Breakin' FAQs
Q: How do I get the same break reminder every time a break is triggered?
Go the Preferences window and choose the Always repeat this break reminder option. This will show a list of currently defined break suggestions. Select one and it will be shown each time a break reminder is triggered until you change it.
Q: Could you add a count down and a chance to skip the next break reminder is triggered?
There is one! Go to the Preferences window and choose the Show countdown before starting break option. A countdown window will appear along with the option to skip the upcoming break.
Q: Is there a way to change the background color of break reminders?
Yes. Go to the Preferences window and choose the Set the default reminder background color option.
Q: What happens if I'm busy when a break starts and don't want to break my concentration?
As of v1.19, Breakin' now offers an option to check on whether you're idle (e.g. not using the keyboard or mouse) when a break is scheduled to start. If you are typing or using the mouse for at least a full second, then Breakin' will skip the break. Although this defeats much of the purpose of Breakin', you can do this by going to the Preferences window and choosing the Skip break if not idle option.
Q: What are the main differences between the break reminder settings?
The following table should help you understand how the provided break reminder settings change the behavior of Breakin':
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Allow endless breaks | Breaks will last until they are ended manually by clicking on the End Break Now button; they are not automatically ended |
| Allow break skipping | Breaks will end automatically after their set duration has been reached; they can also be manually ended by clicking on the End Break Now button |
| Neither 1) or 2) | Breaks will end automatically after their set duration has been reached and no End Break Now button is shown; you must press the ESC key to manually end the break |
Q: Why did you write this program?
Writing programs like this are a creative outlet and hobby for me. I come up with a simple idea (or borrow one), design it, code it, debug it, write documentation, ship it and fix bugs and/or add new features. My apps aren’t always the most sophisticated or elegant but I own the full product lifecycle, which can be very satisfying on its own.
Q: Why did you call this program Breakin'? Do you like Rap and Hip Hop?
No, I don’t. I actually like new wave and college alternative music. However, there’s a place in my heart for the "old school" Rap artists from the 1980s like Run DMC, The Fat Boys, etc. for nostalgic reasons. These guys actually had some talent.
Q: How do you remove Breakin'?
Just drag the Breakin' application into the Trash. That will uninstall it.
Q: Can you add such and such feature?
Uh, sure…maybe? Remember, this is a hobby for me and there are many limits to my ability and time. However, I would be willing to at least entertain any feature suggestions if they made sense and I could figure out how to implement them.