How can I make a Custom Application Launcher for ....

[#1]

How can I make a Custom Application Launcher for  ......    vnstat

I can run vnstat from the Terminal, by typing vnstat and the enter key. but I would like to have an icon on the lower task bar to run it from there.

I have tried to do this via the "Add to panel" > Custom Application Launcher  but it does not work

I have also tried to do it by using a clear space on the desktop and right clicking then choosing "Create Launcher" which brings up the same Launcher app as in previous sentence.

Running Linux Mint 20.3 Mate 64 bit

I have googled this, but it does not give any specifics, only the "above" solution, which does not work.

[#2]

can you not create a shell script and use that?

[#3]

@dvorak Dunno... what one is, or how to construct it, or use it.

If it means I have to click on the terminal to use the shell script, then it "kinda" defeats the object, as I can run vnstat from the terminal..

Just wanted to be able to be "click happy" instead of having to type on the terminal ! ! ! ..

[#4]

You might be able to achieve what you want, by using Menu Libre (or sometimes known as Menu Edit/er).

Tap/click the plus button and fill it out. Look at existing ones to get an idea of what to put in the new launcher item.

[#5]

@RPMozley  Thanks for the hint!.. checked out Menu Edit on Software manager, and it gives a similar window to the "add panel" for making a Launcher.

The problem I seem to have is that of using the correct "Command" .... on the Terminal, it is just vnstat and the enter key... but this does not actually launch vnstat. 

should I be looking "somewhere else" for the "command" line ?  if so.... where ?

Thanks again

[#6]

Check the other app launchers. Also it might require the full file path to the executable.

[#7]

@RPMozley  I did. !... they all seem to work with the launcher...

Where and how, do I find the "full path".....

I checked in the Home Folder and this is what is showing .

[#8]

@shutter 

not sure if you've found the answer but I would look in /usr/bin

Dan

[#9]

@Dan_the_Van  WOW !   there`s a lot of stuff in that bin !

Found vnstat.... but alas... it did not work on the Launcher command line.

Thanks for trying

[#10 · Accepted solution]

If vnstat is this one https://github.com/vergoh/vnstat
Then it is command line only, no GUI. Terminal is required to view it.

There is a GUI available for vnstat. Not looked at it in detail but it’s there.
https://hulxv.github.io/vnstat-client/

[#11]

@RPMozley  OK... thanks for the info.

as for the GUI.. do I have to unistall the current vnstat 2.6 version? or does this GUI attach itself  and update in the process of the install from the Terminal instructions on this page...

Scroll down to  Download and Installation

https://hulxv.github.io/vnstat-client/INSTALLATION.html

[#12]

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@RPMozley wrote:


There is a GUI available for vnstat. Not looked at it in detail but it’s there.
https://hulxv.github.io/vnstat-client/

---

This fixed my problem.....      Thanks very much...       works a treat. 

[#13]

@RPMozley  @Dan_the_Van  & @dvorak 

I have since found a much "nicer" network traffic monitor, ( for my purposes ) . It is called NETWORX

https://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/

It says it is "not free"... but you can download the "free trial" and if you disable "check for updates" in the settings, it will remain free. If you forget to disable the updates... you will get a notification of any updates, however..

IF you then go ahead and install the update, it will overwrite the "free trial version".. and become a paid for version.

( there is a warning box on the update page )

In Linux, you will need to right click on the "menu" listing and choose "Launch when I log in" for it to start up each time you are using the net, otherwise you will get a "false" reading on the "usage report"  ( also add to panel ! to access the "usage report" .

It is written for Windows and MAC... but will work on Linux through WINE . so not a big problem.