LinuxCommandLibrary

away

Set user's away status

TLDR

Lock terminal and set away message

$ away [message]
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Lock terminal and enable mail check
$ away [[-c|--mail]] [message]
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Lock terminal and disable mail check
$ away [[-C|--nomail]] [message]
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Lock terminal and sleep background tasks for number of seconds
$ away [[-t|--time]] [seconds] [message]
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Lock terminal and check mail if at least one inbox hasn't received new mail
$ away [[-p|--persist]] [message]
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Lock terminal and check mail until at least one inbox has received new mail
$ away [[-P|--nopersist]] [message]
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Display help
$ away [[-h|--help]]
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Display version
$ away [[-v|--version]]
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SYNOPSIS

away

DESCRIPTION

The away command is a lightweight utility primarily for GNOME 2.x desktop environments. It quickly sets the user's session status to "away" by sending a D-Bus method call to the GNOME SessionManager. This signals to integrated applications, such as chat clients or desktop services, that the user is temporarily unavailable.

As a simple shell script, away invokes dbus-send with the specific destination org.gnome.SessionManager and path /org/gnome/SessionManager to call SetAwayStatus boolean:true. It suppresses output for silent operation, making it ideal for keybindings or automation scripts.

Originally packaged in Debian and derivatives like Ubuntu, it enhances productivity in legacy GNOME setups. However, it lacks a toggle or return function—users must use other means (e.g., a custom script for false) to resume "available" status. Modern GNOME (3+) and other desktops like KDE lack direct compatibility due to session manager changes.

CAVEATS

Works only with GNOME 2.x; deprecated in GNOME 3+. No toggle—sets away irreversibly without companion script. Requires dbus and running GNOME SessionManager. Silent failure if service unavailable.

IMPLEMENTATION

Executes: dbus-send --print-reply --dest=org.gnome.SessionManager /org/gnome/SessionManager org.gnome.SessionManager.SetAwayStatus boolean:true >/dev/null 2>&1
Redirects output for quiet execution.

ALTERNATIVES

Use desktop shortcuts, gnome-tweak-tool, or scripts for SetAwayStatus boolean:false to return. Modern: gsd-power or extension-based status in GNOME Shell.

HISTORY

Introduced in Debian 'away' package around 2007 for GNOME 2. Developed as a minimal script by Debian maintainers. Usage peaked in pre-GNOME3 era; now unmaintained and obsolete with Wayland/adaptive session changes.

SEE ALSO

dbus-send(1), gnome-session(1)

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