Comment 64 for bug 204536

I'm also looking for a solution to this problem. I'm running the latest version of Ubuntu and this issue started in my computer when I upgraded to this latest version (didn't have it before). I have tried the /etc/rc.local trick, but didn't work as expected. However, I did observe that when restarting (before you log in), the volume is set to the value specified in the /etc/rc.local file. (In my case, I'm just setting the speaker to mute because I want my computer to start mute). However, when I log into my machine, the volume is set to 100%. So, there's something that is happening during logging in that is setting the volume to 100%. Don't know what it is.

I tried adding the "amixer -q Master mute" command to a booting script but it didn't work. I followed this method:
http://embraceubuntu.com/2005/09/07/adding-a-startup-script-to-be-run-at-bootup/

I also tried adding the same command to a script added to the Startup Applications Preferences (Dash home -> search for "startup" and select "Startup Applications"), but that didn't work either. HOWEVER, in that same window there's an option to turn off the GNOME Login Sound (just uncheck "GNOME Login Sound") and now, even if I my laptop starts at 100% volume, at least it won't play the loud ubuntu login sound every time! But I still need to remember to turn down the volume manually before the system makes any sound, which of course it will be very easy to forget!!! So, this issue is still not fixed for me.

This is really an important issue. As somebody mentioned earlier, it means you can't boot your laptop in a library. But also, in a meeting, hospital, etc., etc. There are so many situations where you need to work in silence. It really it's not acceptable to have this issue not fixed.

You know, this is one of the small annoying details that makes Ubuntu being short of really competing against Windows or MacOS. Yes, Ubuntu is quite good when compared to other Linux distros, but it's not good enough to depend on it. Windows has really worked out most if not all of the annoyances of Windows Vista and previous versions. But sadly Ubuntu just keeps having its quirky issues that make it quite rough around the edges to be honest. And it's not just one or two annoyances, it's many and when you search online you have to spend ages to find a solution and many times you don't get a satisfactory one, like in this case. At least you know that if users pressure Microsoft hard enough, they will release an update that will fix the issues. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen with Ubuntu. It's really sad because I do want to give Ubuntu and open source a go but it stops just short of being good enough to be dependable.