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Stayfocused is a free productivity tool based on the Pomodoro Technique, an ergonomically friendly time management method based on alternating work periods and breaks. The recommended interval is 25 minutes of work to 5 minutes of break time, though each can be changed to suit. The tool creates Tasks, which can do just about anything you need them to, such as launch applications, open a document, open a Web site, and set a background. The built-in Task Report tool makes it easy to track and report your time.
The program's installation includes Microsoft Visual Studio Report Viewer. The main interface is very plain, with just two buttons, Add and Reports, and a main view labeled Today's Tasks. We clicked Add, which opened the Task wizard. It's a very simple tool: Enter a Task Name, choose a Task, and browse to a target in a system tree view. Once you've set up your Task, it's time to configure your Focus For interval and Task Type (Design, Program, Read, Study, and Write). Saved Tasks appear in the Stayfocused window; we merely had to click the Get Focus button to trigger our Task and a progress bar with a timer counting down its duration. Clicking Done closed the Task and returned us to the Stayfocused window. We clicked Report, and Stayfocused automatically generated a report with a summary and pie graph showing how we spent our time. We could zoom, save, and print our report from the wizard's toolbar.
The Pomodoro Technique is an intriguing way to structure work. If you're interested in trying it and need a tool to make it happen, try Stayfocused. It offers a lot more than the typical work-and-break timer, yet it's easier to set up and use than some of the so-called productivity suites.
Publisher's Description
From Bytesignals:
If you would like to concentrate on your daily stuff, Stayfocused is your choice. The idea of Stayfocused is based on The Pomodoro Technique. The root of the idea is that you work for 25 minutes straight and then break for 5 minutes. OK. Lets do it. Launch Apps: Choose any apps needed to complete your task. Open Sites: Open any websites needed to complete your current task. Open Docs: Open any pertinent documents in their default applications.
What's new in this version: New in version 2.0: Hide Windows: Hide the windows that are not needed to your tasks. Hide Icons: Hide desktop icons to help you focus on your tasks better. Set Wallpaper: Set a nice wallpaper to help you focus on your task better. View Report: View the report that shows how you have spent your time.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 7 votes
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Results 1-7 of 7
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"Work without distractions"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.5
Pros
I am a freelancer, working from home can be a big challenge for me. . Especially when I need to use my creativity and concentrate, it can be hard to get back into the workflow if I am constantly interrupted.
it helps planning tasks. lanuching applications. Then just set a timmer to keep you working without distractions.Cons
The report is too simple.
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"Keep no distractions on my work"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.5
Pros
It keeps me concentrating on my work, closes Web Browser, music applications. Open Word, Excel automatically. set a timer for me to
track how much I spend on daily writing.Cons
Can't Pauses timer.
Can't Orders task by drop and drag.Summary
A good application to help you beating distractions.
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"Works as Expected"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.5
Pros
I was able to easily set up tasks for the day, set up a time, and get going. I haven't tried the other features yet, like how you can set up files and applications to come up for you for a specific task. For what I needed, which was to help keep my procrastination at bay by focusing on one short duration task at a time, it did the trick.
Cons
It would be nice to be able to drag and drop the tasks to change the order. I contacted the author though, and he said he works on the app part time and gets to requests when he can.
Summary
The app is simple to use and it does what I need it to.
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"It held me hostage to a Donation!"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.5
Pros
None. It would not let me run free as advertised. Every time I tried to create a task or perform any function, a Donate page came up explaining that it was a free application, but would I donate. No matter what I did, I could not get past this page. I will not donate to something before I use it. But I will donate if I like it. Unforatunately, this looks like a scam.
Cons
EVERYTHING: It tries to hold you ransom for a donation. Forget it.
Summary
A waste of your time and more extortion than anything else. Like I have time to waste on this. I'm trying to be more efficient and I lost time attempting to use this. CNET should have tried it out.
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"works one time"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.2
Pros
customizable length of time to stay focused on task
automatically opens desired documents & websites
dims screen to provide obvious notice when task time is upCons
It crashes every time I hit <esc> as instructed when the time for the task is up, so it never saves the history.
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"I have tested - It delivers big time !"
Version: Stayfocused 2.2.1
Pros
- clarity (wide spacing between lines)
- optional removal of desktop icons windows etc during the task
- clear reporting
- excellent feedback from the developer
- look good interface
- delivers resultsCons
-very little indeed
Summary
I have used several pomodoro based task managers that include task histories, including the ipad, and this PC based version is the best. I really feel better organised, and the interface just presents in a harmonious way. As the developer gives you the option of donating if you can, I cant think of a better deal than this. Well done developer !
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"just works"
Version: Stayfocused 1.0
Pros
help my daily work more productivity!
Cons
It can't run automatically when windows startups
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