How To Keep Your Linux System Awake With Keep-Alive

Keep your computer awake effortlessly with Keep-Alive! This lightweight tool prevents your system from sleeping, ideal for long downloads, continuous processes, or simply maintaining system activity. Compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows, Keep-Alive offers a hassle-free solution.

Table of Contents

- What is Keep-Alive?

• Key Features
• How Keep-Alive Works
• Linux Installation
• Building from Source
• Preventing Sleep on Linux (Command-line & Interactive Modes)
• Why Choose Keep-Alive?
• Conclusion

What is Keep-Alive?

Keep-Alive is a compact program designed to prevent your computer from entering sleep mode. Perfect for:

• Extended downloads
• Maintaining persistent connections
• Ensuring uninterrupted operation during crucial tasks

Its simplicity and cross-platform compatibility make it a versatile choice.

Key Features

• Customizable Duration: Set the desired wake time (e.g., 2 hours, 30 minutes).
• Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
• Lightweight Design: Minimal resource consumption.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple download and execution.
• Zero Configuration: Ready to use immediately.

How Keep-Alive Works

Keep-Alive employs OS-specific methods to maintain system wakefulness:

Linux: Utilizes systemd-inhibit (preferred) or xset commands/GNOME settings if systemd is unavailable.

macOS: Leverages the caffeinate command to prevent sleep across various system components (display, disk). It also simulates user activity.

Windows: Employs the SetThreadExecutionState API, with a PowerShell fallback for enhanced reliability.

Linux Installation

1. Download:

curl -LO https://github.com/stigoleg/keep-alive/releases/latest/download/keep-alive_Linux_x86_64.tar.gz

2. Extract:

tar xzf keep-alive_*_x86_64.tar.gz

3. Install:

sudo mv keepalive /usr/local/bin/

Building from Source

Prerequisites (Linux): systemd (recommended) or X11, a TUI-compatible terminal, and Go 1.21 or later.

1. Clone:

git clone https://github.com/stigoleg/keep-alive.git
cd keep-alive

2. Build:

go build -o keepalive ./cmd/keepalive

Preventing Sleep on Linux

Command-Line Usage

Use the -d flag to specify wake duration:

keepalive -d 2h30m  // Keeps the system awake for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Version check: keepalive -v Help: keepalive -h

Interactive Mode

Run keepalive without flags for a menu-driven experience. Use arrow keys (or j/k) to navigate and Enter to select. Press q or Esc to exit.

Why Choose Keep-Alive?

• Robustness: Continuous system monitoring and process restarts.
• Clean Shutdown: Restores original system settings upon exit.
• Efficiency: Minimal resource usage.

Conclusion

Keep-Alive is a valuable tool for maintaining system wakefulness during essential tasks. Its ease of use and cross-platform compatibility make it a practical solution for preventing unexpected system sleep.

Resources:

• Keep-Alive GitHub Repository

Further Reading:

• How To Auto Logout Inactive Users After A Period Of Time In Linux
• 4 Ways To Keep A Command Running After You Log Out Of The SSH Session In Linux

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