KnowUbuntu

Following is a list of software that makes Ubuntu easier to use. Some of these are already installed on a fresh install of Ubuntu, but I have put them here because they are indispensable.

• Gnome-do Gnome-do is a quick launch app that will allow to you launch any application by just using your keyboard. There are also many many other useful things it can do for you. Just install it and give it a try. NOTE: I recommend getting the latest and greatest from their web site, but the following will work too (and you’ll be guaranteed that it will be compatible with your version). sudo apt-get install gnome-do
• Firefox Already comes with Ubuntu, but this is indispensable. Firefox is a must have for any OS. Coming soon…useful Firefox extensions.
• Pidgin Already comes with Ubuntu 9.04. IM client that allows you to IM anyone from any IM platform (jabber, aol, msn, etc). NOTE: As of 9.10 Pidgin is no longer installed by default and is not the default IM client. More on this later.
• Tilda Tilda is another terminal. I can summon mine by hitting Ctrl-. (period) and down from the top of the screen pops my tilda terminal. It is always running so I can pull it down (display it) and hide it and everything that I have been doing on it is still there. sudo apt-get install tilda
• DropBox 2 GB of free online storage and the best part is, it integrates with gnome (nautilus)(or really any OS’s file system). Anything you drop in the “dropboxed” folder will be automatically uploaded to the cloud and can be accessed from any other computer. NOTE: From what I have heared, in Ubuntu 9.10 we will be getting 2 GB of free space in the cloud natively (Ubuntu One?). More on this later.
• VLC VLC will play just about any type of media. Just about any format of video or audio is no match for the likes of VLC. sudo apt-get install vlc
• vim and gvim No text editing should be done without gvim or at least vim. More on this later. sudo apt-get install vim-gnome
• Restricted Formats (Ubuntu) Out of the box Ubuntu doesn’t like things like DVDs, mp3s, and other things that are kind of normal. Go to this web site and install the restricted formats and you will be able to play any of the “normal” stuff.
• Ubuntu Tweaks Ubuntu Tweak makes some customization really simple.
• Back In Time A backup system that has a nice gui and works great.
• Sound Juicer Ripping CDs was never easier. sudo apt-get install sound-juicer