ChronoControl Operating Options
No two people are alike; we all have different biological rhythms, mental states,
and personalities. Moreover, we all have different working conditions and aspects
- one stays on the computer day and night, another one has hard and monotonous
work at the office, and yet another just likes to play cards after work or watch
an interesting movie with his family. Having such a great variety of personalities
and life circumstances makes it quite clear that every person has different optimal
ergonomic requirements at the workplace and in their schedule.
ChronoControl has a wide range of options that allows every user to fine-tune
it to his own needs and working conditions. Moreover, the whole set of options
in the program has been carefully designed so that it can not only give a wide
range of options but also to keep over-enthusiastic users from turning the program
off when passionately playing or working, or to skip the upcoming break by changing
the settings. That’s why when working with ChronoControl you will never be worried
about your health and the health of your children!
1. Main Menu
During
the whole session ChronoControl works in a background mode, but you can always
access the program operating options using the program
icon on the system tray. You only need to click it with the right mouse button,
which will result in the main menu window opening before you:
In different versions of the program (Lite,
Personal or Guard)
the appearance of the main menu and the set of available options vary:
| Menu
item |
Description
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Lite |
Personal |
Guard |
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It
opens the “About ChronoControl” dialog box. This dialog box contains brief
information about the program: its version, build number, author and so
on. |
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Setting
the “Work Schedule” option*.
It allows to select an operating mode: 25/5, 50/10, or 100/20 (see details
on operating modes). |
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Sets
the “Synchronization Type” option*.
This option defines the sequence of working intervals and breaks (see details
on synchronization types). |
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Setting
the “Protection Level” option*.
Allows you to set the level of restrictions and strictness of ChronoControl
that you need (see details on protection levels). |
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It
opens a window with the advanced program options
where you can set a language or sound scheme, adjust protection levels,
and many other things… |
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A
5-minute delay of a break. It allows you to postpone a break for 5 minutes.
Once selected, the button is locked and is only enabled after the next
break is over. |
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Disabling
the program allows you to “turn off” the program for a time, after which
you can re-enable it. |
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With minimal protection level set only
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The
“Registration” dialog box. The registration
of ChronoControl lets you access the advanced functions and features of
the program. |
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| * |
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Changing the option requires the computer to be restarted. |
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The option is always available. |
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The option is not available in this version. |
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A possibility to change options to your preferences exists
on the options page “Advanced options” 
“Restrictions” (available in
the “Guard” version only).
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The option to set
a password is available in the “Guard”
version only. |
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2. “Options” Dialog Box
The “Options” dialog box allows you to access the
whole range of ChronoControl options. To open the window, select “Main
Menu”
“Options”.
The set of available features and options that can be adjusted varies depending
on the program version (Lite, Personal,
and Guard):
2.1. Interface Language
Find your preferred language in the presented list and just click its checkbox
with the left mouse button. Then click OK; the language of ChronoControl interface
changes to the one you have selected. If you do not want to change the language,
press Cancel.
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If the list of available languages does not include your native language,
you can participate in creating a localization file for it; in this case,
you can earn a free ChronoControl registration. On issues of localization,
or if you have discovered errors in one of the existing localizations,
please drop me a line at mail@vkim.net |
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2.2. “General Options” Page
The options on this page in fact repeat those available in the main
menu almost completely. Unlike the main menu, setting
options in this window allows you set all the settings at one time without multiple
restarts.
You can make the following settings using the items on the “General
Options” page:
2.2.1. Work schedule
The “Work Schedule” is one of the basic options of
ChronoControl defining how long working intervals and breaks last. This option
is directly related to the ergonomics of work at the computer. Careful and correct
setting of this option influences the level of comfort and efficiency of work
at the computer in a big way.
| Work Schedule
|
Description and the most acceptable
area of use |
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Best suited for hard, monotonous work
(for example, entering information in databases, formatting of documents
etc.) Frequent breaks let you avoid psychological tiredness and loss of
attention. |
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The most optimal and recommended mode
for all kinds of activity, especially for gamers. If at first you are at
a loss what mode to select, start using this one and try another only if
proves to be uncomfortable. |
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The mode that may be convenient for
creative people or those who have an absorbing profession when the job
is interesting and captivating. In this case, long periods of work are
possible also followed by long and creative breaks. |
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It must be pointed out that frequent changes of operating mode can
have a negative impact on the user’s work efficiency and the way he feels!
This is the main reason why the change of this option requires the computer
to be restarted.
A human organism
is very habitual, and physiological adjustment to a new mode can
take from 3 to 10 days during which the user may feel restless and
an imbalance between the length of work and the length of breaks.
Doubtless, all this is very individual and for some users mode changes
can pass smoothly and unnoticed. |
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There are only three predefined operating modes in ChronoControl.
Possibly it may seem like that’s not enough. However, practical experience
shows that this set of options embraces almost completely the widest range
of effective work modes for the majority of computer users’ activity! |
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2.2.2. Synchronization Type
The “Synchronization Type” option defines the
principle of counting and sequence of ChronoControl time intervals:
| Synchronization |
Description and the most acceptable
area of use |
| |
With this synchronization type active, work and break
intervals are strictly defined by the moments of a new hour beginning.
Thus, for the mode 50/10, ChronoControl locks the computer the last 10
minutes of every hour, that is, from 50th min. to the top of the hour.
| Work
Schedule |
The time of the
break (beginning and end) |
| 25/5 |
Total period: 30 minutes.
Breaks: from 25th to 30th minute and from 55th minute to the top
of each hour. |
| 50/10 |
Total period: 60 minutes (1 hour).
Breaks: the last 10 minutes of each hour (from 50th min. to the top
of the hour). |
| 100/20 |
Total period: 120 minutes (2 hours).
Breaks: the last 20 minutes of every 2-hour interval (from 100th
minute to the 2-hour mark). |
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Thus, ChronoControl works no matter when the computer was started. It
is necessary to point out that if the user turns the computer on during
a specified break time, ChronoControl will lock it for the time remaining
until the end of the break (if the “Soft
Operating Mode” is disabled).
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This synchronization type is the most optimal, useful, and is
recommended for everyone.
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Strict synchronization of work intervals on the hour allows
our body to tune in on the accurate and perfect rhythm, rest effectively
during breaks, and work with composure and efficiency during work
periods! |
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When working in the same rhythm as the clock you will stay
in tune with the world around you, since the beginning of your
work will coincide with the beginning of every hour — and the
beginning of each hour is the moment when the world revives, news
programs on TV or radio begin, information streams are activated,
and out to the far reaches of the cities, hourly bells signal
classroom or work beginnings and endings! |
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If you work in a team or at home with your family on several
computers then synchronize all the computers’ time settings for
best results. “Actual time” breaks for all of you will take place
at the same time, which allows you to take a group break period
with your colleagues or cozily have a cup of tea with your family!
:) |
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Unlike the “On Actual Time” synchronization, with this
synchronization type ChronoControl begins counting time from the moment
the computer starts. Moreover, after a break is over the program will wait
for user activity and only after that will start to count a new interval.
However, it must be noted that in this mode, ChronoControl ignores computer
restarts (as far as timekeeping goes). In case a restart takes place the
program will continue the count of time begun earlier (if the "Soft
Operating Mode" is disabled).
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This synchronization type may be convenient for those whose
work at the computer is irregular and often interrupted… on some
occasions it may suit creative people whose work at the computer
is of an irregular or random nature. |
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2.2.3. Protection Level
The “Protection Level” represents three predefined sets of options responsible
for the “strictness” of ChronoControl operation:
Selection of optimal protection level is very individual to each user and depends
on the person’s habits and working conditions.
It must be pointed out that the capabilities of the “Protection
Level” option and its availability depends on the specific version of ChronoControl:
2.2.4. Disable Sounds
If you regularly have to work at night without disturbing others, or sometimes
need to turn off nonessential sounds in the daytime (for example if your baby
is asleep), you can use this item.
2.2.5. Inactivity Monitoring
This feature will doubtless be useful to you if you often have to go away from
computer or if you like watching movies. The operation of this feature depends
a great degree on the “Synchronization Type” option
and the item “Soft Operating Mode”:
| |
“On
Actual Time” synchronization type |
“On
Start Time” synchronization type |
| Soft
Operating Mode
On
|
If the user stays inactive for one “break time”
or longer, neither locking nor message
screen appear. |
If the user stays inactive for one “break time”
or longer, neither locking nor message
screen appear. |
| Soft
Operating Mode
Off
|
In case the user stays inactive for more than 3
minutes, the standby window appears
(like a regular screensaver). |
In case the user stays inactive for more than 3
minutes, the standby window appears.
Moreover, if the user is absent for another break time ChronoControl
resets the timer, and as soon as you begin working again ChronoControl
will count the work time anew. |
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The combination when the “Inactivity
Monitoring” and “Soft
Operating Mode” options are on may be appropriate for watching video
and multimedia presentations.
It means that if
the user doesn’t hit any buttons and doesn’t use the mouse for a
long time, ChronoControl will not lock the screen and you will have
no interruptions while watching your favorite movie! |
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2.3.
“Sound Scheme” Page
This page allows you to select the sound scheme you like:
Sound |
Description |
Warning Sound |
This warning sound is heard when 3 minutes
are left until the next break, and then again at the 2-minute mark. |
Final Notification Sound |
This warning sound is heard when 1 minute
is left until the next break. |
System Locking Sound |
This sound informs you on the beginning
of a break. |
System Unlocking Sound |
This sound informs you on the end of
a break. |
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Using the buttons in this window, you can perform the following actions:
| Button |
Description |
| |
This button allows you to select your own sound file in
WAV format. |
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This button allows you to preview the sound you have selected.
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2.4.
“Advanced Options” Page
“Advanced Options" are primarily designed
for parents concerned for the health of their children, office employees who
work at a common computer, and for businessmen who need additional flexibility
to fine-tune the program to their work schedule.
2.4.1. Password
This page gives you an opportunity to set your own password in the program.
This allows you to prohibit access to "Advanced
Options" page for users who are not given the password.
To set a new password:
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Create and enter your password in the “Enter New Password” field.
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Only alphabetic letters and numbers can be used for the password! |
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Repeat your password in the “Confirm New Password” field to make sure
it hasn’t been mistyped. |
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Click “Set”. If the password has been entered correctly, a message window
will be displayed confirming that the operation has been completed successfully. |
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Click OK and the new password is set! To abort the password setting,
press Cancel. |
To remove the current password:
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Enter the “Advanced options” page using
the old password. |
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Leave the “Enter New Password” and “Confirm New Password” fields empty. |
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Click Set. |
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Click OK. The password will be removed. Click Cancel to preserve the
old password. |
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If you have forgotten the password –
don’t worry! You can always use your personal registration key instead
of it. |
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Caution! Since your registration
key can always be used as a master password, keep
it secret from those that shouldn’t be changing the options of ChronoControl.
If, for example, your child finds the registration key, even without knowing
the password he will be able to use it to change the options and you will
not know or control it! |
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2.4.2 Restriction Settings
Using this page, you can prohibit any basic ChronoControl options changes as
well as prohibit the program removal or set the program to start for all the
computer’s users.
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The options on this page are mainly designed for parents, and they
are almost useless if the password
isn’t set! |
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| Option |
Description |
Autostart for all the users of the
computer |
Order ChronoControl
to start for all the users of the computer.
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This option may be useful if your computer has several accounts
or different family members.
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Please remember, you can set this option only if you are the
administrator of the computer. |
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Prevent unauthorized program uninstallation |
Select this option if you do not want your child to uninstall the
program when you aren’t nearby.
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It is important to point out that this feature is effective
only with a password and
the “Auto start for
all the users” option set. Otherwise, using other system accounts
this restriction can be ignored. |
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Prevent unauthorized work schedule
changes |
Allows you to prohibit other users from changing the operating
mode (25/5, 50/10, 100/20) and the program will work only in the mode
you have selected. |
Prevent unauthorized synchronization
type changes |
Use this option if you want to prevent other users from changing the
Synchronization Type. |
Prevent unauthorized protection level
changes |
Use this option if you want to prevent other users from changing the
Protection Level. |
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2.4.3. Protection Levels Configuration
This page allows you to configure protection levels
in ChronoControl.
Option
|
Description |
| |
Selected
this item makes ChronoControl work more gently towards the user in many
of its options.
In particular, when the system starts with the “Soft
Operating Mode” on ChronoControl will behave as follows:
| Synchronization |
Action |
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ChronoControl skips the break
if it coincides with the system start. |
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ChronoControl resets the timer
at every restart. That is, if you simply restart the computer, ChronoControl
will not remember the last timer indication and start counting the
time until the next break anew. |
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Moreover, the Soft Operating
Mode significantly influence the properties of the following options:
| Option |
Brief description |
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Interdependent setting of the “Inactivity
Monitoring” and “Soft
Operating Mode” options allows you to fine-tune ChronoControl
work to the specifics of your work. Thus, you will be able to adjust
the program so that you have no inconvenience watching your favorite
movie (details). |
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Whether only one or unlimited quantity 5-minute
delay available depends on the status of the “Soft
Operating Mode” option (details). |
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Allow Locking Interruption
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If
you have this option selected you can interrupt a break at any moment.
To do so, you need only to hit Esc and enter your password.
The operation of this option largely depends on the “Soft
Operating Mode” option status:
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With this
option, you can show or hide the “5 More Minutes”
button in the main menu. |
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Changing
this option, you can show or hide the “Disable Program”
button in the main menu. |
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Respectfully, Vladimir Kim
Operating Options
