Unix
Backups using rsync and ssh
Managing multiple *nix machines can often be a pain in the arse. Backups are a must. I have written a basic backup script to meet my basic needs. It uses ssh and rsync, is capable of using ssh-agent - allowing for passphrase / phrase-less key usage ( handy for making it run out of cron ), runs pre/post operations - good for db backups. It is not supported, and will only chaged when I need changes :D!
The entire setup, including example pre/post scripts can be found here. If you find it useful, feel free to send me a comment or suggestion ;).
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Linux Home Automation
Using a simple $30 kit from x10.com, a bluetooth dongle and a bluetooth capable cell phone, one can easily setup some slick home automation.
A small application called bluemon allows for your linux machine to watch for bluetooth devices and run commands upon a quality of single you specify. The X10 kit I purchased came with a serial transmitter. This allows me to use bluemon to call bottlerocket, kicking on my lights when I enter a room.
Here is my config file for bluemon ( only changes shown ):
BLUEMON_ENABLE=’yes’
BLUETOOTHID=’aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff’
DISCONNECTHACK=-d
Once you have bluemon running, simply run the “bluemon-client” command. I use something like this:
bluemon-client -b aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff -u on -d off
off / on are simply shell scripts ( in $PATH ) that look kinda like this:
br -x /dev/ttyS0 -N
br -x /dev/ttyS0 -F
Good Times.