[ubuntu-in] Scheduling programmes to startup and shudown

[ramnarayan.k at gmail.com]

Hi

was wanting to know of what software /  command can be used to schedule 
the start up and shutdown of programmes under Linux/ Ubuntu.

For eg. If i want thunderbird (or any software) to start up 
automatically at 2 am an stop at 3 am (and if i want to repeat this 
start and stop) what command / programme can i use.

I tried googling but am thinking that the right key words are not being 
used so am not getting the correct (or approximate) results.

advice and help will be appreciated.

thanks
ram