Quick Tip: Create GNS3 Launcher in Ubuntu Linux

After installing GNS3 or Graphical Network Simulator 3 in Ubuntu Linux, you can run it via the command “gns3” but it does not come with a default launcher or shortcut. To have a nice shortcut to place under your launcher bar or dock, here are the steps:

1. Go to /usr/share/applications folder

tux@freelinux:~$ cd /usr/share/applications

2. Create a filename with extension “desktop” , e.g. gns3.desktop . Configure the following desktop entries as per below. The contents are quite self-explanatory. Save and exit

tux@freelinux:/usr/share/applications$ sudo vi gns3.desktop

[Desktop Entry]
Name=GNS3
Comment=GNS3 Network Simulator
Exec=/usr/bin/gns3
Icon=/home/tux/GNS3/gns3-icon.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Encoding=UTF-8
Categories=Application;

3. Search the launcher under Applications
Enjoy!