# Starting &bibletime;

## How to start &bibletime;

### Starting &bibletime;

&bibletime; is an executable file that is integrated with the desktop. You can launch &bibletime; from the Start Menu with this icon: &bibletime; start icon

&bibletime; can also be launched from a terminal command prompt. To launch &bibletime;, open a terminal window and type:

    bibletime

### Startup customization

From a terminal you can use &bibletime; to open a random verse in the default bible:

    bibletime --open-default-bible "<random>"

To open at a given passage like John 3:16, use:

    bibletime --open-default-bible "John 3:16"

You can also use booknames in your current bookname language.

## Starting &bibletime; for the first time

If you are starting &bibletime; for the first time, you will want to configure the following options, available under the Settings menu bar.

Bookshelf Manager

- Modifies your Bookshelf. This dialog lets you modify your Bookshelf, add or delete works from your system. It will only be shown if no default Bookshelf can be found. Please see The Bookshelf Manager section for further details. If you start off with an empty Bookshelf, it will be helpful to install at least one Bible, Commentary, Lexicon and one Book to get to know &bibletime;'s basic features quickly. You will be presented with a list of works that are available from the &cbs; and other repositories;

Configure &bibletime; dialog

- Customizes &bibletime;.This dialog lets you adapt &bibletime; to your needs. Please see the detailed description of this dialog.