Thanks! "take-a-break" software

Folks,

Thanks for the suggestions on ways to remember to "take-a-break" when
computing! I did actually find two pieces of software that are specifically
designed to remind the user to take a break.

-Break reminder www.cheqsoft.com (free for personal use)
-Stretch break www.paratec.com (excellent reminders to stretch)

The Cheqsoft product is free -- big plus -- and you can set it for any
period you like. It also incorporates mini-breaks as well as longer breaks.
It's pretty subtle, a small window pops up on your screen and counts down
from 10 to 1. During the countdown, you have the option to click IGNORE, in
which case it goes away and waits for the next timed break. Otherwise it
counts down whatever period of time you've selected for your break -- you do
that ahead of time as a preference -- and then disappears.

he Paratec product -- Stretch Break -- is $49. There's a 10-day evaluation
copy. You set the intervals. I set it for 30 minutes. It's NOT very subtle.
A large window pops up in the middle of your screen -- TIME TO STRETCH! --
it says, or something similar. Soothing meditative music begins to play,
while an animated office mates guides you through a series of three
stretches. When we're done stretching, the window goes away for the next 30
minutes.

Anyway, try 'em out. You might find them useful. I like the cheqsoft
offering, so I'm using it, and I'm returning my kitchen timer to . . . the
kitchen.

Thanks,

Bond
-=-=-=-
E. Bond Francisco
510-643-5523
Computer Resource Manager
CMMS Administrator
Physical Plant - Campus Services
UC Berkeley

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Received on Fri Nov 5 16:27:29 2004