Recommended Apps List for Ubuntu

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There’s another list here by Lifehacker editor Adam Pash.

This list is a personally compiled list – apps that I’ve tested and used since a month ago when I started using Ubuntu as my official operating system (it rocks!). Most of them I still use, while some I stopped using either because I didn’t feel the need for anymore, or was trying to clean up.

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Firefox 3.5
installed by default

The cross platform web browser is now faster than ever (well, at least depending on your internet connection). majority of the plugins from 3.0 worked well with 3.5, but not Tomfox.

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Gimp Image Manipulation Program
installed by default

image/photo editing software much like Photoshop and Fireworks.

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Exaile Music Player
sudo apt-get install exaile

The default music player is Rhythmbox, and I did use it for a time before switching to this one. What I like best about this are the plugins, and the supported mini mode.

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Tomboy Notes/Gnotes
installed by default

Tomboy Notes is already installed by default so all you have to do is add it to your panel. Gnotes is a C++ version of Tomboy Notes. They work the same way, looks the same way and behaves the same way, but if you have issues with Tomboy Notes having been written using C# (from Microsoft), go with Gnotes.

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GShutdown
sudo apt-get install gshutdown

A useful app that lets you automatically shutdown, restart or log off your computer at a specified time and date.

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Alltray
sudo apt-get install alltray

Lets you minimize ANY application to the notification area.

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CheckGmail
sudo apt-get install checkgmail

A Gmail notifier that resides mostly in your Notification area. It also offers being able to Mark All As read, delete or open the messages in a new browser window.

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Firestarter
sudo apt-get install firestarter

An easy to setup and easy to use firewall utility.

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Dropbox
click here

Lets you sync your files across multiple computers. Free account offers up to 2GB of free storage, and you have to install their app, available for Mac and Windows as well.

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Terminal Server Client
sudo apt-get install tsclient

A remote desktop application that lets you control other computers (tried this with WinXP). Front end for Rdesktop, VNC etc.

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Pidgin
sudo apt-get install pidgin

A multi-protocol multi-platform instant messaging client.  If you’re planning to use this with Yahoo, be sure to install the latest version 2.5.7.

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Tasks
sudo apt-get install tasks

A super slimmed down simple task list manager. as in dead simple. you won’t be able to do anything cool like exporting the tasks to another format. Only good for single day tasks.

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Bulk Rename
Add/Remove > Bulk Rename

Is an application that lets you rename multiple files at once, based on parameters you give

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Gnome Commander
Add/Remove > Gnome Commander

A two-paned powerful file manager that lets you easily copy/transfer files through drag and drop, and can also connect to file servers via SSH, samba etc.

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Configuration Editor
Enable menu item in Edit Menus

A visual editor for the Gconf configuration system. this is what I used to change the main menu icon to the WordPress logo

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Wammu
sudo apt-get install wammu

A phone management application that lets you connect to your phone and retrieve data like messages, calls, contacts, calendar events and to-do lists.

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Avant Window Navigator
Add/Remove > Avant Window Navigator

A dock AND an application launcher that you can tweak to resemble the Mac OS dock. Requires enabled compositing and Compiz/Metacity.

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Compiz Config Settings Manager
Add/Remove > Compiz Config Settings Manager

Lets you control aspects of compiz. this where you disable/enable features like Desktop Cube, Shift Switcher and other eye candy setups.

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Bluetooth Applet
installed by default

Lets you connect and access mobile devices through Bluetooth. Works with most dongles.

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Terminator
Add/Remove > Terminator

Lets you open more than one terminal session in one window.

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Cairo Clock
Add/Remove > Cairo Clock

Not much of an awesome tool, but it’s another eye candy to add to your desktop. It’s an analog clock.

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UPDATE: July 4, 2009

This is a recent find. Tasque is a task list – but unlike the previously mentioned Tasks, this one integrates with Evolution and Remember the Milk, the popular online task management application. This makes Tasque unique, because it lets you get a grip on your tasks wherever you are. You can install this both at home and in your office, and you’ll still be synchronized.

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Update: July 18, 2009

Ubuntu Tweak is a tweaking tool that lets you enable a few more features that aren’t available easily – but can be done if you exert MORE time – like, the Trash folder in your desktop (that you can actually right click to Empty), and the Open as Administrator menu for Nautilus (go figure).

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Filed under Ubuntu Linux

Tags: 9.04, applications, apps, bulk, configuration, editor, exaile, features, firefox, firestarter, gimp, gnotes, gshutdown, jackalope, jaunty, linux, notes, recommended, rename, tomboy, tools, tweak, ubuntu