Question

1

Run a script on startup to periodically disable the keyboard

rated 0 times [ 1] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 569 / 1 Year ago, tue, december 27, 2022, 4:04:33

I have the following script

  while [ true ]

    do

      gnome-screensaver-command -l

      xinput set-int-prop 10 "Device Enabled" 8 0

      sleep 1m

      xinput set-int-prop 10 "Device Enabled" 8 1

      sleep 30m

  done

I want to run it on startup. I have really bad neck pain so doctor suggested me to go for a walk or do minor exercise every 30 minutes or so. I created this script which will lock me out and disable mouse for one minute. I also want to add keyboard disabling which will totally lock me out of my computer for a minute. It would be really amazing if there is any better option for this.

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3 Years ago

answered 1 Year ago ntlesslving · Accepted Answer

Unless you've got a really good reason to make something new (some people do), I'd look at existing applications that do what you're asking.

Gnome used to have a Typing Break feature but that was six years ago and that's a lot of time when developers are hell-bent on ripping out all the useful features. It might still be there. (Pre-post-edit: Yeah, looks like this was nuked in 2010/11. Sigh.)

RSI is a long-standing issue so there are other applications that do what you want:

Workrave is probably the best option. More configuration than Typing Break and it allows you to do exactly what you're asking (it'll blank out the screen and disable input). It's also in the repos.

drwright is a port of Typing Break for Gnome 3 stuff but it should work in Unity too. You'll need to add a PPA (on the page) to install it but that's not a huge issue.