run a script when shutdown computer

**Pilsner** · May 31st, 2006

Hello all!!

Hope I am in right forum and so.

Well. I have created a small script I can run sometimes to free some space from computer.

I have created a file "rensa.bin"

Code:

rm -rf /home/erik/.thumbnails/normal/*
rm -rf /home/erik/.thumbnails/fail/gnome-thumbnail-factory/*
rm -rf /home/erik/.Trash/*
rm -rf /home/erik/.mozilla/firefox/pl7hilo9.default/Cache/*

I have made it executable on the desktop. It runs a command "sh rensa.bin"
I can use this script and it erase the contents in these directories.
This is not so important but I think its fun to make something automatic.

I wonder how do I integrate this script when computer shutdown?
So I dont need to run from desktop...

**Klaidas** · May 31st, 2006

On shutdown: don't really know, sorry
My advise would be to setup cron to execute that script let's say, every 2 hours.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CronHowto

**Zed** · May 31st, 2006

In the UNIX world, such shell scripts normally begin with a "shebang" line:

Code:

#!/bin/sh

and the filename gets the suffix '.sh'. Then you can just mark it executable:

Code:

chmod +x rensa.sh

and you can just run it as is (if it exists somewhere in your command path) without having to say 'sh rensa.sh'.

To have it run at shutdown, this should do it:

Code:

sudo cp rensa.sh /etc/init.d
sudo ln -s /etc/init.d/rensa.sh /etc/rc0.d/K10rensa.sh
sudo ln -s /etc/init.d/rensa.sh /etc/rc6.d/K10rensa.sh

For some background as to why this works:

An introduction to run-levels

**Pilsner** · June 1st, 2006

It works! Thank you.

**linuxnovice** · August 21st, 2008

Is it necessary to put the script in int.d for running it on shutdown?

**xouns** · August 21st, 2008

Can't you put in a script to reboot or shutdown the computer? like sudo reboot/ sudo shutdown?

**linuxnovice** · August 21st, 2008

umm..i am not sure i understand what you mean..?

**Reiger** · August 30th, 2008

Originally Posted by xouns

Can't you put in a script to reboot or shutdown the computer? like sudo reboot/ sudo shutdown?

Yes. For a generic command (which jumps to various levels of services, 6 being the default session; 0 being power off...)

Code:

sudo init <value>

Alternatively:
Power off after shutdown:

Code:

sudo shutdown -h -P now

Reboot:

Code:

sudo shutdown -r

EDIT: For more information regarding the shutdown command type:

Code:

shutdown --help

**mssever** · August 21st, 2008

Originally Posted by linuxnovice

Is it necessary to put the script in int.d for running it on shutdown?

The script has to be in /etc/rc{0,6}.d to run on shutdown and reboot. Convention is for the script itself to live in /etc/init.d and for there to be symlinks to it from the proper rc*.d directories. You should follow the convention unless you have a very good reason for doing otherwise.

In Ubuntu, there's another method available: Upstart. Upstart is event-based, and theoretically more flexible. I've never messed with it, though, so I couldn't tell you how to use it.

**roccivic** · August 21st, 2008

What's wrong with running the script on startup? It's essentially the same thing, isn't it? And it's way easier to implement, just go to System -> Preferences -> Sessions
Then in the "Startup Programs" add your script as a new program to run.

Rouslan