michael favia

You've heard all the fuss, maybe you've even given it a try before but this time you want to make the plunge and switch to a linux desktop for good. Ive been using linux as a desktop for just under 10 years now and I've made a profession out of making mistakes and learning the hard way. Here is a software developers and open source enthusiasts most frequently used application list to help you get the most out of your experience with a little less frustration. All of these programs can be installed through Synaptic or Application > Add Remove unless otherwise noted. Do not try to search for an installer on the internet, that isnt how package managed distributions like linux work. We use software repositories that function like big free "App Stores".

Gnome-Do

Do you type faster than you move the mouse? GNOME Do is inspired by Quicksilver & GNOME Launch Box. It flattens the arbitrary hierarchy of your desktop in 1 fell swoop. Package name: gnome-do

Pidgin

Is a universal chat client that lest you login to and chat with friends on GTalk, MSN, Yahoo, Bonjour and every other IM network under the sun. Simple intuitive interface. Install the facebook chat package to add its chat functionality so you don't have to actually log into facebook to talk to friends. Added bonus, you get to watch them log in and out passively and see how much time is wasted by the world on this service everyday. Package names: pidgin and pidgin-facebookchat

Deluge

If you bit torrent then this s the client for you. Simple and elegant with configuration and addons for any functionality you desire. Package name: deluge

Thunderbird

From the people that brought you Firefox comes thunderbird. I'd be lost without it especially if you add the Sunbird calendaring Addon and tie it all together with Google Calendar integration and contact sync with your Google phone with Zindus. Package names: thunderbird, lightning-extension

VLC

Best stand alone video player out there in my opinion. Package name: vlc

Boxee

Manage your media, stream music televisions and movies live off the Internet, all free and legal with this home theater replacement app. I mainly run it on my HTPC but it is also useful on your laptop if you travel and want the comforts of home while you do. It allowed Kate and I to cancel our DirecTV subscription. You'll have to add a repository to your systems software channels but it is easy to do and explained well here.

Eclipse

Integrated development environment that when paired with Subversive (for subversion support), PDT (for PHP development support), and Zend Debugger (for realtime variable inspection and moficidation and break point support) is unparalleled as the best turnkey solution to development I've come across. There is a package for eclipse in the repo but i prefer to download the application directly and just stick it in my home directory. Development moves pretty quickly and 6 months is a long time to be less productive than the competition for me anyway.

Guake

The average user shouldn't need to use the terminal much in linux these days but developers tend to use it daily. If you do you'll find guake invaluable as a window shade style terminal application that hides away when you don't need it. Package name: guake

Proprietary Stuff

I love free software as much as the next person but the rest of the world world hasn't caught up just yet. While they do, you'll want to install this meta package so that you can play restricted media codecs like mp3's and divx for your movies and tv shows. It also includes the Adobe flash player and microsoft fonts as well as a Java. Package name: ubuntu-restricted-extras