NOTE: If you are using Ubuntu 9.04, there is an updated post for Pidgin under 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 System Preference window (System > Preferences > Sessions)
Click +Add to bring up the Add Startup Program window
Name: Pidgin
Command: pidgin
Comment: Instant Messaging
Click +Add
Click Close
Step 2: Install Pidgin Extended Preferences
This will add Pidgin to automatically run upon Ubuntu startup. However, Pidgin might not start minimized. To correct this, you will 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.
