How to

Cpt. Morgan · May 24, 2008

I'm wondering if there is anyway, through terminal or otherwise that I can have my MacBook NOT go to sleep when I close the lid. Reason is if I need to run a process and put it in my bag and go somewhere.

I find it annoying that Windows still has some very simple, useful abilities that 10.5 does not.

Also, does anyone know of information on lots of terminal commands that do various thing. The last week I've been getting into various things within terminal (such as trying to install ettercap/air crack but I haven't got them to work, any help on that one?).

Thank you for your time,
Cpt. Morgan

skaheadpunk · May 24, 2008

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22211

Beware though, your macbook loses heat through the keyboard and could get too warm running closed.

technologist · May 24, 2008

Cpt. Morgan said:
I'm wondering if there is anyway, through terminal or otherwise that I can have my MacBook NOT go to sleep when I close the lid. Reason is if I need to run a process and put it in my bag and go somewhere.

The reason it goes to sleep is to prevent you from doing exactly that.

If you really want to cook your MacBook's internals, I suggest removing the battery and putting it into an electric oven at the lowest setting. You'll destroy your MacBook just as effectively, but much more quickly.

You can safely run your computer with the lid closed, and it will work fine if you connect it to an external mouse and display. But you should never run it inside a bag.

visualpurple · May 24, 2008

leaving your computer running inside a bag... while it's being moved around

best idea I've ever heard

Cpt. Morgan · May 24, 2008

PC's seem to move fine even when running. The first post makes most sense.

skaheadpunk · May 24, 2008

Cpt. Morgan said:
PC's seem to move fine even when running. The first post makes most sense.

Well let me add a bit - running a laptop in a bag is a very bad idea. Very bad. Have you not noticed your macbook warming up when it's running?

Cpt. Morgan · May 24, 2008

This is true, this is why I'd only do it or a short period of time. MB's run hot... even with smc fan control really cranking it.

I've noticed even running just youtube vids the MB will get very hot.

pacmac · May 24, 2008

technologist said:
You can safely run your computer with the lid closed, and it will work fine if you connect it to an external mouse and display.

what exactly needs to be turned on/activated for that to work? i have both of those plugged in right now, and when i close it, it just goes to sleep.

13'' macbook w/leopard

technologist · May 24, 2008

Cpt. Morgan said:
PC's seem to move fine even when running. The first post makes most sense.

Dell Inspiron 8600 manual said:
Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Seriously, it's a really, really bad idea to run any portable computer without any air circulation. Perhaps some PC notebooks aren't designed with the same sort of protective mechanisms that Macs are, but let me emphasize--you don't want a laptop to be operating while it's in a bag. Period.

technologist · May 24, 2008

pacmac said:
what exactly needs to be turned on/activated for that to work? i have both of those plugged in right now, and when i close it, it just goes to sleep.

13'' macbook w/leopard

Yes, and you can click the mouse to wake it up.

pacmac · May 24, 2008

pacmac said:
what exactly needs to be turned on/activated for that to work? i have both of those plugged in right now, and when i close it, it just goes to sleep.

13'' macbook w/leopard

ok ill try that out

skaheadpunk · May 24, 2008

pacmac said:
what exactly needs to be turned on/activated for that to work? i have both of those plugged in right now, and when i close it, it just goes to sleep.

13'' macbook w/leopard

You have to install an app to stop it going to sleep, such as insomniax.

Be careful though