Workrave for Windows

Used Workrave for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffSeptember 9, 2013

This free tool makes small demands with potentially big benefits, but only if you take advantage of them, of course. Workrave's miniscule window pops up at regular intervals to prompt you to take breaks long enough and frequently enough to be of real benefit to your health and productivity, yet short enough not to break your stride.

Workrave's main interaction with the user is a desktop applet that's probably not much bigger than your Recycle Bin icon, plus a series of equally small pop-up reminders. But Workrave isn't a stripped-down app, even though it's free, as its 42MB Program folder showed. Much of Workrave's data consists of helpful (and healthful) exercise tips in 3D animation that demonstrate stretches and other beneficial actions -- some as easy as tilting your neck or moving your eyes to the corner of your screen. Workrave's system tray icon and Preferences sheet make setting things up just as easy on the user as its quickie exercises. Tabs on the Preferences sheet let us configure Micro-breaks, Rest breaks, and Daily Limits. We could also enable alternate monitors and use our own sound clips for alerts. Of course, we could easily dismiss or postpone breaks when necessary.

Seemingly endless platitudes extol the cumulative virtues of small but consistent and persistent efforts. Let's state unequivocally that downloading, installing, configuring, and, yes, paying attention to Workrave can make just such a difference in your day and your life. But only if you do what you told it to tell you to do!

What’s new in version 1.10.1

Version 1.10.1 has fixed issue with uninstall.

Workrave for Windows

Used Workrave for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: June 17, 2013

Latest update: September 9, 2013

Version: 1.10.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 8,998

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.9/5

7 User Votes

Great, great program!
Thomas5020July 4, 2014
Pros
- Free - Works Well - Includes useful exercises and demonstrates them for you! - Ability to customize break times and limits - Ability to enable or disable the 'skip' and 'postpone' buttons
Cons
- Y'know what? I actually can;t find any!
Summary
If you sue a computer loads like it do, you will find yourself with a rather annoying thing called RSI, I have got a Repetitive Strain Injury which causes pain and discomfort in the wrists and arms/shoulders. Thanks to this free program, I am able to easily address the issue and so far my wrists are getting better and I can now use a mouse without pain or a wrist support! Oh, time for a micro break!
Best of it's class (for the price)
dufausOctober 8, 2013
Pros
- Rest and Break timers start (5 seconds) after you stop typing or using mouse - Can adjust settings to suit your use - No ads
Cons
- Can be (very) annoying when you first start using it, but then again, it's meant to be
Summary
I've used Workrave for at least 7 years and have had no RSI related injuries in all that time. Since I work in IT and I'm on a computer at least 7 hours a day, I find no injuries quite remarkable. I'd recommend Workrave to anyone.
Great free option
alenasMarch 14, 2011
Pros
Free, works well
Cons
Would be cool if it would work as a windows gadget
Summary
Useful reminder to break
EnerplexFebruary 13, 2011
Pros
makes you takes a break
Cons
some time frustrating
Summary
Computer usage awareness and avoiding RSI
howard_lenosFebruary 5, 2011
Pros
Flexible settings allow you to manage the "nag" level of this helpful utility. Easily rivals commercial similar commercial applications.
Cons
Focussed primarily on typing and mouse usage, could be enhanced with passive computer use awareness.
Summary
I've used commercial programs and found Workrave an excellent free substitute. It's helped me manage and recover from RSI issues, and keeps me aware of my computing time and behaviour.
Simple and helpful
mymuziJanuary 6, 2010
Pros
Small, simple and useful
Cons
Some options in this program are nice to have but not necessary.
Summary
Everyone should use to take care of own eyes.
the least noted of most useful
ygavryliApril 24, 2009
Pros
simple, effective, no ads and trojans
Cons
You start appreciating this gadget when your eyesight is gone
Summary
it must be part of all OSs

Developer’s Description

Recover and prevent repetitive strain injury.

Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit. Please refer to the feature comparison for a complete list of features, and how the program performs with respect to other programs on the market. The program runs on GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows.