Break Reminder OOS / RSI / MSD / CVS Prevention Software
	For Increased Computer Accuracy and Safety

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Customer Testimonials for Break Reminder "Break Reminder has saved me from RSI. I have been using it for over 2 years and together with a good mouse mat and keyboard, it has eradicated all symptoms. I have recommended it to all my family and friends. Well done and thank you."  (Toby Beresford, Microaid.net, July 22 2003)  This example recently advised to us summarizes other comments we have received.  Another example of user feedback: "Very well-designed, the heuristic’s really make it pop up at the right times, without being too aggressive or permissive".  And another... "After years of dealing with work-related tendonitis, I credit your Break Reminder program with saving my arms and my career! It does just what I need it to do (force me to take breaks at regular intervals), without a lot of extraneous bells and whistles."                  Grateful Customer June 7 2005 And yet another example, this one independent and spontaneous academic opinion:      "I have now been using your software on both my home and work computer in conjunction with Maltron keyboards and and trackball mice for a few months and have nothing but praise for your software. Being a research scientist I tried several free/Trialware software packages and have found yours to be undoubtedly the best. It is easy to use and strikes the correct fine balance of usefulness versus intrusiveness so as not to get in the way when a break cannot be taken. I have recommended it to most of the people here and it actually helps the entire work day not just protecting from RSI.  Looking forward to version 4!" (Dr N Martin, Curtin University, Western Australia. August 11 2004)   Back to top of page Break Reminder 4 is soon to be released... Break Reminder 4 is a major advance over the earlier Break Reminder's.  It will come with a number of versions.  It retains a very simple to use interface, yet has much more advanced options within.  If this version interests you please email us and enquire.   Corporate Clients Research suggests the use of this software will improve staff accuracy.  Indeed it may do so by 13% and may even pay for itself in around 3 months.  That calculation does not include the very significant costs of managing active cases of OOS (or RSI or MSD).  The case to use Break Reminder is compelling. Please contact us and enquire about customized corporate versions of Break Reminder.  Multi user and Terminal Server versions are available. Break Reminder is designed for Corporations.  It is easy to use and support, fairly priced, and fully functional. It features a very small file footprint, conserving PC and Server resources for the principle work. Staff appreciate your investment and demonstrated care in their welfare.  Back to top of page

AWARDS Emerald Dragon 5 Stars SoftList  5 Stars     Niche Software -unique & innovative award AFreeGo - 5 tickss

Who has bought Break Reminder?

Break Reminder has been sold Internationally.  Customers include corporations, health and education institutions in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.  We also have users in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.  Corporation's typically spend months testing Break Reminder before purchasing it.  There are now many many thousands of safer PC users.  Break Reminder is a stable product which features elegant simplicity in its sophisticated design.  It has all the essential features yet remains simple to use and is competitively priced.  Some customers regard it as important as their E-mail client.

Break Reminder's Design History

The original Break Reminder was written by Tom Hingston, software developer and quality manager.  User feedback has guided product evolution to make Break Reminder the product it is today.  Tom specialized in design elegance through simplicity of user interfaces.  If it wasn't simple to use it was no good.  He believed and practiced the KISS principle.

Medical Professional Design Influence

Product concept and medical advice has been provided by Dr David Hingston MB ChB MBA, a New Zealand vocationally registered specialist general practitioner with experience managing OOS, RSI,  MSD and CTS patients.

OOS / RSI / MSD / CTS / CVS

OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) is also known as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury - USA) and MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders - Europe).  CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and CVS (Computer vision syndrome) also are associated with computer use.  These injuries are becoming more and more common in today's computer intensive world. OOS, RSI,  MSD, CTS and CVS can become very painful and debilitating if not treated early. With this in mind, the best cure is prevention.  If injuries already exists, strict work methods are required to facilitate recovery. 

Break Reminder is designed to both prevent and assist convalescence of these debilitating computer terminal associated conditions.  It has numerous other benefits also.  Whilst we have many anecdotal reports of the value of this software, there is also research that supports the value this type of software provides to PC users.

Break Reminder has a small program interface that discretely runs in the background.  It can monitor your computer use, and reminds (or can force) you to take a break to user chosen settings.
 

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Main Screenshot and Micropause notice

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Features

• Highly configurable to each users circumstance, whether an OOS sufferer, having good or bad days or desiring OOS / RSI / MSD prevention.

• Micropause reminders. (seconds)

• Rest Breaks reminders. (minutes)

 

• Whole screen "Black out" option during pauses and breaks.

• Enforce or ignore break options.

• MicroPauses and/or Rest Breaks options

• Choose the number of Micropauses between Breaks.

• 3 operational modes:

•    (i) Basic timed reminders - set times

•    (ii) Key/Mouse sensing - computer use influencing break times

•    (iii) Key/mouse triggering of each successive timed period.  (resumption of timing on return to PC use)

• Three preset configurations offered, however over 3 billion user choice options available

 

• Pause Break Reminder at any time, without resetting timers and counters (manage interruptions)

• Shortcut key access

• Administrator version downloadable here

• Password protection option for the Settings, Options, Stopping and Exiting.¹

• Auto startup option for every time your computer boots.

• Log files recording Break Reminder use events.

• Reports summarizing use statistics.

• Tray icon menu - right click to access functions and status.

• NEW (3.8.5) Ctrl-Alt or Ctrl-Shift Hot Call Recall from System Tray

 

• Small program interface that discretely runs in the background.

• Small program runtime conserves PC resources.

• Sound options to indicate when breaks start and finish 

• Internal or external or no speakers setting options.

• Sound scheme options.

• Easy Install and full uninstall option.

• Easy to use drag and drop software licensing system

• Set-up Wizard to assist settings selection.



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Endorsements

Center for Occupational and Environmental Health - Berkeley
Ergonomics Consulting Services - San Francisco

 

Other Information Resources

Setting up your workstation and some recommended exercises and stretches to take during your Micropauses and Rest Breaks
Cornell University Ergonomics Web

 

Downloads - version 3.9.2 - since 7 July 2005
Please refresh your browser to ensure you are viewing the latest page here.  IE users press "Ctrl F5"

Program	Size	DOWNLOAD
Break Reminder	3.8 MB

Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98 / ME / NT4 (> SP3) / 2000 / XP / 2003.
Now runs on some double byte language platforms e.g. some Asian countries.

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Licensing

Please download and install Break Reminder.  Please run Break Reminder and follow the directions to purchase your license, if you have not already done so. 

Break Reminder Economy and Annual License options are available for purchase. Further information is detailed on our FAQ page. Purchase of licenses contributes towards the significant development and support costs of our software.

Multiple user license discounts are available.  Please visit the purchase page for details. (Or detail your requirements by E-mail to support(a)cheqsoft.com)

We have a number of purchase options.

Option 1)	Go to our secure On-Line payment page.
Option 2)	Click Here to download the license payment form.   This can be emailed or posted.  Instructions are in this the file.  (Note:  If the file opens in your browser - you will need to save it to your desktop before filling it in)
Option 3)	Make arrangements to transfer funds direct into our New Zealand Bank Account.

Please note some web sites may link here and suggest this software is freeware.  That is not the case.

 

Support

If you have any problems with Break Reminder, please go to our Support page. 

Break Reminder includes user friendly software support systems to simplify and rapidly diagnose end user support issues.

Please understand the software may be refined further so the images shown herein become superseded.

If you enjoy Break Reminder then please consider spreading the word and telling your friends and contacts.

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© Copyright Chequers Software Limited 2000-2005 All Rights Reserved. Last revision 13 July 2005