alarms

Schedule alarms, open Web sites automatically, and more with SNV Timer

The publishers describe SNV Timer as a reminder program, but it actually includes three separate applications designed to manage shutdown operations, user-set alerts, and more. While many will see this diversity as a benefit, others will find that the lack of integration between programs and the redundancy of some functions negatively affect SNV Timer's usefulness.

When you install SNV Timer, you'll actually get SNV Timer, SNV Notepad, and SNV Calendar, each with its own desktop icon. SNV Timer does just what its name implies: it allows you to choose a specific time or number of hours for whatever … Read more

Add antivirus protection to your firewall with ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus Plus Firewall

ZoneAlarm has long been perhaps the most popular free firewall available, and millions have used it to block unwanted access to their computers. ZoneAlarm generally works well with antivirus software, too, but perhaps you'd be interested in a free antivirus solution that actually incorporates ZoneAlarm's firewall? That's CheckPoint's ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus Plus Firewall. ZoneAlarm Antivirus not only protects your system from unwanted intrusions, viruses, and other malware, but it also includes anti-phishing, site authentication, identity protection, and download management features. It's also available as a premium package. The free tool lacks the premium version's … Read more

iOS 6 tip: Wake up to any song in your library

With iOS 6, you can roll out of bed to a mellow reggae beat or leap out of bed to thrash metal -- your choice.

If you use your iPhone as your alarm, you likely have grown tired of starting your day to the same marimba tone. You may not have noticed yet that after installing iOS 6 you can set the alarm to play a song instead of a tone.

Open the Clock app and choose Alarm. When you add a new alarm or edit an existing alarm, tap Sound. Here, you'll see a new Songs section. Tap &… Read more

Schedule your time easily

The Cool Timer is free alarm clock software that allows you to set up a countdown timer on your desktop down to the minute and second you want. It is an easy and cool way to keep track of your tasks and scheduling.

The interface is very easy to understand and definitely user friendly. There are only a few feature buttons like Start Timer, Pause Timer and Stop Timer, which are all you really need to get started. There doesn't seem to be any limit on how many hours you can set the timer for. Our testing didn't … Read more

FAA may change in-flight gadget rules

Keep your seat belt fastened for Tuesday's tech news roundup:

The Federal Aviation Administration has formed a committee to reconsider its policy on when electronics can be turned on during a flight. But this does not include making a cellphone call, so no worries about noisy neighbors. This group will look into how (or if) today's smartphones and tablets interfere with communication and instruments, and perhaps future electronics could have some new certification standard that marks it as safe for use during a flight.

Android users might have to thank the Apple vs. Samsung trial for speeding up … Read more

Alarm app makes you get up, take photos, stay awake

We've seen quite a few diabolical alarm clocks. One of the cleverest so far has been the Ramos clock, a device that makes you get out of bed, locate the disarm panel, and type in a code to shut it down. It's awesome, but also a little expensive, starting at $160.

For the price of free, you can get an Android app that has a similarly evil plan in mind for your morning. Sleep If U Can uses a photo matching system to make the alarm shut up. … Read more

Crave giveaway: A gaggle of back-to-school gifts

Congrats to James A. of Mtn. Home, Idaho, for winning last week's giveaway, a Braven 625s Bluetooth speaker, speakerphone, and device charger.

All around us, it's back-to-school time, and this week's giveaway is here to help you and yours get back in the scholastic swing. First things first, there's that waking-up-early thing. Our prize package includes an Edifier Tick Tock Dock Bluetooth alarm clock and iPhone/iPod docking system that looks like an old-style waker-upper, but delivers sound through the two speakers masquerading as retro bells.

Next up, a 16-inch portable LED monitor from AOC powered solely by USB. The device works with PCs or Macs and includes a built-in smart stand for landscape and portrait display. … Read more

Tetris alarm clock levels up your mornings

You could wake up to the buzzing of an alarm clock. You could wake up to your smartphone's ringtone. Or you could wake up to the dulcet tones of the Tetris theme music.

The Tetris alarm clock is officially licensed. At first glace, it's a little nondescript. Look closer and you'll see the function buttons are shaped like Tetris blocks.

The clock's real draw are the falling blocks that build each number as the time changes. The gadget is currently available for preorder for about $40 from Firebox.… Read more

Take your alarm on the go with Free Alarm Clock Portable

Free Alarm Clock Portable is exactly what the name suggests: a portable alarm clock application that can be run from your desktop or a portable device like a USB drive. It's nothing fancy, but that's what we like about it: it has a full complement of useful features in an accessible interface, without a lot of bells and whistles of questionable value. We think it's a great choice if you need an alarm clock that you can take on the go.

The program's interface is straightforward and easy to figure out. There are buttons for adding, … Read more

New ZoneAlarm antivirus-firewall combo competes for free

ZoneAlarm is making an aggressive move to attract new people to its line of security programs with what may be a first: a free antivirus program pre-packaged with a free firewall.

Available exclusively from Download.com today, ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+Firewall 2013 (download) could very well make big waves in the free security-suite space. It's the same free firewall that ZoneAlarm has produced for years, but with basic antivirus and anti-malware tools included. It's basically ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus+Firewall from last year, with an updated engine. And did I mention that it's free?

The free security suite … Read more