For people who are new to Linux and Ubuntu, you might be overwhelmed by the huge library of applications available to you. Below is my 10 favorite applications. Hope it is useful to you.
1. Automatix
Automatix is an automation tool that allows you to install the frequently used applications with just a few clicks. There are 15 categories of applications for you to choose: Burning and ripping, Chat Clients, Codecs and Plugins, Commercial Software, Drivers, Email Clients, Eyecandy, File Sharing, Media players, Miscellaneous, Office, Programming tools, Utilities, Virtualization and Web browsers.
This is a very useful tool for those who don’t like to type command line.
2. aMSN
This is the Linux version of MSN messenger. Even though the included Gaim IM supports MSN protocol, somehow it doesn’t seem to be as user friendly. aMSN uses the same interface as the Windows version, so it makes transition from Windows very easy.
3. VLC media player
VLC media player is one of my favorite media player. It supports most form of video codecs (including MP4 and DIVX., internet streaming and even P2P streaming. It is much better than the Mplayer that come together with the Ubuntu package.
4. GnomeBaker
GnomeBaker is a simple, easy to use CD/DVD burning software. If you require more complicated CD authoring functions, the GnomeBaker might not be suitable for you.
5. Compiz
Compiz is the application that creates amazing desktop effects for your Ubuntu. You can drag files to different workspace, rotate desktop as a cube, wobbling windows, write with fire and many more beautiful eyecandy.
6. Firestarter
Firestarter is a firewall that regulates increasing and outgoing traffic. It monitors all your ports to prevent any unauthorized access. It can be easily installed and configuration only take three mouse clicks. Once configured, it will run quietly in the background, till the point where you don’t realize that it is there.
7. Revelation Password Manager
If you are just like me who hate to remember password, then revelation password manager is a small program that help you to manage your password. You can add, delete, edit, view password, set host name on it. If you hate to think of password, you can also use the password generator to generate a random keyword.
8. Filezilla
Filezilla is an open-source cross platform FTP client. It is very user friendly and simple to use. It includes a site manager to store all your connection details and logins as well as an Explorer style interface that shows the local and remote folders and can be customized independently. Additional features include auto ascii/binary transfer, download queue, manual transfers, raw FTP commands and more.
A nice program for beginners and advanced user alike.
9. Wine
Miss your windows application? WINE (stands for Wine Is Not Emulator. comes to your rescue. What WINE does is to provide a Windows compatible layer so that you can install your Windows application on it. I have used it to install Dreamweaver and Adobe photoshop and they all works fine. You can also install your favorite Windows game with WINE, even though not all of them will work.
10. CheckGmail
Tired of logging on to gmail everytime to check your mail? This simple applet sit in your system tray and inform you when a new mail arrive. You can choose to view it on your browser, Mark as read, archive, report spam or even delete it all in your desktop.
Damien Oh started writing tech articles since 2007 and has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He is proficient in Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, and worked as a part time WordPress Developer. He is currently the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Make Tech Easier.
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