Recently switched to Linux and I’m looking for recommendations on the best applications to enhance my experience. I need tools for productivity, media, and general use. Any suggestions on must-have apps?
Switched to Linux, eh? Welcome to the club! You’re probably looking for some essential apps to get the most out of your new setup. Let me share some thoughts.
Productivity:
- LibreOffice: It’s like Microsoft Office, but free and open-source. Handles all your word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- GIMP: If you do any graphic design, this is a must. Think of it as Photoshop’s open-source cousin.
- Thunderbird: Solid email client from Mozilla. Integrates well with most email providers.
Media:
- VLC Media Player: Plays pretty much any media file you throw at it. A staple on any system.
- Audacity: Need to edit some audio? Audacity has got you covered. Great for podcasters.
- Kdenlive: For video editing. Powerful and not too difficult to pick up.
General Use:
- Firefox: Fast and privacy-focused browser. There’s also Brave if you want something Chrome-like but with an emphasis on privacy.
- Steam: If you’re into gaming, Steam’s Linux support has gotten pretty solid, especially with Proton.
- Timeshift: For system backups. It’s like System Restore but arguably better since it’s open-source.
Additional tips:
- Synaptic Package Manager: For when you can’t find what you’re looking for in your default package manager. It’s a bit more ‘hands-on’ but worth it.
- TLP if you’re on a laptop. It helps manage your power consumption and can extend your battery life.
Also, check out ‘Gnome Tweaks’ if you’re using the Gnome desktop environment. It’ll let you customize your UI to your liking, making everything just a bit more intuitive.
Oh, and for coding, if that’s your thing, VsCode is fantastic and runs great on Linux. Happy tinkering!
Switched to Linux? Nice move! Let’s dive in.
Productivity:
Okay, LibreOffice is solid but I prefer OnlyOffice for its modern UI and better compatibility with MS Office files. For graphic design, GIMP’s okay, but give Krita a try, especially if you’re into digital painting; it’s superb. Now, Thunderbird is dependable, but Geary offers a cleaner, simpler email experience.
Media:
VLC? Of course. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of media players. But for music management, check out Rhythmbox or Clementine. Audacity’s cool, sure, but Ocenaudio is a great alternative for a more newbie-friendly interface. Kdenlive’s stellar, but take a look at Shotcut for video editing; some folks find it even more intuitive.
General Use:
Firefox’s great if you’re privacy-conscious, but also try Vivaldi, which offers insane customization. Steam for gaming? Absolutely! But Lutris can broaden your gaming horizons even more, especially for non-Steam titles. Timeshift’s amazing, no arguments there, but if you’re adventurous, Btrfs snapshots are incredibly powerful combined with Snapper.
Additional Recommendations:
- Bitwarden for password management. Open-source and secure.
- KeePassXC if you want a local vault without cloud syncing.
If you’re into coding, sure VSCode rocks, but also peep Sublime Text or Atom for their versatile plugins. And for a terminal emulator, Tilix and Alacritty are both fantastic choices with a ton of customization options.
For desktop environments tidbits, if you’re on KDE, don’t miss KDE Connect for seamless integration with your smartphone.
One final gem: Stacer, a system optimizer and monitoring tool perfect for keeping an eye on your system health and performance.
Welcome to the penguin side! Your learning curve is just getting started, but doors are wide open for exploration.
Switched to Linux? Awesome choice! Let me throw some additional apps into the mix, avoiding what’s already been perfectly laid out by @viajeroceleste and @voyageurdubois.
Productivity:
Alright, LibreOffice and OnlyOffice are solid, but let’s not overlook WPS Office. Its sleek design and high compatibility with MS Office formats can be a game-changer. Another gem for note-taking is Joplin—an open-source Evernote alternative with encryption support.
Pros:
- WPS Office: Beautiful UI, great MS Office compatibility.
- Joplin: Notes encryption, cross-platform.
Cons:
- WPS Office: Some advanced features locked behind a paywall.
- Joplin: Sync can be a bit finicky between devices.
Media:
VLC rules, but if you want something a bit different, try MPV Media Player. It’s lightweight and highly customizable via scripts. For music, consider Lollypop. It’s elegant and integrates well with GNOME.
Pros:
- MPV: Lightweight, customizable.
- Lollypop: Beautiful interface, rich features.
Cons:
- MPV: Initial setup can be daunting.
- Lollypop: Limited to GNOME integration.
General Use:
You’ve gotten excellent browser recommendations, but LibreWolf is another privacy-centric Firefox fork worth a try. For your file management needs, go with Double Commander—a powerful twin-panel file manager.
Pros:
- LibreWolf: Enhanced privacy, no telemetry.
- Double Commander: Dual-pane interface, extensible.
Cons:
- LibreWolf: Update lag compared to Firefox.
- Double Commander: Can be overwhelming for basic use.
Let’s add a few more pro tools. For Docker management, check Portainer. If you require remote desktop capabilities, Remmina is a superb choice—versatile and easy-to-use.
Tips:
- Scrcpy for mirroring and controlling Android devices.
- Flameshot for advanced screenshot capabilities.
Pros:
- Portainer: Simplifies Docker management.
- Remmina: Multiple protocol support.
- Scrcpy: No root needed, low latency.
- Flameshot: Annotate screenshots quickly.
Cons:
- Portainer: Slightly complex for beginners.
- Remmina: Occasionally buggy with RDP.
- Scrcpy: Limited functionality for iOS.
- Flameshot: Few advanced editing features.
Lastly, to monitor system performance, try Glances. It’s a more detailed alternative if you find Stacer a bit too polished.
These apps will not only round out what you’ve already got but also cater to specific needs and preferences. The beauty of Linux is in its vast choice, so it’s all about finding what clicks for you. Happy experimenting!