shell scripting

[Bert Knabe]

I have a relatively simple task, but little programming knowledge. I 
need to have a folder checked and files copied to another folder. I 
originally planned to do this in Applescript, but Applescript has 
proven less than effective. I am not looking for someone to write a 
script for me, but whether or not this is doable as a shell script, or 
should I pull out my (very) rusty C++, or even learn a little Perl.

I have an Xserve w/XServeRAID running OS 10.2.8. I need to either have 
a folder watched, and when new files are added, copy them to another 
folder on a different volume, or have the folder checked every so often 
and files added since the last check copied to another folder on a 
different volume.

At the suggestion of people on an Applescript list, I created a folder 
action, then learned that in OS X folder actions are unreliable. I 
tried several 'solutions' for reenabling them on a regular basis. All 
failed. The result is that I am manually copying files twice a day. So 
I'm ready to give up on Applescript/folder action combo's for now, and 
do something different.

Thanks,
Bert