Cool Timer

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CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on September 09, 2012

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 show any glitches or issues with this software. This is a cute if not cool way to countdown, thanks to the Preferences options. The timer can be set to reveal an image as it counts and Cool Timer provides some cute pictures. The alarm sound options are diverse as well, and fun to test out. The software also has an alarm clock and stop watch mode, which aren't obvious from a cursory sweep of the features.

The installation process was simple and didn't cause any issues. Uninstalling is just as simple. There are no limitations when downloading this free software since there is no registered version that will cost you money and restrict the features. This software is very easy to use and to set up even for a novice user. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a cute way to keep track of time on their computer.

Publisher's Description

From Harmony Hollow Software:

Handy timer utility with many cool features. Can be used like an oven timer in countdown mode, an alarm clock, or a stopwatch. Unique visualization feature shows time passage graphically using any of several high-quality, built-in images or any image on your computer. In countdown mode, the image is gradually wiped away or revealed in a radial, clock-like, sweep pattern in sync with the time as it passes. This is good for kids who can't yet comprehend time passage using digits to understand how much time is left on the counter or for adults who prefer a visual representation of time as opposed to digits. This feature can be quickly and easily toggled on or off at any time. Use any of several built-in alarm sounds or any sound file on your computer. Countdown mode is great for teachers or parents to set a time limit for kids' tasks or activities. There is even a customizable, scrolling marquee message that can pop up when the alarm sounds. You can enter any text for the message and even specify the text color. Use the program in alarm clock mode to wake you up at any time of day using any sound you choose as an alarm. There is also a configurable snooze feature that silences the alarm temporarily for a short amount of time that you specify so you can sleep a little longer. Stopwatch mode is great to keep track of how much time you spend on a particular project if you are charging customers by the hour. It uses precision down to hundredths of a second. You can save preset time lengths and alarm clock times in countdown and alarm clock mode to re-enter them quickly and easily should you need to use the same times frequently. Several instances of the program can be run simultaneously to time several things at once. Each instance can be labeled in its title bar to uniquely identify what is being timed by each one. The program's digits can be enlarged to full-screen size if you need to see them from a great distance.

What's new in this version: Version 4.9.3 added new sound to built-in alarm sounds.