CNET Editors' note: Cool Timer includes optional bundled software that may trigger alerts from security software. Cool Timer has been tested for malware by the CNET Download.com team and meets our security requirements.
CNET Editors' review
Harmony Hollow's Cool Timer is a free 99-hour timer with countdown and stopwatch functions plus the ability to play any MP3, WAV, or MIDI sound file as an alarm as well as display a scrolling message to remind you why you set the timer in the first place.
Cool Timer's small interface is skinned in garishly bright colors that certainly help make it visible on the desktop, but it's easy to change the program's skin color as well as the colors of the digits and buttons, or to select default Windows colors for maximum visual integration. Cool Timer displays hours, minutes, and seconds to two digits. The interface presents a large Start button and six smaller buttons labeled Options, Reset, Presets, Tray, Help, and About.
The Options page let us select and test an alarm sound from a drop-down list that included the default alarm, an old-time car horn, or we could browse to our own file; we could also set the alarm to loop or play once. There is a text field for messages that scroll in a pop-up window when the alarm is triggered. Again, this handy extra can remind you why you set the timer in the first place, which might be entirely too easy to forget if you set it to count down the full 99 hours. We could also set "always on top" and window size choices. The program offers Countdown, Wake, and Stopwatch Modes. We selected Countdown, entered a message, and set our interval. Cool Timer counted down the seconds, sounded the alarm, and displayed our message on time. The Stopwatch mode only offers 1-second intervals, but it's more than adequate for the kitchen or other general uses. Wake mode serves as an alarm clock. The Presets button let us add and load preconfigured timer settings so there's no need to manually re-enter them each time.
Cool Timer's fully searchable Help file did a fine job of explaining the program's surprisingly flexible options and features. We'd like the ability to select custom colors via the usual Windows color picker since the program only offers six options. Beyond that, it's hard to complain. If you're looking for a versatile free timer, here you go.
Publisher's Description
From Harmony Hollow Software:
Simple, no-nonsense, handy timer utility with a cool, customizable interface. Can be used like an oven timer, alarm clock, or stopwatch. Plays wav, mp3, midi files, or any of several built-in sounds as an alarm. Can optionally display a custom, scrolling, LED-type text message when the alarm sounds to remind you why you set the timer initially. Countdown mode is great for parents or teachers to limit the amount of time kids spend on video games or the computer, or for cooking, excercise, or a quick nap. Use as alarm clock mode to wake you up in the morning or remind you when it is a certain time of day. It even has a snooze feature to let you sleep just a little longer after the alarm sounds. Use stopwatch mode to keep track of how much time spent on a project or anything similar.
What's new in this version: Version 3.7:
- Redesigned program icon.
- Redesigned install package dialog.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 230 votes
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Current version:
2.1 starsout of 25 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"works sometimes"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
I am using it as a countdown times that plays an mp3 every hour. It usally plays the song the first hour but then it does not unless I start it all over again.
Cons
does not consistently play the mp3 filme.
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"INFECTION! INFECTION! INFECTION! INFECTION! INFECTION!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
There are not PROS to this software!
Cons
Download contains payload and malware. Avoid at all costs!
Summary
Download contains payload and malware. Avoid at all costs!
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"Had to reformat!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
nice little timer it you don't mind getting infected
Cons
Not worth getting your computer infected! I clicked on "NO" to "BING" both times and got it both times anyway! and that was not the only nightmare that slimmed it's way into my freshly formatted computer with cool-timer.
Summary
I've been infected twice with program. The first time I did not know my misery came from this software because I had downloaded several programs from cnet that day.
After all the complaints, why don't you remove this parasite from your so-called "safe" site? -
"Malware / Spyware crap! AVOID IT!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
NONE. NOT A SINGLE THING.
Cons
It installs a bunch of crap even if you uncheck every extra box in the install. I even had to reboot to get the Bing Bar uninstalled.
CNET should be embarrassed to have this kind of crap on download.comSummary
This program may work, but I have never tried it, since all it did was install a bunch of malware and spyware without my permission.
CNET must be corrupt or stupid or on the take to have this crap on their site.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. -
"Easy to use and convenient"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
Free, easy to use, allows for a silent mode
Cons
Volume of the sound cannot be lowered
Summary
Excellent free program
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"Program Loads SPYWARE"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
Nice little program, it does what I want.! BUT BEWARE!!!
Cons
The Program loads 10 SPYWARE entries into the windows register
I have loaded and unloaded the program several times to verify this *********USERS BEWARE********Summary
USE at you own risk program contains SPYWARE....!!!
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"Threat Detected"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
I loved the previous version. It gave me a timer which played my favorite mp3 file. Perfect for a timer
Cons
This version is still messing with my Anti Virus software, even without the optional software being installed. I have already uninstalled it twice.
Summary
"Cool Timer includes optional bundled software that may trigger alerts from security software." - editor quote
So I reinstalled without the "optional bundled software" - I am assuming this is the harmony hollow toolbar, but it still triggers the threat alert. -
"Do not install. Trojan!!!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
None. This is a Trojan.
Cons
Tried to install trojan on my box. My anti virus software detected that it was trying to install trojan on my box.
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"MALWARE WARNING!!!!! Dont download!!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
None at all!!!!
Cons
Wasted time
Summary
My virus protection made me aware this was a noted malware product.When I moved the malware to the virus vault,the timer does not work,so dont waste your time.
I cant believe this site recommends this product?
They must be in collusion with the malware issuers! -
"MALWARE WARNING!!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
None at all
Cons
Malware-laden
Summary
This forcibly installs several evil browser addons that YOU DO NOT WANT on your system.
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