Glynn Clements wrote:
>
> James wrote:
> > i want to make a text-based screensaver that has a block that moves
> > around the screen (saw it once on some ancient netware server), i could
> > write the program, but how would i make it run instead of the builtin
> > screen blanker?
>
> I suspect that you'll need to modify the kernel; there doesn't seem to
> be any simple way to determine when the screen saver should be
> activated.
Not that this is directed at you personally Glynn, but rather it's directed at
your idea: THAT'S BULLSHIT MAN, BULL SHIT!!!
I can't code not one good line of C code, but I do know that it's possible to
write a console VT program that monitors keystrokes or gpm movement and clicks,
(by hooking into the stdin stream) and that can count down a specified time and
then start up a color ncurses screen saver, and maybe even an svgalib
screensaver! Heh, I'd like to see an svgalib screensaver that is a random
picture viewer for Jpegs, Gifs and the like.
I mean, WHY would you have to modify the KERNEL, just to implement a
screensaver? I don't get it. If you can convince me that screensaver hooks must
be explicitly written into the kernel, then you are basically saying that the
current state of the Linux kernel is substandard, and of bad design, because it
doesn't support something so basic...
But I know, it can be done without messing with the kernel. That is a user-space
app, and it is not good to just randomly slap user-space code into the kernel...
we all *know* where that'll get ya 8^)
Well, there's got to be a way to hook into the stdin, and then do a countdown...
but if not, there *DOES* at least need to be a generalized method of input
monitoring so that all user-level apps can rely on it for such things as
screensavers, etc. Maybe, if it does not already exist, make a device file that
all it does is, when read, report the amount of time that has elapsed since the
last input event. And there could be different times served by this one device
file, you send it certain integers, and it reports on either the system as a
whole, or, just the keyboard, or just the mouse, or even just the "k" key, or
just the middle mouse button, or the upper-left button on the joystick. (or even
input from the mic) Simplicity and generality always lead to the best designs...
I do know that the /dev/random file changes with every keystroke and mouse
event. Try it:
cat /dev/random
And then move the mouse and type.
Well, later. Sorry if I offended you Glynn, I just wanted to stir up your
imagination a bit.
That's all we need is stagnation of thought in the Linux world.
I'd personally like to see someone do up Svgalib into something that is really
powerful graphically, and that can then rival X windows.
X Windows: the next frontier... We revamped the UNIX kernel, and did things
right for a change, and now it's time to overhaul X!!!
Heheh, well that's my rant for now...
Brock
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| R. Brock Lynn / My uptime is 20 days, what's yours? |
| [EMAIL PROTECTED] / http://www.kirch.net/unix-nt.html Live free or die. |
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