Using Sound Recorder to customize Time Monitor voice warning messages

This document will describe how you can customize Time Monitor by using Windows Sound Recorder to record your very own voice warning messages. Other sound recorders, such the excellent (and free!) program Audacity, work as well. The only requirement is that the program you use can save (or export) the recorded message in the Windows WAV file format. To create your own sound files you need a microphone and/or headset with mic.

Time Monitor uses 3 sound files when reminding your kids that their computer time is almost over and that they should finish up and log off. These files were recorded using Audacity but you can use the Windows Sound Recorder program as well. The warning message files are played during two events - at 5 minutes before being logged off - then at 1 minute before logoff.

These voice recorded message files are named PDTMINTRO.WAV, FIVEMINUTES.WAV, and ONEMINUTE.WAV. They are located in the "Program Files" directory (C:\Program Files\Piranha Designs\Time Monitor) on your hard drive. Rename or copy the original files to a backup directory before attempting to overwrite them with your new voice messages. Remember that in order to make any changes to the files you must be logged on as administrator. Standard, or limited, accounts do not have privileges to modify files in the Program Files directory.

The file PDTMINTRO.WAV is the introductory message and is always played before the other two files. Record a short and simple introduction message for this file as it will then be followed by one of the other recorded voice warning messages.

When your kids have 5 minutes of computer time remaining Time Monitor will play the voice message PDTMINTRO.WAV followed by the file FIVEMINUTES.WAV. Record your message explaining the 5 minute warning then save the WAV file as FIVEMINUTES.WAV overwriting the original file in the installation directory.

The file ONEMINUTE.WAV is played when your kids have one minute of computer time remaining. Record your message explaining that 1 minute remains then save the WAV file as ONEMINUTE.WAV overwriting the original file in the installation directory.

You can use any .WAV file that you or your kids like. We recommend you try to keep it short in length (less than 15 seconds). Getting your children involved makes Time Monitor fun for them and takes the burden of being the bad guy - time cop off you!

That's all there is to it! Now your kids will hear your voice (or Donald Duck's!) reminding them that their computer time is almost over before Time Monitor logs them off. And you don't even have to be there...