cron problem

qrange · 04-06-2011, 08:34 AM

cron doesn't run jobs in Debian 64 (testing).
It gives error

Code:

Apr  6 15:31:01 debian64 /USR/SBIN/CRON[5454]: (CRON) error (grandchild #5455 failed with exit status 1)

and doesnt run the script.

16pide · 04-06-2011, 10:36 AM

can you post the output of:
crontab -l

qrange · 04-07-2011, 01:13 AM

here it is:

Code:

# For more information see the manual pages of crontab(5) and cron(8)
# 
# m h  dom mon dow   command


51 * * * * /home/djordje/bin/alarm

where 'alarm' is this simple executable script:

Code:

#!/bin/sh
/usr/bin/X11/xterm -display :0 -bg black -fg white -e "sleep 3; exit 0"

I just need something reminding me to make a break from using computer every hour.
the above script works great when started manually.

16pide · 04-08-2011, 04:02 AM

if it works from the command line, but fails from cron, I'm thinking it's an xwindow issue.
xhost command could be the solution there, or at least tell you why it fails.
try launching xhost + and see if your cron now works.

For the specific thing you want, I know there is a package that solves just this. It counts how many minutes in a row you've been using the computer, then if it has been more than what you set previously, it display a popup that suggests to take a break. If you voluntarily step away from the computer a few minutes from now and then, then you won't see the popup.

otherwise, with a cron, if you let the pc turned on for a day, you'll get 24 alerts when you come back ...
also, with your cron, you might get an alarm just a few minutes after connecting ...

Anyway, if someone know about that package name, please post it here, I've forgotten the name

repo · 04-08-2011, 05:05 AM

Take a look at
http://www.codecoffee.com/tipsforlinux/articles/23.html
However, why not change a popup in a sound?

Kind regards

16pide · 04-20-2011, 05:21 AM

gnome-typing-monitor is the tool I use to be reminded of taking a rest every now and then.

it is in the package control-center. use apt-get or yum to get it.

I have it running in the background on my fedora 13 laptop