Typing break for Windows: alternative to Workrave

[alexey_r]

I have two major problems with Workrave, which would otherwise be exactly what I want:

1. If you aren't using keyboard or mouse constantly, you end up with longer intervals between breaks.
2. There is no simple way to disable/reenable it. Bug 501 is 6 years old.
3. It would be even better if it could automatically be disabled when using specific applications (e.g., as mentioned in the bug, full-screen games).

Yes, it's open source, but it's C++, so I won't be able to just modify it Are there good alternatives?

[Paul Keith]

I don't quite understand the problem but this is the general Google search for it:

http://alternativeto.net/software/workrave/

I've only used EyeDefender in the past and I prefer it to workrave but more for aesthetic reasons.

Judging by the site, nothing has changed and I'm unfamiliar of what bugs it used to have.

http://www.eterlab.com/eyedefender/documentation/

[Ath]

Yes, it's open source, but it's C++, so I won't be able to just modify it Are there good alternatives?

Just keep nagging the developers with good motivations to make changes, and they probably incorporate them after being convinced.

What's stopping you from learning how to program in C++, by the way?

[app103]

You could try my Instant Boss. While it won't do it automatically, you can easily pause it when you don't want it to interfere, like when you are playing a game. It also doesn't rely on keyboard/mouse input for setting the intervals or break length, so what you set is what you get.