotions with Jeff, Wilson and Justin. Caroline helps explains some of the issue from her appearance on Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" on MSNBC, and if it means a lot to you, be sure to check out Wilson's rant yesterday about the issue.

But ultimately, there are several competing interests involved, and we just want make sure that the next Google or Facebook that comes down the road won't have to pay to get priority access. The stakes are high here, people! Everything will be delivered over the Internet in the coming years, from books, to newspapers, magazines, blogs, social networks, video channels, radio, music, etc.

Rant over. Moving on.… Read more