[Macpartners] Release of Stretch Break 5.5 (Windows) and 4.1 (Mac)

[Mary J. Ziegler]

Date: Thursday, 19 June 2003
To: itpartners at mit.edu, macpartners at mit.edu, winpartners at mit.edu, 
sw-release-announce at mit.edu, ergonomics at mit.edu,ed-tech at mit.edu
From:  Mary J. Ziegler <maryz at mit.edu>
Subject: Release of Stretch Break 5.5 (Windows) and 4.1 (Mac)
Cc: infosys at mit.edu, itag at mit.edu

Hello,

Informations Systems is pleased to announce the release of 2 new versions 
of Stretch Break:
- Stretch Break Pro 5.5 for Windows 2000/XP
and
- Stretch Break Pro 4.1 for Mac OS 9 and X

Stretch Break is an ergonomic stretching and typing break timer program. 
The program reminds you to take periodic breaks from your computer and 
provides ergonomic information, including workstation setup guidelines.

Who Should Download and Why
----------------------------------------------
Stretch Break is recommended for all computer users to aid in the 
prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries.   It is especially helpful for 
anyone experiencing strain from computer use and/or users who have trouble 
remembering to take breaks.

New Features
  ---------------------
New operating system compatibility:   Stretch Break 4.1 is now compatible 
with Mac OS X 10.2, Stretch Break 5.5 with Windows XP.

Both Mac and Windows:
* Stretch Break Pro Tracker to monitor use patterns for the program

Windows Only:
* An optional Smart Timer that modifies the time between stretches based on 
mouse and keyboard activity.
* Six standing stretches in addition to the previous 24 stretches.
* The ability to have music play during a break.

Other Notable Features
-------------------------------------
*  A break window launches every 1 to 120 minutes.
*  Breaks can be cancelled or delayed for 1 to 5 minutes.
*  ErgoHints - guidelines for setting up an ergonomically correct 
workstation as well as a series of hints on how to avoid injuries when 
using your computer.   Also includes a list of keyboard alternatives to 
using the mouse.

Where to get Stretch Break
---------------------------------
The installers are available from http://web.mit.edu/software/ as Stretch 
Break 4.1 (Mac) and Stretch Break 5.5 (Windows).

Please review the documentation before installing:
Windows: http://web.mit.edu/atic/www/stretch/win.html
Macintosh: http://web.mit.edu/atic/www/stretch/mac.html

If you have a question or need assistance, please contact the Computing 
Help Desk at computing-help at mit.edu or x3-1101.

Thank you,
The Stretch Break Release Team
  Deb Bowser
  Mary Ellen Bushnell
  Atticus Gifford
  Joshua Romond
  Mary Ziegler

DISCLAIMER:
-------------------
The Software Release Team does not distribute software releases, updates or 
patches through e-mail. Please DISREGARD ANY MESSAGES WITH ATTACHMENTS SENT 
BY THIS TEAM. Most likely, they will contain viruses and/or unsolicited and 
potentially offensive content.