I was poster #35. Tried it again last night, this time unmarking the warning box in the options, set it for 90 minutes. Started my mp3 program, got in bed, I fell asleep before the 90 minutes, but when I woke up, my computer was successful turned off. Thumbs up from me.

Hi there, I'm a newbie to GAOTD comment section of this website, even tho I have been receiving their free daily giveaways for quite a few years now. I would like to give a big thumbs up to GAOTD & their respected Partners that give people like us the opportunity to download and try their software for free. I know there are millions of other Software Makers out there that make exactly or similar software that may or may not be free to download, but the thing I like about this site is that you DON'T have to go hunting for particular software online & the simplicity of it all is IF you don't like what they have on offer THEN ya just don't download. That simple. I like the convenience the site enables by sending via emails their daily offers to people, computer savvy or not & allow them a chance to peruse their offers. So thank you GAOTD & your affiliates. As with this software, I have just downloaded it and I enjoy its simplicity and it does what it says it will do. Thats enough for me. As to people who have negative comments above, WHY on earth??? If you know or have some other way or software that does exactly or more of what this software has to offer, then WHY on earth would u download it??? Beats me really why ya would bother.

Thanx for ya time

#1 (Holy Moses)

That's true, but for $0 I'll let this guy do it for me.

If someone else then sees what it does for me, then our guy here will deserve to make $20 thanks to the good marketing provided by GAOTD.

Thumbs up to you guys; and to the developer, good job dude, it's a good little tool

Wonderful little program. Works a treat.

@tinker bell. If you look at their webpage below the download button you will see "Version 3.62 / Feb 24, 2009"

Just because an app hasn't had a new release in almost 2.5 years doesn't always mean its a bad thing. Sometimes when the software still works and does what it was designed to do, and doesn't have any new compatibility issues (like 64bit windows) then why fix something that isn't broke (some people feel programs should always have a recent update - even if it means just changing the font, or adding a spinning propeller. If the program doesn't need an update, should the developer feel obligated to just make changes for changes sake - so the release date is "recent"?)

I agree a nicer interface would be a plus, but to be honest when I am running the app, most of the time it is just an icon in the system tray - so the retro look isn't something I'm losing much sleep over.

I have other minor design issues with the user interface that I have sent onto the developer but ultimately this is an app that lets a typical user perform a task easily (that otherwise could be a lot more complicated using just windows tools).


I know about the freeware tools (I have looked at probably close to a hundred over the years that perform this task to various extents). I was even considering using combinations of other "shutdown-only". Many of these are good - but come up short and only solve 70% of the problem.

One example was "Goodnight Timer" - http://www.immortalsoftware.com/goodnight.html - except the only shutdown options were full shutdown - or nothing. (But I liked the volume function more).

For the experienced (or adventurous) SmartSleep allows the user to run another program (including scripts) - so I can do just about anything. Usually I have the scripts (batch files) close down the media players and any internet (radio) downloads (using Sysinternals PsKill - also not updated since 2009 - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896683 ) - then leave the computer running in a low power state - waiting for the morning alarm - when smart sleep kicks off my "wakeup playlist".

This probably gives a much clearer idea of what is possible.

Many of the examples given by others, you cannot replicate with just a few mouse clicks. Yes shutting down your pc at a given time really isn't rocket science and there are a zillion apps that can do this, but to get them to do almost what SmartSleep does (and as easily) - takes a lot more work and knowledge.

It works well although I wouldn't pay a cent for it.

GUI is old fashioned and can use some improvements.

The copyright says (c)Dextronet 2004-2008, version 3.62. So is it actually an old software that hasn't been updated since 2008?

I'd like to see a screensaver NOT added to something like this program. A sort of awake-sleep; apparent catatonia. It's almost impossible to find a program that will display the screen: just display the screen, and keep it that way, meaning inhibit the keyboard and stop mouseclicks. If we want to monitor something and have it STAY THERE, there's nothing much I've found that can do it.

I am #2 poster and to all those that hated on me for saying that if you don't want the program then don't vote on it here's my rebuttal.

If you don't want or need this software, or if there are many free programs to do the same thing, etc., etc., then why on earth would the developer care. What they want to here is how people that have downloaded and installed and used the program feel about it. You don't think the devs know that there are free programs to do the same thing? Do you think they don't know about Windows Task Scheduler(which one person already correctly stated it could be intimidating for the novice user)? What's great about it they don't have to care about that stuff. They have every right to make whatever software they want and charge whatever price they want to charge. You have every right to not use or pay for said software.

How on earth does it help the dev to see his software given 50 thumbs down in the first 10min. Do you honestly think they are going to quit making this software because a handful of GAOTD users don't want to use it? I know it will never change and I have every right to make my opinion know as do you.

/end rant

Program works just fine, but the download took ages avg speed 7.8KB/sec and before anyone says it's my connection it's not, I've got 50mB cable and can achieve download speeds of 5Mb +.

@AndyB - "It would be a nice addition to be able to schedule a start-up."

Would this (Freeware) help?

ever wondered if it's possible to wake up your system from a Sleep mode (or Hibernation) using a resident program

Besides that it can also send your system back into a Sleep mode (hibernate it, power it off, or log-off a user). Moreover, you can also use this utility as a scheduler to run programs without involving a Sleep mode.

Special features:
Can restore almost every Windows-based Operating System from a Sleep mode (and most systems from hibernation as well).
Can run a file or open a web page at a predetermined time after a wake-up event, during normal operation, or before performing power operation.
Can send system back into a Sleep mode (hibernate it, shut it down, or log off user) after a waiting period.
Can detect if a wake event from a Sleep mode (or hibernation) is supported by your system.
Can turn your monitor on and hold off screen-saver during a waiting period.
Can repair local area network and high-speed Internet connections upon waking up from a suspended power state.
Can send system into a Sleep mode or hibernate it with more options than available through the Operating System.
Can be run from the Windows Command Line without a user interaction.
Can be saved in a batch file for later use.

Looks like a nice, simple program to do exactly what I've been wanting to do: play some music and then shut down at night (or shut down after running a virus or disk checker).

It would be a nice addition to be able to schedule a start-up. Yes, you might be able to do that with system software, but this would be even easier, especially on an ad hoc basis.

I like the concept of being able to tell the program to shut down or start up from a smart phone, but don't have a particular need for it now.

Sure, updating the look would be nice, but it's better to make the software work well. The "retro" interface doesn't bother me. (Now, command line DOS would be REALLY retro.)

I agree the price is a bit high -- with smartphone software so cheap, it puts downward pressure on other software, too, particularly with small utilities like this.

So thanks Dextronet and thanks, GOTD.

Who can afford an alarm clock after spending so much money on a laptop? ;)

I haven't found an alarm clock that can also play movies (ever fallen asleep and woke in the middle of the night with the TV still on?), or selected tracks from my extensive music collection, or listen to internet radio stations from around the world.

Alarm clocks are a nice alternative for people who don't have a laptop besides their bed.

Bubby #6: What about using an alarm clock that has a "sleep" button?

I installed it before going to bed. Using Windows XP Home Edition SP 3. Running a Dell Pentium 4. As far as the date and time, mine is correct with 2011 in the year, not 2007 like some other users. I started my mp3 playlist so I could go to bed to music, and set the program to shut everything down in 240 minutes. When I woke up everything was still on and playing, and on the screen was the warning box telling me of a shut down about to occur, that never occurred, will try again later.

Can I mention a utility I wrote that is similar to this?

Scheduled-Off: http://www.phil-the-thrill.com/software/soff.html

I has the options to shut down a computer and log off a user at a relative or absolute time.

It does not have any volume control.

Though I don't have much use for this program, I like it already. My laptop is right next to my bed and oftentimes I just roll over and fall asleep. It's nice to have such a simple tool that I can set to sleep at, or after, a certain time that won't interfere with my alarm clock function in waking from sleep mode. Thumbs up.

As the comment in #14 about the date, I too have a 2007 date that I cannot change. Help or I will uninstall as you can't set what day you want something done!

I'm not sure who I am agreeing or disagreeing with since there is alot of inside baseball going on in the comments, and don't care, but from the perspective of a user who checks giveaway of the day just about every day for something useful, who is pretty picky about what he downloads (and therefore skips alot of days) and who hates the Windows help system and all of the many places one has to go to accomplish little tasks, I like this software. It is simple and does what it says for those who have the need. If you don't need it then don't download it. Some software has been around forever, is still useful, and still does things better than Windows.

I think the price is a little high, but it is refreshing to find simple, effective software that does exactly what it says every time. The interface doesn't bother me. I remember the ORIGINAL version of Windows and thought it was pretty cool as compared to DOS, and this reminds me of it. It is a utility, so let it look utilitarian. I wouldn't pay $20 for it, but I would pay something for it, for sure.

Thanks to the developers for giving me a peek and free use while this laptop/hard drive lasts. Two thumbs UP.

Todays giveaway is a nice little program, installs fine and activates fine. Even though there are many negitive comments it's quite a nice little program and does not take up to many resources to run. It's well layed out and easy to Navigate.

one of the things I really like about this program and will come in handy is if your need to rush off some where and your computer is envoled in a certain task (Example downloading some files, Virus scan, etc) you can set smart sleep to shutdown your computer up to 5.5 hours later. Great Feature and you dont have to worry about your computer being on after the time you set.

One option I also find great is that you can execute an internal file or Display a message to you as a reminder for you to commence in some task.

It has the option to sync your computer to an atomic clock for accurate time and you can also schedule different tasks.
All in all this is a pretty handy program to have simple to navigate and you dont have to be a Rocket scientist to use it.

Thumbs up!

The only thing with me is the price of $19.95 for such a program I think is a little steep and would be more competitive around $10.00 in a market that has many freeware alternatives.

Thank you GOTD and Dextronet for todays Download!

Well #15, I have say a big thank you.
Seems like you and I are the only ones who downloaded CubeDrift on Saturday 9July, I have enjoyed it in 15min bouts of brain-training exercises with my cup of coffee everyday since.
Oh I know, they all hate you for mentioning anything other than todays 'official' Download and I know all about the Forum Blogs... but You are just a breath of Fresh Air amongst all the other Anxious commentating Experts here.
Ho hum... surprised I read any at all... well, cept Fubar, of course x

#19 consuella. Are you kidding me. Did Stephen posting that game update have you run screaming into the night.Did it permenently damage you. It is one post. How can that possibly offend the manufacturer of this product.
Stephen/Whiterabbit is just doing people a favor. Not everyone is aware of the forum or goes there anyway. If he can help a few people out here, what is the harm.
Do you lie in wait to find fault with everything. Are you the kind that posts a thumb down without even trying the software.

I think it is discourteous of you to post the comment you did. What make that better than what Stephen did? Stephen was trying to help someone. What is it exactly did your post prove.

Thanks GOTD for having good guys like Stephen around. He does an outstanding job.

As for todays software, It can serve a purpose for a lot of people. I don't happen to need it but I have no intention of slamming it. If you like it. Try it. If you don't have a good day.

Thank you.

Moderator I hope you allow this post. I think it is only just to refute the slam on Stephen.

Installed fine on Vista 32b, however, I cannot get this program to register (activate) no matter what I try.. has anyone else had this problem?

Let's not forget, EVERYONE might not even be computer savvy. Don't assume people know everything.

Is this another program that depends on .NET? If so, I must pass on this...

Try Wizmo, a little app that will do a lot of what SmartSleep does plus a few more. It doesn't have built in scheduling, but you can use Task Scheduler to do it (and it's not as complicated as setting it up with Windows alone). It also comes with a screensaver, and it's only 38k. http://www.grc.com/wizmo/wizmo.htm

As for the atomic clock synchronization, Windows XP and above has that built in. IIRC, it synchronizes every week.

I have wanted a program to automatically restart my computer once a day. The built-in windows utilities do not work because I am the only user and I do NOT have a password on my account. This looks like it will solve my needs. Thanks GotD.

Some here need to think from a different prospective.

I build all my own rigs, yet just because other may not I'm not going to down the fact they buy boxes from a comp store.

I use Task Scheduler to the point I make it tired. ~smiles~

Yet have you ever looked at Task Scheduler from a novice view point, truly could be confusing / intimidating.

I know this to be true due to the fact of the number of times I've explained to others how to use, or even find it.

SmartSleep is a simple all-in-one interface that anyone could use.

I have no need for such, yet can understand its appeal to many.

I know I am going to be voted down, but I have to express my opinion about recently reappearing again posts about games. I think it is very discourteous to the developers to post in this section about games and not about the featured software. The developers, who are giving away their programs here, are expecting from us, in exchange, our feedback about their software, our suggestions for improvements (if any), and definitely not about something totally irrelevant like games that have nothing to do with the software offered by the developer here.

I agree with Bubby about SmartSleep. It is a nice, very handy little program. I personally find it very useful and easy to use.

Thank you, Dextronet.

OK, silly program, YES! Can it be done by scheduler/task manager, YES! Is it a necessary program to have, NO! Did I like it and give it a thumbs up, YES!

Sometimes silly is good (heck, I even like Hudson Hawk), the windows functions exist, but this is straightforward and easy. Will I run it at startup, NO but I like it and will keep it to use from time to time. Not sure about the $20 pricetag, I honestly wouldn't pay anything for this program (sorry developers), but the retro menus and the fun version of windows functions is worth a free download!!

I disagree with #2 that "It gives people and developers a inaccurate feedback."... developers also need to know that like/dislike a particular class of program (what it's used for). If a market is already flooded with well-known and useful freeware that does the same thing, why develop something new in that category unless you can truly distinguish it?

I'm quick to be critical but this lil' app suite was exactly what I needed at the right time. I don't have an iPod but I do have a HTPC in the bedroom and like to fall asleep to music.

Now I could have written this app in 2 hours and even revamped it's dated look but I'd never find the time. This runs my media player and lowers the volume near shut off music time. It also has a atomic clock app for those that don't know where it is located in Vista on up.

It even reminds me with a note on screen or a midi flile that it's time to take my "write a cranky review on GOTD pills". (timer and day planner scheduler that I can actually set in less than 3 minutes... about 10 seconds).

I still want to hate it. But I can't. It's the best thing I've had from GOTD in a very long time. Not the flashiest or the most expensive program but how many video converters and disk utils does a girl really need? This I can use daily.

Guys, It is Smart Sleep!
You do not have to keep clicking on End Now!
It forces shut all applications and you can rest assured the Computer will shut down. I like it!

Just in case you missed my post from yesterday. Anyone who downloaded the gamegiveaway on Saturday will have been under the impression that there was no save feature and no indication as to which levels you'd played. GMMan discovered that the game had been packaged with a completed profile which in effect had left all of the levels unlocked. Deleting a specific file (or keeping it safe just in case you needed it at a later date) then allowed the game to function as it should have done. that is the game automatically saved your progress and indicated any level that had been unlocked. It also allowed up to ten levels ahead of where you were to be unlocked so that you could jump ahead if you were stuck on a particular level.

Here's what GMMan discovered:

Actually, CubeDrift does have a “save” function. It will indicate what levels you’ve finished on the level select screen (as gold). You can skip up to 10 levels (available ones are in blue). After those ones they are all locked (in grey). The game will actually resume on the first level you did not complete.

The only reason that non of the above worked was because the game shipped with a completed profile. Just delete data\ogpice.cdx to reset the profile.

The .cdx format is simple. It’s in a key/value format. Each level is numbered and takes up two lines. The first line is the level number, and the second is the level completion state (either “u” for unfinished, or “d” for done). Repeat for each level in the level pack. The file is automatically generated upon starting a level pack.

Ok I downloaded the progam kinda thinks it is nice but how do you change the date it is completely wrong even when I synchornize(spelling) if I can not correct that I am going to unistall Thanks

Everyone has different uses for their computers. Since I have a Media Center PC, I never force shutdown unless I'm present and checked the Task Manager to make sure that nothing's going on (and nothing scheduled soon). I always use Windows power management, although it can be a pain to keep it working. Some weirdness with Win7 and probably earlier Windows versions is that power management is much more likely to work correctly if the computer is locked, but not if locked by a screensaver (that's the weird part). For automatic locking, I like Sensible Vision FastAccess (I use the Logitech version since I have a Logitech webcam). As always, there can be all sorts of problems with drivers and external hardware and power management, so many manufacturers/developers never bother to test sleep/resume functionality.

I haven't tested these but here are a couple of volume faders: an AutoHotkey script, and Volume Fade Out Auto 2007.08 (and other versions, search the page) from Yellow Gold Software.

A curious product is ecobutton, a hardware/software combination which attempts to put your computer into a deeper standby state than normal but above hibernate. The website isn't smart enough to recognize your location automatically, select at top, and I think it's expensive in the US market, currently $27 shipped.

I agree with #5, TK, that XP and above already do atomic clock synchronization via SNTP. I need more accurate time, so I use a true NTP client, but that's definitely not for people who don't understand how to set that up correctly and monitor it.

I think it's a basic computer tool, not new to us.

Well, maybe it's time to have two user ratings.

One for those who actually installed the softwrare and did or didn't like it, and one for those who are not planning to install the software but like or dislike the particular kind of software.

Maybe it's time for us, users, to be given the opportunity to suggest the kind of software we would like to see in the near future.

Don't get me wrong. I thing GAOTD team is doing a superb job and this is one of my favorite sites. And through the years I have downloaded many of the giveaways.

Visiting the site every day to see what free software-surprise awaits me is a fun process. Reading the reviews and the opinions about the software of the day, is an equally fun and very useful and sometimes very educational proccess.

It would be great however, if there was a way to share our thoughs with the developers and the software companies, in order to give them an idea about what we like to see in the future...

Moderator comment: The GOTD forums is the place to discuss such a thing (Suggestions for the site & the Giveaway Team). The comments on this page should specifically relate to the daily giveaway. Suggestions and recommendations for future giveaways have a forum topic dedicated for that purpose. http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1450

I like it too BuBBy #6. It's funky retro interface, like something a student in the 1970s came up with, is clear and simple and it does what it sez it will do. That's good enough for me.

Hmm... there's a few freeware that does almost everything this does including PShutdown and Shutter (by den4b). It's good that it's offered free today but otherwise, I don't think it's worth $19.95. Perhaps it would be better at $10 or $15?

Other than that, I do like that the scheduler is more advanced and flexible than the freeware I listed above.

#2 This is a giweaway site for software that one nomally needs to buy. If the software has no extra features that free or build-in software could deliver it correct to have a thuumb down if you give the reason.

Look for the free program poweroff, and this will do what you ever will need.
Sync with atomic clock can also be free. 20,00$ is a lot of money for this kind of soft.

Yet another app that can be accomplished in task scheduler :/

I downloaded it anyway, just to see if there was any extra features, but I found nothing that is not already built into task scheduler.

This is starting to get disappointing. That's 2 programs in 3 days that can be accomplished with tools already built into Windows... I'm already upset with Windows because of performance issues that I am starting to have more frequently, I don't need more programs that do the same thing as what's already there.

I use MarxioTimer for this
Watchful

This program previously appeared back in 2007 - http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/smartsleep/

I think some people read the first sentence of the description and in a rush to comment post without even trying the software, or looking at the program website to see if there is something they may have missed.

I remember this program last time quite well. The use I found for it was on a laptop beside my bed. At whatever time I decided to go to bed, I could easily have my laptop play some music from a playlist, for 30 minutes. The volume would gradually decrease until the countdown timer had elapsed, and my laptop would also be put into standby/sleep mode.

Sure I could write scripts and batch files - play with the task scheduler, even find some plugins for my media player to allow the volume to be reduced over a custom time period.... but this already had it there. Simple. Software doesn't always have to be amazingly complicated or do something that is otherwise impossible. This app was just very convenient.

There are lots of other options that this program can handle - but at it's essence, it is a simple scheduler with a useful take on the idea of how your PC could be shut down. I like it.

#2 perhaps we have already tried this, its not new its been around a for while

Quite remarkable the 39 people have downloaded and tested in less than 15 minutes but only two replies. I agree with #2.

Why do people vote thumbs down just because it is a program they don't want?

How about this, if you don't want the program, don't vote. It gives people and developers a inaccurate feedback.

At 3:01 there was already a thumbs down vote. Now there is no way you had time to download, install and use the program long enough to rate it.

Or you can use scheduled tasks that is built in to Windows.

If you don't know what scheduled tasks are, you can search help and it will tell you exactly how to do the things that they mention this program does.

Oh well...