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Xwrits
{{notability|product|date=April 2013}}
{{unreferenced|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox software
|name = xwrits
|operating_system = [[Linux]], [[Unix]]
|genre = [[Health]]
| released               = 1994
| latest release date    = 2009
|license = [[GNU General Public License]] [http://directory.fsf.org/hobbies/health/]
|website = [http://www.lcdf.org/xwrits/ www.lcdf.org/xwrits]
}}
'''xXwrits''' is a [[Unix]]/[[X11]] [[software application]] which reminds computer users to take wrist breaks. This helps prevent them from developing or aggravating [[occupational disease]]s such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]] and [[repetitive strain injury|repetitive strain injuries]]. Xwrits periodically locks the [[X Window System]] while a brightly colored hand, alternately clenching and stretching as if in [[Pain and nociception|pain]], is displayed to remind the user to take a [[coffee break|break]]. Xwrits is highly customizable, though unlike [[Workrave]], xXwrits can only be customized using [[command line]] options.

== Examples of use ==
Here are some examples of the use of xwrits:

        xwrits

This starts xwrits. It reminds the user to take a 5-minute break after every 55 minutes of typing.

        xwrits breaktime=0:20 typetime=5:00 +mouse +lock +lp=/usr/share/firefox/res/arrow.gif
    +rp=/usr/share/firefox/res/arrow.gif

This starts xXwrits and sets it to monitor both the keyboard and the mouse. It reminds the user to take a 20 second break after every 5 minutes of computer usage. Instead of just reminding the user to take a break, it locks the screen so that the user cannot use the keyboard or mouse until 20 seconds have elapsed. When it locks and restores the screen, it shows the image <code>/usr/share/firefox/res/arrow.gif</code> (a black transparent [[GIF]]) instead of the standard jail bars, hand, and brightly colored pointing-finger "OK" notification.

==Similar utilities==
Similar RSI-prevention utilities include:
* [https://github.com/ttygde/pokoy pokoy], works on [[Linux]]
* [[Workrave]], which works on both [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[Linux]]
* [[RSIBreak]], works on [[Linux]]
* AntiRSI, works on [[Mac OS X]]
* the "Typing Break" feature in [[GNOME]] which can be enabled in the GNOME keyboard preference panel
*5 Minute Break, works on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]

== See also ==
{{Portal|Free software}}
* [[Repetitive strain injury]]

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.lcdf.org/xwrits}}
* [http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9114 "Operating Your Body at Peak Performance"], a ''Linux Journal'' column about xwrits, RSIBreak, and Workrave

[[Category:Health software]]
[[Category:Free software]]
[[Category:Overuse injuries]]
[[Category:Repetitive strain injury software]]


{{Free-software-stub}}