Force any program to run only one instance

[Jimmynemo2]

Hello, In VLC there is a setting to force it to only allow one running instance.

Is there a system wide way to enable this in ubuntu? In particular, I use the gmail notify, and the mail icon in my sys tray loading up a new instance each time I click it drive me nuts. I'd love to force prism (which it open for my gmail) to only allow one running instance.

Thanks in advance.

[whoop]

Do not know of such a feature.. I do not think it exists in ubuntu (or any other OS by default).

[Jimmynemo2]

depressing news to be sure, but I appreciate the fast response, and thanks for saving me from a search for something that didn't exist.