I’ve always believed that every minute counts—especially in a teaching environment. That’s why I developed SANS Timer, a lightweight, customizable timer application designed specifically for SANS instructors and educators. I built this tool to help streamline class transitions, breaks, and lab sessions, ensuring that I (and you) never miss a beat during a busy day.
What SANS Timer Offers
I’ve tried various timers and nothing met my expectations. Therefore, when I set out to create SANS Timer, I aimed to pack it with features that would simplify time management in the classroom:
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Multiple Preset Modes:
I included several preset options so you can quickly choose a timer that fits your schedule—whether you need to count down to 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:50 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:20 PM or a specific start time. I also added options for 20, 30, or 45-minute countdowns, along with a customizable timer for any duration you might need. -
Dual-Display Interface:
To offer maximum flexibility, I designed SANS Timer with a control panel that shows a digital timer, as well as an optional floating window. This means you can keep the control panel on your primary monitor while having the floating timer on a secondary screen that the students see. -
Customization Options:
Recognizing that a personalized look can make a difference, I built in the ability to adjust text and background colors. Plus, when less than five minutes remain, the timer automatically switches to a warning color, so your always have a clear visual cue that class is about to resume.
Why I Built It This Way
I focused on creating a tool that’s not only functional but also intuitive to use:
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User-Friendly Controls:
I designed the interface to be as simple as possible. Whether you’re starting, pausing, or resetting the timer—or toggling the floating window—the controls are straightforward and easy to operate, even during a hectic class schedule. -
Optimized for Multi-Monitor Setups:
Many SANS Instructors work with multiple displays, so I made sure that the control panel stays on the primary monitor while the floating window can be moved to a secondary screen. If you’re on a single monitor, both windows will adjust to fit your display. -
Clean, Minimalist Design:
My goal was to reduce on-screen clutter. With a frameless floating window that is always on top and a compact control panel, the SANS Timer provides a clear, unobtrusive view of your countdown.
Getting Started
If you are using Windows, you can get the single-file executable here.
If you are using a Mac or Linux system, just install the requirements and run it as a python program as described in the Github repo README.md
Final Thoughts
I released SANS Timer under the MIT License, and I hope it proves as useful for you as it has for me. If you’re interested in learning more, contributing to the project, or downloading the executable, head over to the GitHub repository.
