Can anyone help me with a script to pause and restart an application?

Question

I am setting up a Mini to control a Canon still camera, using Canons EOS utility app to shoot at a certain interval. However I would like to pause the action during the night. In my dreams I also would like to read the countdown of the EOS app to remotely start a timer that starts and stops a spinning glass (rain deflector), via USB?
I realize that these are two different tasks, but are they possible?
To break it down:
1. At a certain time (8pm) to pause the application, so the result is that the camera stops shooting.
At 7am the action is to resume.
I would rather not quit the applications since I would loose my settings, interval and camera settings
2. The EOS app is counting down towards the next shot. The action I would like is that 1 min, prior to the end of countdown a pulse is given (via USB?) to the relay controlling the rain deflector.
That relay runs it for 2 mins and then powers down.
I have this set up analog now, with 2 relays and it works fine, however it would be nice to be able to remotely change the interval setting of the camera and the rain deflector would follow suit.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I can help you for the future.  Regularly back up your computer to an external hard drive (or cloud alternative).  If you have your library backed up, it could be reinstalled on your new computer.  In your current situation, you will have to reload all of your CDs as syncing of non-iTunes purchased music is only one way (Computer to iPod)