KeyOff 2.5

KeyOff 2.5  is an useful and easy to use tool which helps users easily monitors keyboard and mouse and initiates computer shutdown if the there has been no key or mouse activity for a specified length of time.

It can also be used to control a remote computer. KeyOff supports all the normal shut down modes. KeyOff is part of the JSutils group of software utilities which have a theme of energy conservation. To find more energy and money saving ideas check out Practical Home Energy Saving.

Uses of KeyOff include shutting down a computer when it has been idle for longer than a specified time. It can be started via the Windows Task Scheduler, on startup or manually. KeyOff is a great little utility for saving energy by making sure a computer shuts down when left unattended.

The program requires a registration code to run - this can be obtained free for personal non commercial use from the Download page. Registration codes from previous versions are compatible with version 2.5. The KeyOff Slave does not need a registration code.

KeyOff operates by checking the keyboard and mouse state once a second and comparing it with the last check, each time there is a difference the countdown timer is reset until the countdown time is reached and shutdown is initiated. The time before the program activates and the shutdown time are configurable to suit particular circumstances. The program consumes very little system resources but it does run with high priority. In shutdown mode the program switches to run on top irrespective of the setting of the run on top or run mini-mised flags.

KeyOff supports the following types of shut down: Hibernate, Power Off, Reboot, Shutdown and Standby (some computers will not support all shut down modes).  Shutdown, Power Off and Reboot have been configured to force all running applications to close. 

The main program display shows key and mouse activity in the last second by a 'K' or 'M' on the left of the display. If a key or keys become stuck down KeyOff will recognise this and ignore it.

The optional slave program installed on a second computer monitors communications from the main program, which occur twice a second and initiates shutdown when the master program enters shutdown. There is no communication back to the main program. The slave program display shows communications status.

Click on the Test button to enable Test Mode which sets the activation delay to 2 seconds and the monitoring period to 5 seconds and puts up a pop up rather than powering off the computer. Clicking the Test button while in Test Mode will restart Test Mode. If the KeyOff Slave is used clicking Test will also put the Slave into test mode. Click the Reset button to exit Test Mode or Reset the program in Operational Mode (this will also reset the slave program if used).

Program operation is inhibited while either the About or Configuration screens are open. The About screen will automatically time out after 30 seconds if left open. The configuration screen will timeout after 600 seconds if left open, there is a warning message 90 seconds before this happens. The program is reset when the configuration screen is closed if any changes have been made, if no changes are made the program will resume from where it was stopped when the configuration screen is closed. The configuration can only be changed by users with administrative privileges. If KeyOff is changed to run minimised closing the Configuration screen will put the program back in the System Tray. Communications to the Slave, if used, are not inhibited when the configuration screen of the main program is open.

When set to run minimised (the default) KeyOff runs in the System Tray (the program can be reactivated by double clicking on the tray icon). Once shutdown is initiated KeyOff always switches to visible 'run on top' and the About, Exit, Test and Configuration buttons are disabled. Shutdown can be cancelled by clicking the Cancel button which will put the program back in the System Tray if KeyOff is set to run minimised.

Major Features:

1. Used to control a remote computer.
2. Supports all the normal shut down modes.
3. Can be started via the Windows Task Scheduler, on startup or manually.
4. The shut down time and many other parameters can be configured
5. The program requires a registration code to run

Enhancements: Minor update to update help and fix a one second error in shutdown timing.