Digital BW, The Print

My plan is to eventually move to a continuous flow system. It seems
that one of the tricks is to use the printer consistently to avoid
clogs. That's where an application like Autoprint comes in handy. But
it only works on Windows and OS 9. 

I found a few tricks/tips on the MIS site:

"If you have a Mac OSX or early Windows 3.1 machine, then there is
software available that will achieve the same results. One of these
companies is Peerless.

If there is no Autoprint software for your computer, there is another
less elegant solution.  From your local hardware store, get a low cost
timer switch.  The type that will turn on light and appliances while
you are not at home.  Install this on your printer power line.  Set it
to come on for 15 minutes during the day or night and then go off
again.  When the printer power is turned on, the printer will do a
cleaning cycle.  This will keep your CFS lines fresh."

Has anyone tried the timer trick or found anything better? Something
like Autoprint probably requires the printer to be on all the time.
Tied to this question, do folks try to keep their printers covered
when not in use? I would like to keep mine covered when not in use but
if I had to have it on all the time I would be afraid to cover it,
blocking the vent holes and possibly shortening its life.

The timer trick seems like a good alternative for keeping the printer
covered and still keeping the lines fresh.