Does this type of application exist? (Timer of all sorts)

[AlexConquest]

I am looking for an iMac application, which is a timer of all sorts, in that I need something that can open and close applications at particular times.

For instance, if I wanted Transmission to open at 12:00 pm while I sleep, then close at 7:00 am the next morning, is their applications that can do that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[robbieduncan]

AppleScript attached to iCal events?

 

[AlexConquest]

AppleScript attached to iCal events?

Thank you for your quick response, but how can I do this?

 

[robbieduncan]

Thank you for your quick response, but how can I do this?

I'm not on a Mac right now but you can set an AppleScript to be the action for an iCal alarm. It's pretty simple to use AppleScript to open or close an application:

tell application "Transmission "
activate
end tell

tell application "Transmission "
quit
end tell

 

[gr8tfly]

Thank you for your quick response, but how can I do this?

Even easier: when you set a alarm for an event, you can select to "Open file...". From there, you can select either a file (which would open the associated app), or an application itself. I just verified this by selecting "Open file: Chess" for a 3:28AM alarm. It was ready to go on the minute (I wasn't - 3am and all).

Give that a try. AppleScript would work, but it's overkill for this task.

 

[robbieduncan]

Even easier: when you set a alarm for an event, you can select to "Open file...". From there, you can select either a file (which would open the associated app), or an application itself. I just verified this by selecting "Open file: Chess" for a 3:28AM alarm. It was ready to go on the minute (I wasn't - 3am and all).

Give that a try. AppleScript would work, but it's overkill for this task.

That's cool. As I said I'm not on a mac right now so can't actually try stuff. The OP would still need the AppleScript to perform the second part: closing the app at a specific time...

 

[AlexConquest]

Thank you so much! Much Appreciated!
EDIT: However, how do I use Apple Scripts with iCal? I have never used Apple Scripts before?

 

[robbieduncan]

Thank you so much! Much Appreciated!

Is there anyway to use iCal to make the app close at a certain time as well?

Yes: the second AppleScript I posted 😛

 

[AlexConquest]

Sorry I have no idea how to use/make Apple Scripts 🙁

 

[robbieduncan]

Sorry I have no idea how to use/make Apple Scripts 🙁

Or use Google it appears.

Anyway here's a very brief outline:

1) Open the Script Editor (/Applications/AppleScript/)
2) Copy and paste the code I provided
3) Save it as an application
4) Set the alarm to open that application.