Minimize Pidgin in Ubuntu 9.04

By default, Pidgin does not automatically start on system start nor does it do so minimized. With a little work, we can accomplish our intended goal of starting Pidgin minimized.

Step 1: Create Startup Program

Bring up the Startup Applications Preference window (System > Preferences > Startup Applications)

Click +Add to bring up the Add Startup Program window

Name: Pidgin
Command: sh -c "sleep 10 && pidgin &"
Comment: Instant Messaging

Click +Add
Click Close

Note: The command is run through the shell (sh), reading from the command string (-c). It sleeps for 10 seconds (sleep 10) and launches pidgin (&& pidgin), running in the background (&).

Step 2: Install Pidgin Extended Preferences

This will add Pidgin to automatically run upon Ubuntu startup. However, you will also need to install pidgin-extprefs. This can be done through Synaptic.

Launch Synaptic (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager). Enter your password when prompted and click OK.

In the Quick search text box (top center of the window) enter pidgin-extprefs. Left click the box in front of pidgin-extprefs and choose "Mark for Installation". Click Apply (top of the window).

You will be presented with a summary window. Click Apply. The file will be downloaded and installed. Click Close when done. From the file menu, choose Quit to close the Synaptic Package Manager.

Enable Pidgin Minimized

From the Tools menu in Pidgin, select Plugins (Ctrl+U). Place a check mark in front of "Extended Preferences" and click Configure Plugin (Alt+U). Select the option "Hide buddy list at startup". Click Close twice.

Pidgin should now start automatically and minimized.

Note: If this does not work for you, an alternative is to install AllTray through Synaptic Package Manager (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager). After installed, follow the directions under Step one, using the command alltray pidgin instead.