How can I create a customise ubuntu to open browser when booted and restrict access to other application

Question

I am trying to create a custom OS for examination purposes and I want to customize ubuntu iso so that it when booted it has only access to a browser and no other application

Answer 1

I can't give you all details to complete your task, but I have a distribution which at boot start a browser which connects itself to a specific URL that to a specific IP address.

Essentially you need the following steps:

Script to start the browser (in kiosk mode)

You have to create the bash script start-browser.sh and save in in the folder Save it in the home folder /home/username`. I suppose you are using Firefox as browser, so the content of the script at least the followed command:

/usr/bin/firefox --kiosk <URL> &

In the previous script is present only a command where:

• you have to set the <URL>
• Firefox is started with the option --kiosk but this option can be removed if it isn't necessary; this option restricts the access to the other applications present in the distribution

Remember to set executable the script by:

sudo chmod +x /home/username/start-browser.sh

Start the script by Autostart

To start the script at boot I suggest you to add the script to the Autostart of the Desktop Manager by the menu Preferences. In this moment I don't have a Ubuntu distribution installed but only a lubuntu distribution. In lubuntu 22.04 to add start-browser.sh to the Autostart you have to select, by the Start button the menu:

Preference->LXQT Settings->Session Settings->Autostart

In this moment is not easy for me add useful screenshot to reach this menu and show how to add the script for Autostart.

---

I think with the previous two steps at boot, the Ubuntu distribution start Firefox at full screen and in kiosk mode.