Ubuntu Tips n Tricks

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Posted: 31 Aug 2010 06:53 PM PDT

Use Ubuntu/GNOME Desktop as Alarm Clock: You may find our Python alarm clock too geeky or complicated, so I thought I should share with you an easier way to use your Linux desktop (particularly Ubuntu and other GNOME-based distributions) as alarm clock. To do this, you will have to install a package aptly called "Alarm Clock".

Alarm Clock is described as the personal alarm clock for the GTK + desktop environment. But other than waking you up on time by making noise, it supports other useful features such as passive window reminders, snooze option, and exception lists for scheduled alarms among others.

In Ubuntu, you can install the Alarm Clock application using the Software Center or via Synaptic Package Manager. For a quick and dirty way of installing Alarm Clock, you may also use the command line:

sudo apt-get install alarm-clock

After installation, you can immediately start using the program by going to Applications --> Accessories --> Alarm Clock.

Alarm Clock has a simple interface where you can easily start adding new alarm schedules. The alarm clock icon sits on the notifications area.

Under "Notifications" setting, you will find some useful options. You can set it up to show a dialog window or display passive popup during event, which is good for scheduling reminders and tasks. Advanced option for executing shell script is also included.

Under the sound preferences, you are given a choice to use a custom sound file. So if your idea of waking up is hearing the song Wake Up by Rage Against the Machine or any of your preferred song, simply install this Alarm Clock application.