Linux alternative to Windows Task Scheduler or another way of doing it

cron is the Linux command-line scheduler. Use crontab -e to create (or edit) your cron jobs.

See Cron HowTo and crontab (5) for details.

Scheduled tasks

It is the Task Scheduler in Gnome.

In other way it is a GUI for Cron.

Can be installed with Software Center.

If use Terminal for installation:

sudo apt-get install gnome-schedule

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You are looking for anacron function.

http://linux.about.com/library/cmd/blcmdl8_anacron.htm