The Countdown timer gadget was created as a learning project and because I needed something to remind me to take breaks throughout the day. I wanted something that had a tiny footprint both in appearance and function, similar to the gnome-timer applet (for Linux desktops).
5 minute countdown underway
The concept is very basic – countdown from a preset time (in minutes) and alert when time is up. This gadget is more akin to a kitchen timer than a countdown-until-my-birthday type timer. However, the gadget will happily countdown 135971947923 minutes in case that amount of time happens to be of value to you.
the settings dialog box
As with any quality gadget or applet, this one is configurable. The Custom Countdown setting (in minutes), if set, will override the default of 30 minutes and any Preset Timers selection (also in minutes). Lastly, the Number of Alarm Sounds option defines how many times the audible alarm will sound when time is up. Putting a 0 in this option field disables it.
The Countdown Timer gadget was designed to work with Windows 7 but there should be no problem running it in Vista. I’ve committed the code to my github account where you can follow along for nitty gritty details.
Download it nowSee the included README for installation instructions and additional info. Post questions and comments to this entry and I hope you find it as useful as I have.
Last Updated: July 1st, 2010
Tags: new venture, open source, software, work
Thanks for this simple and nice timer…this was exactly what I was looking for!
I have been looking – and looking – for something this elegant and simple for MONTHS. So are a lot of other people. You should be selling this app. Thank you so much, can’t tell you how useful this is.
The fact that I have helped you is thanks enough (rather than $ that is!)
If there are features you would like to see, leave a request comment here, and I’ll see what I can do.
This is a great timer. Any chance it could blink if the number of alarm sounds is set to 0? It’s mostly what i was looking for and that would make it perfect.
@Mirawolf – Good idea, I’ll try to get to adding it soon.
Nice! These useful little things are hard to come by but this is exactly what I’m after.
Cheers!