Ubuntu autostart: start programs at startup

With the Linux distribution Ubuntu you can specify exactly which programs are in the autostart and should be executed when the system starts. We will show you how to do this and what you absolutely have to consider.

Autostart on Ubuntu: start programs at startup

This practical tip applies to all versions from Ubuntu 14.04 with the desktop managers Unity or Gnome 3, works in a similar way with other versions.

1. Open the Ubuntu terminal and type in the command "gnome-session-properties". Confirm the action with [Enter]. In this way you start a graphical user interface with which you can add new autostart entries.
2. Alternatively, you can also call up the program by searching for the respective desktop manager. Search for "Start Programs" or "Startup Applications" and start the tool found.
3. In the new window you will see a list of all existing startup programs such as Dropbox. You can use the "Add" or "Add" button to create a new entry (see screenshot).
4. You must enter a name, the start command and, if necessary, a comment. Only the start command is really important. You can choose your own name and comment. The screenshot shows an example of a new entry for the "Chromium" browser.
5. You can find the right start command for your respective program via the terminal: It is usually very similar to the program name. Type the first few letters of the name in the command line and press [Tab] twice to get suggestions for the automatic completion.
6. Then enter the correct, displayed command in the corresponding field and confirm the process with "Add" or "Add".

In the next practical tip we will show you how you can install programs using the terminal with Ubuntu.