Todd's TechnoGeek Journal

I admit it: I'm a Linux guy. I hate running Windows, as I find the environment restrictive, overly commercialized, and creatively limiting. However, there are times when one simply has to run it. Luckily, there are some great GPL'd utilities that make using it bearable:

• Cygwin: a POSIX compatibility suite that provides a Linux-like environment under Windows
• GNU Privacy Guard: Public key encryption tools
• Windows Privacy Tray: a GUI front-end for GNU Privacy Guard
• ClamWin Anti-Virus: An open-source virus scanner
• TortoiseSVN: Integrates Subversion revision control into the Windows Explorer
• SVNService: runs the Subversion server as a Windows system service
• PuTTY: A suite of SSH client utilities, including a GUI

If I'm ever saddled with a Windows system, I try to ensure I have these critical applications installed at the earliest opportunity. If you can't run a real open-source OS, these tools are the next best thing.

I'm once again trying to travel lighter by leaving my personal laptop at home while flying. In order to accomplish this, I am trying to customize the latest Knoppix release (version 4.0.2) for use with my company-issued laptop. I couldn't find my old Knoppix customizations; those pesky USB thumb drives have a tendency to get lost over time. As a result, I'm having to re-solve some old problems with only vague memories of my previous solutions to guide me.

For example, Knoppix doesn't have a screensaver enabled by default, and it's pretty non-obvious how to get one working. While there are other solutions, here's my current one.

1. Set a password for the knoppix account.
2. Copy vlock from an existing Debian box, or build it from source.
3. Create ~knoppix/bin/vlock.sh as a wrapper for vlock itself:

   #!/bin/bash
   sudo passwd -u knoppix >&-
   sudo openvt -ws -- \
        sudo   -u knoppix bash -c \
               '/home/knoppix/bin/vlock -a \
                /usr/bin/clear'
   sudo passwd -l knoppix >&-
   

4. Add an alias to ~knoppix/.bashrc such as:

   alias lock='~/bin/vlock.sh'

   to avoid confusion.
5. Run lock in any terminal, and enjoy the screen-locking goodness that follows.

Other nifty tips and tricks are sure to follow.