Controlling Raspberry Pi via text message

This script enables you to control your computer via text message. Think of it almost as a version of SSH over text message.

It is designed to intelligently and quickly check unread Google voice messages. If certain parameters are passed, it runs the command you send and returns the result.
This is the third script in my AUI (Alternative User Interface) Series.
This requires curl and libboost1.50-regex. The setup script can install curl and boost regex. 

NOTE: This will work with any linux OS but I am using it on the Raspberry Pi so if you are using something else, you will have to compile it yourself (make sure to change the Makefile flags).

The stable version is on github here:

https://github.com/StevenHickson/PiAUISuite

And the working copy source can be found here:
http://stevenhickson-code.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/AUI/TextCommand/


Google Voice unfortunately doesnt have an API available so I started writing my own.
I found this page and this page which were good references. Unfortunately, neither of these actually worked, so I wrote my own based off them. The script will install this and you are free to use it however you want as long as you cite me and follow GPLv3.

It works by using cron to run a script once every minute. The script checks your unread inbox messages and uses curl to make sure certain safety parameters are met. It is very important to check the unread inbox as it only pulls a 1-3 KB file rather than a 150+ KB file. This really adds up once a minute over time. If certain parameters are met, ie it has a valid phone number and command, then it runs the command you give it. The results of the command are then texted back to you. 
This will not work with interactive scripts like more or man

Installation Instructions

(this requires git)

sudo apt-get install git-core

git clone git://github.com/StevenHickson/PiAUISuite.git

cd PiAUISuite/Install/
./InstallAUISuite.sh

Update Instructions 

cd PiAUISuite

git pull

cd Install

sudo ./UpdateAUISuite.sh

There are other scripts in here that you can ignore. It will ask you the username details in the script.
This will be your Google voice username, password, key, and valid number.

Your Google voice username will be your e-mail. For example:

John.Doe@gmail.com

Your password is your Google voice password:

ThisIsntMyPassword

The key is the valid command-word that proceeds commands to the machine. For example, mine is Cmd. So I text:
Cmd ls
to have the pi text the results of the current directory back.
Your valid number is the phone number you want your google voice to receive commands from (Not your Google voice number!). You must put the country code but not the + sign. Ex:
15553332222

After that everything should work.
Note, I worked out a few major bugs with the install script and it is reposted now. So make sure to get the newest version.

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Cyber Safety For Kids Online Chat Rooms Versus Online Message Boards

By Anabel Newbraugh

Are you the parent of a teenager or a child who wishes to use the net to meet and get in touch with others who share similar interests? If thats the case, your youngster might be interested in using an online chat room. Although online chat rooms are a nice and simple way to talk, it is important to remember that not all online chat rooms are safe. That is why many parents or guardians often decide on message boards instead, but is it really a safer option?

Even if you arent an avid internet user yourself, you likely understand that online message boards and online chat rooms are different. Online chat rooms have live communication appearing on the screen. Conversations are held at that very moment. Alternatively, online message boards involve communications which often carry on for days or even weeks. There can be more in depth and themed discussed that occur on message boards, as opposed to chat rooms. Common topics discussed include homework, parents, pets, music and sports.

As for why some parents favor online message boards, rather than internet chat rooms, it is because the conversations arent live. Yes, multiple posters might be online at the same time, but it is common for a person to post a issue and not get a answer for a few hours or even a day or two. In fact, if your child makes a post about their new pet, another person could ask about their pet or congratulate them when they arent even online themselves. This gives many parents comfort and peace of mind.

Another reason why some parents prefer permitting their children use online message boards, compared to online chat rooms, is simply because most message boards are monitored by a trusted adult, who is in some cases paid for their work. This means that all offensive posts should be taken off in a relatively short period of time. Many times, the moderator will likely ban that user from returning.

In keeping with the overseeing of content, is crucial to understand that not all message boards are moderated. You will, however, learn that a good percentage are. In reality, most message boards for adults also provide somebody who looks at the content. With having said that, there is no harm in checking. In fact, the same should be done with internet chat rooms.

If a chat room for kids or teenagers is only open for a few hours a day, as opposed to 24 hours a day, there is a good chance that a monitor is present. This could give you some comfort and reassurance. Also, make sure to look at online chat rooms and message boards for kids that wont permit other users to privately contact one another through the use of private messages, also commonly known as a PM.

Whether or not you allow your child use an online chat room or an online message board, you should first check it out for yourself. Visit a chat room. Do not speak to anyone, but see for approximately five minutes what sort of content is being discussed. The same ought to be done with online message boards for kids. Do you feel the information is safe or do any chatters or posters seem too mature for the room or message board?

As for how you can go about finding online message boards and chat rooms that will be safe for your child to go to or to checkout on your own first, you may want to perform a standard internet search. Search with a phrase like "safe online messages boards for children." There are also television networks, like Nick and The N, which are designed for both teens and tweens, that have internet message boards. They will allow for your son or daughter to chat with others who like the same shows.

As highlighted above, online chat rooms and online message boards can be safe for your child to use, as long as they are aware of the dangers. Also, make sure to checkup on your child from time to time. Make certain they are using a safe message board and chat room and make sure that they arent interchanging personal information online.

About the Author:

Thanks for reading. The author is a blogger on click jacking for get safe online

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