Use Setterm setterm writes to standard output a character string that will invoke the specified terminal capabilities. Where possible terminfo database (terminfo is a data base describing terminals, used by screen-oriented programs and libraries such as ncurses) is consulted to find the string to use.
By default, the Linux kernel will use screen-save option to disable it you need to type command (it turns off monitor VESA powersaving features): $ setterm -powersave off -blank 0 If it dumps back you with an error that read as follows: cannot (un)set powersave mode You need to shutdown X window system and rerun the above command. Better, add following two commands to your ~/.xinitrc file: setterm -blank 0 -powersave off -powerdown 0 xset s off Other useful options This command also supports other useful options: Resets the terminal to its power on state: $ setterm -reset Alternatively, initialize terminal: $ setterm -initialize Turns the terminal's cursor on or off: $ setterm -cursor [on|off] Turns automatic line-wrapping on or off (virtual consoles only) $ setterm -linewrap [on|off] Sets the foreground text color (virtual consoles only): $ setterm -foreground blue Sets the background text color (virtual consoles only): $ setterm -background red Enables or disables the sending of kernel printk() messages to the console (virtual consoles only). Useful if you get lots message from iptables firewall: $ setterm -msg [on|off] regularly use these (above) options.
