Chronometask is a timer / alarm clock for the Windows operating system that can not only notify the user but also perform tasks like running a program or script.

The timer is available as a portable version and installer. The functionality of both program versions is identical otherwise.

The interface displays the current date and time, as well as the timer, with minutes and seconds displayed separately.

The time can be increased with a click on the up and down arrow icons at the bottom of the interface, or with a click on the set timer icon. The latter displays an input form to enter a custom time in hours, minutes and seconds.

Actions are defined with a click on the action button. This opens a new window. The default action is always set to sound an alarm. Additional actions can be configured in the same interface. It is possible to display a custom message on the screen, execute a program by adding its full system path to the action interface, or to initiate a shutdown, restart or log off. The sound alert and messages can be configured to loop indefinitely here.

A click on start timer starts the countdown. The configured actions are executed once the clock reaches zero.

The only other feature of Chronometask is a stop watch which can be launched from the associated button in the interface.

Chronometask is an easy to use timer for the Windows operating system. Its options to run a program or shut down the computer make it superior to timers which only support notifications or alarms.

Windows users can download Chronometask from the developer website. The application tested fine on a 64-bit Windows 7 Professional system, it should run fine on most versions of the Windows operating system.

Users who click next, next, next during installations will end up with Yahoo as their default homepage and search engine. A click on Customization and the removal of those optional features is however not enough to block the change. The program displays a “Would you like to continue with the recommended settings” prompt after removal of the two options. A click on OK performs the standard installation which changes the homepage and search engine. Only a click on Cancel continues the installation with the changes.

The timer is displayed in the lower right corner of the operating system right above the system tray icons and time. It is possible to move the small window to another location by holding down the left mouse button on its interface and dragging it around on the desktop.

The timer has been designed to be always on top with no apparent option to change the window behavior. Speaking of options; There are not any. Everything is directly accessible in the program window.

Users can use the up and down arrows to set the timer. A click on the ST button starts the timer. The only other available options are the R button to reset the timer and three color buttons to change the interface color of the timer.

The timer plays a sound and begins flashing once the time runs out. This can only be stopped with a click on the R button.

Free Light Timer has been tested on a 64-bit Windows 7 system. The program can be downloaded directly from the developer homepage. No information about compatibility are provided on the website.

The Windows timer can be configured to reset, shutdown, suspend or play an audio signal at a specified time or after time has passed. It is possible to set a counter or specify seconds, minutes, hours and even days before the configured action starts.

Another option is to set an alarm clock to specify a certain hour of the day. While reset, shutdown or suspend do not require explanation the audio signal mode does. This mode can be used to select an mp3 or other audio file which will be played when the time is met.

The timer software will display a visual reminder and run the defined action at the specified time afterwards.

Timers can be used for other purposes as well like learning a language for the next hour or timing the cooking perfectly. Cool Timer is one of those timer applications that can be used as a countdown timer, alarm clock or stopwatch which covers everything that can be done with a timer.

The timer application can be set to a maximum of 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds which only makes sense when in countdown mode. The options control most of the program’s features like setting the alarm options. Alarm options can be set to play a sound either from build in sounds or from audio files located on the computer with the option to loop the audio file indefinitely until the user reacts.

Alternatively, or in addition, a message can be displayed which the user can define. The message is showing up in big letters centered on the screen. The application can be minimized to the system tray where it will run silently until the set criteria is met.

The timer application needs about 1.6 Megabytes of computer memory in the taskbar and about 2.5 Megabytes in the System Tray.