Scirocco Take a Break for Windows

By Scirocco
Free
User Rating

Key Details of Scirocco Take a Break

Let your system tray remind you to take a break.
Last updated on November 14, 2023
Also available on

Developer's Description

Let your system tray remind you to take a break.

In today's world, we sit without moving for long hours in front of our computer screens. We hurt our eyes, shoulders, backs, and wrists. A short break every once in a while can reduce repetitive-stress injuries associated with computer usage. This free utility, which rests in the system tray, reminds us when to take a break, and it does so in style.

Some features include: complete customization of work, snooze and break times; visual and/or audio notifications; choice of displaying timer, starting screen saver or locking the workstation when on break; variety of tray icons for more discretion at work; statistics on time spent working, break time, total time and averages per hour; motivational pie-chart.

Scirocco Take a Break for Windows

By Scirocco
Free
User Rating

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 8, 2012

Latest update: November 14, 2023

Version: 3.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 8
Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows 2003
Windows NT
Windows Server
Windows XP
Windows 7
Windows 10
Windows Vista

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 51,359

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

4.4/5

37 User Votes

Perfect balance of personalization and function
WFNB1January 13, 2016
Pros
Allows one to select how often to break, how long and number of snoozes. Not annoyingly intrusive, but enough to prompt a break. Starts with Windows if selected.
Cons
None of consequence.
Summary
I have serious RSI and work on a computer a minimum of 8 hours per day. This timer has allowed me to customize for my needs and prompts me to take much needed breaks.
Simple and efficient
semtheulDecember 27, 2012
Pros
Easy settings for breaks/notifications Conveniently minimizes to the task tray Calculates stats over the working session (breaks vs working)
Cons
Would like more graphs for stats More options to save my user profile and see my working patterns over long periods of time
Summary
Well, I needed an app to help me make regular breaks when working at my computer. I got it. No extra charges, no extra functionality. Of course, it's not fancy, but it's a fine little tool that does just what it's meant to do and doesn't cost you anything. Give it a try!
Works but clunky
crosjnOctober 28, 2012
Pros
Does what it says Multiple Options Tracks Usage
Cons
Annoying to access options Multiple steps required to set time
Summary
We use this to make sure our two kids share the computer. You can set the amount of time on the timer via "Options". You can also set how it behaves (just a reminder, lock the screen, etc...) Wish it were quicker to set the timer value/options. But otherwise, I installed on Win7 64bit - it works fine and does what it says. Easy enough now to force the kids to share time. :) (It's not mommy or daddy, it's the computer saying it's time to share!)
very very very good for what it does
donnorvellAugust 16, 2012
Pros
works for me. saves me from falling down after a couple house work session
Cons
I don not have any cons
Summary
been using it for years and will continue using it
Excellent software
h1592913August 9, 2012
Pros
I have been using this software for a few years now and it has improved my health. The new statistics form makes it even better. I can keep track of my work/break ratio and try to improve it over time. Thanks again Scirocco for this great utility.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
Very simple to use computer timer.
RackmaniFebruary 20, 2012
Pros
Simple to use. Aids not spending too long at your machine.
Cons
No help page although don't really need it.
Summary
Perfect usability, saved my health
cMurdoch111January 29, 2012
Pros
Easy to use. As customizable as you want from a break timer. Can be configured to be unobtrusive. Will save your life (seriously, google "sitting is killing you")
Cons
There isn't a Mac version
Summary
The best of 9 timers I've downloaded and tried. Without a reminder I would lose track of time and sit for hours in front of computer. I developed shoulder problems because of it. With this program I am able to work 12 hours without problem. It also works great as a Pomodoro timer. The best way I found to configure is to do task tray balloon and sound notification (instead of the pop-up, which steals window focus and gets annoying). Then I have reminder set to same length as break time (3 minutes for me). I take a break without clicking take a break--I just get up and I can hear the chime when the reminder hits, then I just click the icon and restart time. This minimizes the number of pop-ups and clicks. It's easy and I've stuck to it for the past year. Can specify count time duration. Can set break duration. Can set reminders duration. Can set number of reminders. Can set sound on/off. Can specify sound (chimes work best for me). Can select from icon for task tray (traffic lights are best--are static during countdown then will flash when time up). Can specify alert--pop up or less obtrusive task tray bubble. Can set to auto start minimized when Windows starts up--or to not. All this for free! If for whatever reason Take A Break program doesn't work on my next OS, I would pay up to $50 for a similar program (anything more than that and I would write my own).
A pleasant to the ear invitation to take a break
marelroDecember 31, 2011
Pros
It is so geniously simple. And it gives me 3 3-minute chances to end the task I am working at. I spend so many hours on the computer and I do not care because I cannot feel that I am suffering from it during the work (but my neck, shoulders and lower back do!) This helps me to do something now for my health later (I have the suspicion that some of my migraine attacks have their origin int cramped muscles in the neck. PS: you can set the times as you like: I try to take a 10 minute break every hour.
Cons
Could not find any. Due to another user's warning I would not remove it from my system - in any case this is for keeping
Summary
Best free-of-charge tool I ever found
Ok timer app
jmcmunnOctober 25, 2011
Pros
simple, easy to use
Cons
not extremely flexible
Summary
would be nice to have a few more scheduling features available, but it does what it advertises and is not hard to understand.
Simple is all I need. EXCELLENT program!
OldilocksMay 24, 2011
Pros
Easy on PC resources; easy to use.
Cons
None at all.
Summary
Set mine to MAKE me take a 10-minute break every 50 minutes and I feel better already. I really hadn't realized how many hours on end I sit in front of my computer. Definite health and mind benefits to getting up and moving via a schedule. Very glad to have found this!