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 223 votes
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Current version:
2.2 starsout of 18 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"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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"Still has malware attached shame on CNET 12/18/2011"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
AVG and Malwarebytes both catch the malware.
Cons
Adware,spyware, registry changes or other programs that are placed on the owners systems with subterfuge is dispicable. I am very disappointed CNET.
Summary
I understand the offering CNET provides is extremely large and the service provided for both users and developers has been until now a very pleasurable experience and free. But in the past I felt I did not have to worry about malware... now I'm not so sure. How sad, how sad.
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"Very nice timer"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
Good alarms
Cons
Doesn't handle pre-sets very elegantly
Summary
Nice basic timer.
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"It does a great countdown free-ware!"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
It is not true that contains malware!
Cons
They could have design a cooler interface. But the desktop icon in great!
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"Now with forcibly-installed crapware"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
v2.x was a great little app.
Cons
v3.x adds no useful features over v2.x, but installs crapware, even when un-checking the box and clicking Decline.
Summary
v3.x uninstalled. Buh-bye.
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"Causes Computers to Crash"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
It would be great if it worked. We have used earlier versions with no issues.
Cons
Has caused every computer that we have installed it on to crash and have to be reimaged.
Summary
I was so disappointed. We have used this timer in the past with no problems. I have to agree with the other reviewers, that there is a malware issue. If Harmony Hallow does not believe malware is involved then they should be responding in someway to explain what the problem is. Our IT department has had to reimage several computers. The common thresad was they recently installed Cool Timer.
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"Does what it's supposed to. Great timer/count-down."
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
Simple. Clean. Re-sizes. Plays alarms sounds if you want it to.
Cons
Aesthetically not super pleasing, but hey, it's free.
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"AVG reports DROPPER.GEN Uninstalled"
Version: Cool Timer 3.7
Pros
It's free.
Cons
AVG reports DROPPER.GEN
Summary
I thought CNET and Download.com made sure not to distribute malware. I guess there's a first time for everything.
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