Idle Timer

Sure enough, a computer can continue to run as long as it’s connected to a power source. However, some specific tasks need need the computer awake, with different default Windows features which handle idle actions. To count it, applications like Idle Timer can track time the computer is not used, and display it in seconds.

Counter starts right away

The application takes only a while to get installed on the computer, with the installer also offering to launch it for you, and save some effort. Accommodation is no rocket science either, with a plain window holding all it has to offer. It can be minimized, or moved across the desktop into any suitable spot.
You can also leave the application minimized to taskbar so it doesn’t take up any desktop space. However, it needs to be in sight to be able to view idle time, because it resets once interactions is detected. In fact, there’s no way to make the timer freeze on the last value, making it rather difficult to check idle time, unless you’re practically wasting time looking how the timer goes up.

Difficult to tell idle time

With no configurable options, the application starts counting from the moment it’s launched. There’s no delay to set for the counter, nor any alert systems to notify you that the PC exceeded a specified idle time.
This instant method of tracking, and frustrating reset mode has a considerable impact on practicality. For instance, an active screensaver can ruin the counter, because it requires interaction to turn it off, and so is the case with monitor turn off options, or various power saving configurations.

To end with

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Idle Timer comes with good intentions, but the constant reset on every action cuts off a great deal of practicality, since you don’t have to interact with the mouse, or keyboard to be able to view itle time. As such, it’s no better than simply doing simple math, to calculate how much time passed since you left the PC idle.