Countdown tools typically count backwards and indicate the seconds, minutes, or days before a pre-defined event takes place.
There are numerous countdown tools that allow users to choose the units of time they prefer to be displayed.
Additionally, users have the possibility to configure the method that will be used for the notifications shown when the timer gets to zero: an audio track can be played or a splash screen will be displayed.
Furthermore, these applications can either be standalone tools, or they can be sidebar gadgets that seamlessly integrate with Windows Vista and Windows Seven operating systems.