Get computer idle time

bofh_of_oz has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Most venerable Monks,

I wonder if it is possible to get the amount of time since last activity on the computer (in Windows), similar to the way a screensaver is shown only after X amount of inactivity...

The reason for this is that I want to automate my "time on call" spreadsheet submittal. I managed to make it modify the cells needed and to print the document - but as it is confidential, I need to print it only when I'm at the computer so that I can go and pick it up, and this inactivity time seems to be a good way to do it... that is, if I can make it work...

Any advice appreciated.

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Comment on Get computer idle time

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Re: Get computer idle time by jdhedden (Deacon) on Jun 30, 2005 at 19:51 UTC
I don't see anything in Win32 for this, and according to this article you need to create a DLL to hook into the system to do what you want. The link gives source code on how to do it. Remember: There's always one more bug.	[reply]
Re: Get computer idle time by waswas-fng (Curate) on Jun 30, 2005 at 22:59 UTC
I don't get it. If you need to be at the computer for it to print, why not just make it a clickable script? If your not there to click it the darn thing will not spew your paper to the printer. Seems more logical then trying to divine when you are at your computer via activity. -Waswas	[reply]
Re^2: Get computer idle time by bofh_of_oz (Hermit) on Jul 04, 2005 at 14:33 UTC
Because if it is a clickable script, I will need to remember to click it, which I can forget, which is the main reason for creating the script in the first place. Essentially, I, being a very lazy guy with some programming skills, want to make my life so easy that all I would have to do to submit an overtime report is to walk up to the printer, pick up the already printed report, and give it to the manager. Sounds reasonable, right? -------------------------------- An idea is not responsible for the people who believe in it...	[reply]
Re^3: Get computer idle time by QM (Parson) on Jul 05, 2005 at 21:13 UTC
Essentially, I, being a very lazy guy with some programming skills, want to make my life so easy that all I would have to do to submit an overtime report is to walk up to the printer, pick up the already printed report, and give it to the manager. Sounds reasonable, right? Are you burning overtime to make this happen? Seriously, if you want something to run after some amount of inactivity, you may be in trouble. Let's say it runs after 10 minutes of inactivity. Does it print every time you go to the washroom? Talk on the phone? ~~Fall asleep at your desk?~~ -QM -- Quantum Mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of	[reply]
Re^4: Get computer idle time by bofh_of_oz (Hermit) on Jul 06, 2005 at 12:23 UTC
Re: Get computer idle time by Ace128 (Hermit) on Aug 03, 2005 at 07:32 UTC
Well well.. check this out: http://www.see.ed.ac.uk/~mrichar1/perl/ (got there by: Google -> http://www.codeproject.com/dll/trackuseridle.asp -> http://www.codeproject.com/dll/trackuseridle.asp?df=100&forumid=2894&select=772522#xx772522xx) Ace	[reply]