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I'm looking for a free or open source lightweight timer compatible with Windows 7.

Essentially I'm looking for a pomodoro-type timer, but I don't want 30 minute intervals; I want to set my intervals. I'd like for it to alert me somehow visually that the time is up, even if it's running in the background.

Basically I want a program that will tell me to get up and stretch and/or rest my eyes every hour or x minutes. I'd like it to restart when I tell it that my break is done. Pausing would be nice, but not essential. I'd like it to be lightweight. I guess it could be a webapp. And I'd like it to not lock me out.

I tried workrave, but it doesn't alert me well enough. And google timer only has audible alerts while I often have the computer muted.

Requirements

  1. Free
  2. Visual Alerts on Windows 7
  3. Capable of 1-hour intervals, even if it only uses fixed inherent schemes
  4. Reset the interval when I tell it to
  5. Pausing

1 Answer 1

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I use an open source timer called Hourglass. It has a great interface and is very lightweight. It can alert you visually or using audio alerts as well. It meets all of your requirements including,

  1. Free - It's open source.
  2. Visual Alerts on Windows 7 - Popups, flashing, audio alerts which can all be configured.
  3. Capable of 1-hour intervals, even if it only uses fixed inherent schemes - it does basically any time frame you give it.
  4. Reset the interval when I tell it to
  5. Pausing

Hourglass (open source)

Advanced simplicity

Hourglass is the most advanced simple countdown timer for Windows. Just enter a time in just about any format, and hit Enter.

  • Pause and resume Start, stop, pause and resume your timers. Finally, an app that can do everything your kitchen timer can.
  • Smart input Type a duration like 5 minutes or a date and time like August 11 at 8 pm to start your timer.
  • Beep, beep, beep Choose from three different versions of the same beeping noise. Or use your own notification sound instead.
  • Improved interface Brighten up your device with the new color support. Or tell apart multiple timers by assigning a title to each one.
  • Right-click for more Set advanced options, start common timers, resume closed timers, manage custom colors and sounds, and more… Absolutely free
  • Hourglass is absolutely free to use, free to share, and free to hack. No ads. No in-app purchase. No nothing.

Hourglass Screenshots

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  • 1
    Just grabbed this it's basically perfect. Thanks! Jan 22, 2016 at 12:27
  • 1
    ha! Wonderful - great find! Jan 22, 2016 at 13:41

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