Compiling: ---------- run: make OR cc wdsaver.c -o wdsaver Usage: ------ Run: ./wdsaver -h Testing: (as root) -------- (assuming defaults parameters being used) 1) Select timeout say 40 seconds 2) Do a test (non-live mode) run: ./wdsaver -t 40 -v 3) Check the output i.e. functioning of program 4) Once satisfied, put in live mode and test again: ./wdsaver -t 40 -v -l 5) Check the output i.e. functioning of program TIP: ---- For 'random read' method (see usage), if your most active partition on the drive is /dev/sda3 (say /home or just /) then it would be nice idea to specify it as a device (-d option) to read from. That should reduce head movement away from the active partition. Installing: (as root) ----------- 1) Once satisfied with testing, run make install OR copy the file to /usr/bin cp -i ./wdsaver /usr/bin; chmod 700 /usr/bin/wdsaver 2) Put the following in rc.local of your system startup: /usr/bin/wdsaver -t 40 -l -b Enjoy, the safety of your drive and drive safely! DISCLAIMER: ----------- THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY AMISH ''AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL AMISH BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Credits: -------- amish - author blackshard for alternative hdparm trick