My project needs some help.

[rceckspurt13]

Thanks for taking the time to look at this! Im new to Linux but I am currently running it on two of my computers. One is on a dual-boot with windows vista. The one I need help with, is an old laptop which I have converted into a digital photo frame.

The laptop is an old ThinkPad 600X and its running Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Lucid Lynx.

I've already got it to start a slideshow upon startup thanks to help from members of this forum. Now I am in need of some more help.

I was wondering if there is a way to make Linux simulate a keypress on the keyboard every hour, Via either a daemon or script, or a task scheduler program or something. This is because the hardware of the computer sleeps after 2 hours of inactivity.

Also, I was wondering if there is a way to change the default position of the mouse when I boot Linux. Currently it starts directly in the middle, and I have to move it off to the side manually.

I dont know if either of these things is even possible, as I am still new to Linux, but I would really appreciate any help. Thanks!

[TaZMAniac]

Have you tried changing the power options on the computer?
Go to System - Preferences \ Power Management and tell it to never put the screen or pc to sleep.
Make it the default setting when exiting that screen.

As for the mouse positioning?
Don't know of any way to do it but then I have never looked into it.

[rceckspurt13]

I have set it in Ubuntu to never put the computer to sleep, but it still does. Thats what lead me to believe it was the hardware itself. Any interaction with the computer though will make it wake back up, or prevent sleep.

I don't know how to access the bios on this computer or I'd check there too.

[jayd512]

What about your Screensaver settings?

There's nothing here that indicates a hardware issue.

[rceckspurt13]

All power-saving settings in Ubuntu are set to never. Its set to never put the computer to sleep, or shut off the screen. Also the screensaver is set to not come on.
It doesn't actually go to sleep exactly because the fan stays on and the hdd stays spinning, but the screen shuts off. Moving the mouse will not make it come back on, but pushing any button will.

[jayd512]

The only other thing that leaps to mind would be 'Display Settings'.
Have you checked there?

[MASONTX]

Googling your make/model # and bios entry should get you the answer as to how to enter bios, but I have found most makers use esc, F1, F2, F5, F12, or delete. If I don't know how to get into bios, I usually start with those, and if that doesn't work, try the other Fkeys.