Use Windows Update as a task timer
OK, this trick is very limited and almost silly, but I’m actually about to use it. I just finished dinner and wanted to dedicate the next hour to a specific task. There are tons of apps, widgets or gadgets I could use to tell me when my hour is up, but you’ll never guess what I’m going to use: Windows Update. I just downloaded a few items and instead of restarting, I’m using that annoying little "Restart your computer…" reminder window to tell me when my hour is up. Sure it only works in increments of 10 minutes, 1 hour or 4 hours and yes, you can only do this then when there updates to be had, but for tonight, Windows Update is my "on task timer". Hey, at least I’m getting some value from the li’l bugger!
Are you really this much hopeless? This is like trying to get yourself into a headache just because that you have found painkillers while you walk.
Try Ubuntu please.
Osman, two thoughts: one, yes I really am this hopeless. Two, I’ve tried Ubuntu on my touchscreen UMPC and really liked the Dapper Drake build. http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2006/08/ubuntu_on_a_ump.html
You can change that time.
Start > Run
type “gpedit.msc”
Browse to Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Find the Setting labeled “Re-prompt for restart with scheduled installations.” Enable it, and set your delay period in minutes. At one of my customers, we changed the value to 600 minutes (10 hours) so they can “Install updates and shut down” when they go home.
Well, did it work or did it BSOD?
Man, you be weird!
Jerad: great tip, especifially for sys admins!
Mike: Of course it did. You read it on the Internet so it must be true, right?