Linux is a Unix-like operating system, developed for computers mainly with Intel x86 or compatible processors. It’s foundation was in 1987 by Linus Torvalds, also the creator of the kernel Linux. The whole system is based on everything to be done in layers. For example, you have your basic system layer, the layer of terminal emulators, so if you are using a different terminal emulator to type your commands it may look completely different to another user.
Linux is a free and open source computer operating system assembled under the model of free software development and distribution. Linux is developed by a community of programmers, run by a group of companies, and supported by a vast user network of developers and enthusiasts. It is a reliable way to work with computers, whether you are a developer or someone who needs to use their computer for gaming, socializing from the web or Skype, recording music, video production work, generic office tasks etc.
GIMP
Allowing plugins that extend its functionality while being an open source solution is impressive. It offers almost every type of tool you will ever require manipulating an image, scale it, crop it, or simply add a layer to it. You can install it from your AppCenter or Software Center, or visit GIMP’s website to download it.
LMMS
LMMS is a free Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for Linux. It’s a feature-rich alternative to premium audio editors (or DAWs) for creating, editing, and recording music. If you have a MIDI device, you can just plug it into your machine and get started with LMMS. It also supports VST plugins to enhance your output. You can directly download it from the App Center or the Software Center. To build from source, check out their GitHub page.
Thunderbird
A simple and free email client developed by Mozilla. You may find it pre-installed on some Linux distributions – if not, you can easily install it using your Software Center or App Center. You can also download it from their website and then install it.
It offers most of the features you need – however, the UI may be the only downside for some.
Element
Element is a secure open-source collaboration platform built on Matrix network.
It may not be a popular choice, but it offers plenty of features as a replacement to many other proprietary options for personal or work communication.
Kazam
If you’ve been following us, you might have already read about the best screen recorders available for Linux. Kazam is the most simple solution among them. It lets you record your screen and includes a number of essential features like giving you the ability to select the area/window, hiding/showing the cursor, and enabling the sound from your mic/speaker. For installation instructions, their GitHub page would be your best bet.
Firefox
Firefox is the default web browser for a number of Linux distros such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint. The browser’s simple and fluid interface is one of its many attractions. Firefox will play YouTube videos right off the bat, and can download plugins to play other formats for you. The browser also updates itself from the get-go, meaning you always have the latest version.
Firefox supports a number of extensions to enhance your web experience, and you can customize the browser further via the Mozilla add-ons page, where it is possible to install a colorful theme.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is nothing less than a full-blown free office suite, on a par with commercial alternatives like Microsoft Office. While the interface may look rather basic, this product has some extremely advanced features.
The LibreOffice word processor Writer, spreadsheet software Calc and presentation app Impress are preinstalled in Ubuntu and most of its derivatives. The suite also includes three less well-known apps – Draw, Math and Base – which are used for editing vector graphics, composing mathematical formulae and managing databases respectively.
While LibreOffice uses the ODF (Open Document Format) by default it can open and save Microsoft Office compatible files too.
Shotcut
Shotcut is free and open source video editor that’s available not just for GNU/Linux but also macOS and Microsoft Windows. It features support for the latest video and audio formats, including 4K, and includes a wide range of video and editing effects.
As well as multitrack audio it can also be used on a Linux machine set up with more than one monitor.
VLC
VLC is most commonly known for being a media player, although it does much more than this. When installed, it downloads codecs for virtually every kind of audio or video file, meaning you’re unlikely to ever have playback issues again. The software can also play DVDs.
You can use VLC to clip video files and even convert them from one format to another – from AVI to MP4, for example. See our guide on this here. The media player client can also act as a server, allowing you to stream media from one device to another (handily, we’ve also got a guide on how to do this).
Falkon
None of the above browsers look quite at home on the KDE Plasma desktop. If visual integration is important to you, then I would suggest Falkon (formerly QupZilla). Support may not be as solid as the above browsers, but it will get you across most of the web. With so few Qt-based KDE browsers to choose from, it’s enough to see that Falkon remains under development.
Steam
Gaming on Linux has always been a lackluster affair. Even when AAA titles have Linux versions, installing and configuring them is the opposite of fun. Modern app frontends in Ubuntu and other desktop Linux versions can help, but it’s still not as smooth as it should be.
Which brings us to Steam. This is the client application from Valve Corporation, who own and operate the largest PC digital store in the world.
Not only can you buy native Linux games through Steam, you can also play a wealth of Windows games that have been certified to work through a special implementation of WINE. Known as “Steam Play”, this has been a literal game changer for gaming on a Linux machine.
Scribus
Desktop publishing (DTP) has had a bit of a resurgence over the last few years. With the rising popularity of eBooks, eReaders, tablet computers and other digital stand-ins for paper, it’s become pretty relevant again to do smart page layouts and beautiful book interiors.
It’s also easier than ever to self-publish and if you have access to a specialized desktop publishing program, then you can make it look like the real deal from the comfort of your own computer.
Which is where Scribus comes into the picture. This wonderful program started out as a simple Python program and has now developed into a serious DTP program. If you want to know what Scribus can do, just have a look at this list of “Made by Scribus” publications. It’s the real deal and the author of this article has actually designed and published a technical computer guide using this very program.
Given the cost of professional DTP software, Scribus certainly counts as one of the best Linux apps of all time.
Slack
Slack is, despite the name, one of the most popular messaging apps in the world for groups of people to do productive work together. There are entire organizations that run off Slack as the glue that binds them together and since so many developers work in a Linux environment, you can be sure there’s a robust version of the app there as well.
Slack is not an Open Source application and relies on an online service to work, but unless you work alone, it’s almost certainly going to be an essential part of any Linux workstation.
Conclusion: Linux is bag full of marvel. They are numerous things that makes Linux best operating system in the creation of mankind. Many peoples are looking for software for Linux which is specially designed for Linux. There many softwares but you have to choose that one which fulfills your demands.