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

Sounds like you're looking for what's called a kiosk. See docs on Ubuntu kiosk mode: https://mir-server.io/docs/make-a-secure-ubuntu-web-kiosk — ckhan, Jul 10 '23 at 09:40
Does this answer your question? How to launch google-chrome/chromium application shortcut in fullscreen/kiosk mode — muru, Jul 10 '23 at 13:11
Does this answer your question? Customize Ubuntu for a library Internet kiosk — karel, Jul 10 '23 at 13:42

User051209 · Answer 1 · 2023-07-10T09:45:59.177

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.

Talaat Etman · Answer 2 · 2023-07-10T08:54:50.293

I suggest install ubuntu and customize it (add/remove apps,packages,commands) after then you can make filesystem.squashfs from ubuntu partition that can be used to make live usb.

add app to autostart:

get yourapp.desktop for this app.
copy this yourapp.desktop to /etc/xdg/autostart.
reboot, when login to ubuntu the app will start automaticly after short time.
you can remove or add any .desktop to /etc/xdg/autostart to take control on your ubuntu start apps.
related: how-to-limit-user-access-to-selected-applications

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

2 Answers2

Script to start the browser (in kiosk mode)

Start the script by Autostart

add app to autostart:

related customization tools and ways: