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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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How can I make a HDD shut down automatically if it is not being used? (lemmy.one)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I recently installed Windows in dual boot with Linux (on two different SSDs) and I noticed that Windows automatically "shuts down" or stops the HDD if it is not being used.

I have a HDD (WD) connected by SATA cable where I usually keep my games. The HDD is not always in use but it is always constantly running and honestly the noise it makes is quite noticeable. I'm sure I don't have any program in the background using it constantly.

I have already tried to solve this problem using hdparm and hd-idle and although in theory they work I still hear the noise from the HDD.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Checkout smartctl. You can either force shutdown immediately or after some idle time. Command is something like this:

smartctl -n -s standby,VALUE /dev/sda with value either "now" or something between 0 and 255. From the manpage:

Values from 1 to 240 specify timeouts from 5 seconds to 20 minutes in 5 second increments. Values from 241 to 251 specify timeouts from 30 minutes to 330 minutes in 30 minute increments. Value 252 specifies 21 minutes. Value 253 specifies a vendor specific time between 8 and 12 hours. Value 255 specifies 21 minutes and 15 seconds.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Value 252 specifies 21 minutes.

That's interestingly specific. Any idea why?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

@Revan343 @Unimeron
The ATA specification takes the values that way. https://people.freebsd.org/~imp/asiabsdcon2015/works/d2161r5-ATAATAPI_Command_Set_-_3.pdf

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