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Asked: 2024-09-24T15:53:59+05:30 In:

How can I set up a timer or stopwatch on Ubuntu 14.04 with Unity interface?

I’ve been tinkering around with my old laptop that’s running Ubuntu 14.04, and while I really like the Unity interface, I’m finding myself missing a simple timer or stopwatch. I mean, there are just some things that can really make life easier, right? I love using timers when I’m cooking or for productivity sprints – you know, those moments when you want to concentrate for 25 minutes straight without any distractions. But here’s the catch: I have no idea how to set one up on Ubuntu 14.04!

I remember back when I used Windows, it was super straightforward to locate a timer in the built-in clock app, but on Ubuntu, everything seems a bit different. I’ve poked around in the applications, but the closest I’ve found is the clock widget, which only shows the time and calendar. Not really helpful when I want to time things!

I’ve heard some folks mention using terminal commands or downloading apps from the Software Center, but that sounds intimidating. I mean, who wants to mess around with the terminal if you don’t have to? Plus, I’m somewhat averse to installing too many applications that might clutter my already peculiar workspace.

So I’m really hoping someone can guide me through this. Is there a built-in solution that I’m just totally overlooking? Or if I need to install something, what’s the simplest app I can go for? I’m looking for something lightweight and user-friendly.

Also, if any of you have tips on how I can customize the setup so it’s easily accessible without diving too deep into menus every time, that would be amazing! I just want to get in, set my timer, and get back to whatever I’m working on. Thanks in advance for any help you can throw my way!

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    2 Answers


    1. If you’re looking for a simple timer solution on Ubuntu 14.04, there are several options to consider that require minimal setup. One lightweight application to try is Gnome Pomodoro. It’s a timer app designed for productivity sprints, allowing you to easily set intervals for focused work sessions, such as the popular 25-minute work period followed by short breaks. You can install it directly from the Software Center, which is straightforward and doesn’t require you to use the terminal. Just search for “Pomodoro” in the Software Center, and you should find it right away. Once installed, you can customize it to your liking, setting up notifications and adjusting the timer durations as needed. This way, you can access it quickly without digging through numerous menus each time.

      Alternatively, if you’d prefer a terminal-based approach, you can use the built-in command sleep for simple timing tasks. For instance, if you want a 25-minute timer, open the terminal and type sleep 1500 && notify-send "Time's up!". This will trigger a notification after 25 minutes, and you can adjust the time by changing the number (in seconds). While this option does involve the terminal, it helps keep your system free of extra applications. For easy access, you can create a script file with your desired timer configurations and assign a keyboard shortcut to it, allowing you to start your timer with a simple key combination. This customizable approach gives you the flexibility you need without cluttering your workspace with additional applications.



    2. If you’re looking for a simple timer on your Ubuntu 14.04, there are a couple of options you can try without having to dig too deep into the terminal or mess up your workspace.

      Using the Terminal (Simple Method)

      Even if you’re not a fan of the terminal, here’s an easy command you can use to set a timer. Open your terminal and type this:

      sleep 1500 && notify-send "Time's up!"

      This command will wait for 25 minutes (1500 seconds) and then send a desktop notification saying “Time’s up!” You can change the ‘1500’ to whatever number of seconds you need.

      Installing a Lightweight Timer App

      If you prefer a more graphical approach, you can install a simple timer app called Gnome Pomodoro. It’s lightweight and designed for productivity, especially for those 25-minute sprints.

      1. Open the terminal.
      2. Run this command to install:
        3. sudo apt-get install gnome-pomodoro
      3. Once installed, you can find it in your applications. It provides an easy interface to manage your timer and breaks.

      Adding to Your Panel for Easy Access

      After you have Gnome Pomodoro, you can add it to your Unity panel for quick access. Just right-click on the app in your applications menu and select “Add to Panel”. This way, you can launch the timer without navigating through menus each time!

      Customizing Notifications

      If you like visual notifications, Gnome Pomodoro can also show a notification when your time is up. You can tweak these settings in the app to make it fit your style.

      Hope this helps you get started with timers on your laptop!


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