[Bug 69009] Session management does not work and does not agree with ubuntu documentation

[Vincenzo Ciancia]

Public bug reported:

Session management in ubuntu seems to be meant as "different" from other
linux distributions and windows, but, in the current state, in dapper
and in edgy which I am using now, it's not different, it's just broken.
Let me explain a little more: I don't see a sane way, for an user, to
automatically make gaim, skype and such applications be run at startup.

For an experienced user, that can deduce the command name from the
window he sees (even if usually the command is named after the program),
going to "system->administration->session" is of no help, since editing
startup programs does not lead to desired results. I delete a line, it
looks like it deleted the line, but next time I log in again, I find the
line there. I can "disable" the command, of course, but the app is
broken.

The same happens if I add a new line, it usually does not stay where I
added it. There is also no way to just save my current session now, I
see this is an ubuntu modification (w.r.t upstream), but if I open the
session properties and click on the help button, in the docs it says
literally:

"f you do not select this option, when you
end your session the Logout Confirmation dialog displays
a Save current setup option."

Ok, so where's my "save current setup" option?

Summarizing:

1. There is no easy way to make programs, expecially those in the system
tray, stay there after logout, and IMHO this must be fixed, it's a grave
usability bug, since applets stay on the panel instead, thus users get
confused

2. the session properties program allows to edit startup programs, but
the editor is broken, does not explain what's really happening,
pretending to delete programs that will be there on the next login

3. It's not clear how session management is /meant/ to work in ubuntu,
so it's not clear if these things are bugs that must be fixed, or
features, in this case the bug is in usability, since the interface does
not make clear how the system must be used.

** Affects: gnome-session (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: Unconfirmed

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Session management does not work and does not agree with ubuntu documentation
https://launchpad.net/bugs/69009