Top 9.10 Software Picks by Category [KARMIC KOALA BIBLE #21]
Superb Software for Work & Play
2 Nov
This package resource list has the best Karmic-compliant software, by category, for work or play. Fonts, multimedia codecs, system tools, you name it.
With our repositories nicely set up, we're set to install some creamy warez.
This works pretty much as before, with Jaunty. The only change I've found is that, for those packages not from repositories but downloaded from the software providers themselves, instead of these downloading to /home/USERNAME/Desktop, they download to /home/USERNAME/Downloads. So hey, that figures.
the_guv's sistasite: Setup The Ultimate VPS
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- plain English copy/paste tutorials with video
- written for VPS beginners and Linux newbies
- perfect for multiple sites, blogs & more
- Fast. Secure. Future-proofed. Cheap-as-chips!
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Ubuntu & Debian, Nginx (beats Apache), MySQL, PHP-FPM, Xcache, WordPress, WP MU, Drupal etccccc
Set Up & Enhance Ubuntu 9.10 .. KARMIC KOALA BIBLE
In simple copy/paste steps .. from zero to hero.
Scroll down for the full series index.
Wake up and smell the Ubuntu! Hope it helps. the_guv
You won't want all this - and neither do I, by a long chalk - but hopefully these choice picks give an idea or three.
I'll keep this list updated, so drop by every now and them to check. And, hey, lemme know your suggestions. What have I missed or, of what's here, what shouldn't be?
Essential Packages
It can be hard to get by without these. Note I recommend the official Java environment, for maximum compatibility.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java Runtime Environment (JRE) | Many applications depend on this key framework. | sudo aptitude install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin sun-java6-fonts | to test type java -version |
| Adobe Air | This Java-based platform is needed for running many rich internet applications, like TweetDeck. | 32-bit Download here. Type:- cd /home/USERNAME/Downloads chmod +x AdobeAIRInstaller.bin sudo ./AdobeAIRInstaller.bin Follow installer prompts. 64-bit Follow this guide, observing "John's comment". |
Applications > Accessories > Adobe Air Application Installer |
System & Security Tools
Useful system tools.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Tweak | Configure Ubuntu to your heart's content, using just the one tool. | sudo aptitude install ubuntu-tweak | Applications > System Tools > Ubuntu Tweak |
| Gtkorphan | Find and delete unused dependencies. Gtkorphan is the GUI for deborphan which, when installed, does the same thing from the command line. | sudo aptitude install gtkorphan | sudo gtkorphan |
| UFW | The iptables manager UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is a default Jaunty install. GUFW is its handy GUI. I cover this, and the wider topic, in the section Hack-Proofing Ubuntu. | sudo aptitude install gufw | System > Administration > Firewall Preferences |
| Clam AntiVirus | Anti-virus with GUI, featuring email attachment scanning, a scalable multi-threaded daemon and a tool for auto updates. | sudo aptitude install clamtk | Applications > System Tools > Virus Scanner |
| Clam AntiVirus (non-GUI) | The command line equivalent. | sudo aptitude install clamav |
Productivity Tools
Speed up common tasks with some of these tools:-
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gnome Do | Mac-like desktop app-icons dock, with search and other productivity tools. | sudo aptitude install gnome-do | Application > Accessories > Gnome Do |
| Nautilus-Dropbox | Right click on item in Nautilus, using the Dropbox secure backup, sync and sharing services with 2Gb free space. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-dropbox | right click in Nautilus |
| Globalmenu | An OS X-style global menu alternative. Quite cool, esp if you went with Linux because you couldn't afford the Mac. | sudo aptitude install gnome-globalmenu | |
| Nautilus Bundled Extras | Make the Nautilus explorer more powerful, optional and personalised. Here is my pick of the crop:- | see below | |
| nautilus-actions | Configure programs to launch. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-actions | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-cd-burner | Drag/drop files to burn to CD or DVD. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-cd-burner | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-clamscan | Adds a "Scan for viruses" item to the right-click menu. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-clamscan | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-gksu | Grant Super User privileges within Nautilus. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-gksu | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-image-converter | Mass-resize or rotate images. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-image-converter | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-open-Terminal | Open a terminal in arbitrary local folders. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-open-Terminal | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-script-audio-convert | Convert audio formats on the fly. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-script-audio-convert | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-script-collection-svn | Execute Subversion commands on selected files. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-script-collection-svn | right click in Nautilus |
| nautilus-wallpaper | Set your desktop wallpaper from the context menu. | sudo aptitude install nautilus-wallpaper | right click in Nautilus |
Or if you just want all the Nautilus Bundled Extras:-
sudo aptitude install nautilus-actions nautilus-cd-burner nautilus-clamscan nautilus-gksu nautilus-image-converter nautilus-open-Terminal nautilus-script-audio-convert nautilus-script-collection-svn nautilus-wallpaper
Graphic Effects
You can already implement some striking effects (if your graphics card is up to the task) - System > Preferences > Appearance > Visual Effects > check Extra and reboot. Want more?
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple CCSM | This GUI 'effects manager' customises what Jaunty has under the hood. Not only are the effects rather splendid, their functionality aids productivity. | sudo aptitude install simple-ccsm | System > Preferences > Simple CompizConfig Settings Manager |
Sound & video, players & codecs
Because, obviously, having AC-DC shrieking off in the background also aids productivity.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC | Does everything I need & more. | sudo aptitude install vlc | Applications > Sound & Video > VLC media player |
| Players & Audio/Video Codecs | Else, try multiple players. | sudo aptitude install amarok gxine helix-player smplayer totem-gstreamer totem-mozilla vlc | Applications > Sound & Video > [player] |
| A/V Codecs Bundle | With this lot, you'll be able to open pretty much anything, encode, decode, and improve sound quality. Some media tag editors are included. | sudo aptitude install amarok-common easytag flac id3v2 ffmpeg ffmpeg2theora faac faad flac icedax id3tool lame liba52-0.7.4-dev libflac++6 libjpeg-progs libmad0 libmp4v2-0 libmpcdec3 libmpeg2-4 libmpeg3-1 libquicktime1 mencoder mpg123 mpeg2dec mpg321 mpeg3-utils mpegdemux mozilla-helix-player nautilus-script-audio-convert non-free-codecs sox tagtool uudeview ubuntu-restricted-extras vorbis-tools | |
| DVD support | DVD doesn't play natively in Ubuntu. Here's the fix. | sudo aptitude install libdvdcss2 && sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/./install-css.sh | |
| Boxee | Media player with webTV support, said to be good but only for 32-bit systems. | Free signup at boxee.tv. |
How to Install Flash .. the Right Way
You need Flash for Youtube, whatever video online and a whole bunch offline. It's the number 1 multimedia codec and player about and has a slightly alternative installation method, so let's get it right:-
Download the format labelled .deb for Ubuntu 8.04+ here to your /home/username/Downloads folder, double click the file and then click Install Package.
.. You'll be asked to install a couple of dependent files too, and nagged for an admin password.
CD Burning & Ripping
Burning tip: Copy a cd or dvd to an .iso image by typing at the Terminal:-
sudo dd if=/dev/cdrom of=/path/to/store/your.iso
Then, to create a copy of the original disk, insert a blank disc and right click on your new .iso file, choosing Write to disc.
Alternatively ..
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gnomebaker | Bakes CD's and DVD's. | sudo aptitude install gnomebaker | Applications > Sound & Video > Gnomebaker |
| K3b | As feature-rich as Nero and, unlike still-proprietary Linux Nero, K3b is free. The alternative Brasero burner is installed by default. | sudo aptitude install k3b k3b-data k3b-i18n libk3b3 | Goto Applications > Sound & Video > K3B |
| abcde | Terminal-operated shell script to grab from CD to ogg or mp3, tagged. Superb. | sudo aptitude install abcde | No GUI |
Web browsers
Firefox 3.5 comes bundled by default (and with Karmic it seems to run faster than with Jaunty, at least on my PC), but this is for the rest.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium | Chrome for Linux, it's an open-source Webkit browser, for testing Safari too. I've included an element inspector. | sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-browser-inspector | Accessories > Internet > Chromium |
| Epiphany | Alternative Webkit (GTK+) browser. I've included the extensions pkg for some handy tools. | sudo aptitude install epiphany-webkit epiphany-extensions | Accessories > Internet > Epiphany |
| Galeon | Quality browser running Mozilla's Gecko engine but no mod cons for speedy standards-compliant page rendering. | sudo aptitude install galeon | Accessories > Internet > Galeon |
| Internet Explorer 7/8 | HAHA .. only kidding!! | We can install this on the Windows slice so, no worries, we'll have something to swear at. | hell |
| Lynx | The text-based browser, handy for usability-testing, or just when you've got a web 2.0 headache. | sudo aptitude install lynx | Accessories > Internet > Lynx |
| Opera | Sporting a Presto engine. | sudo aptitude install opera | Accessories > Internet > Opera |
| Safari | Incompatible with Linux, but it's Webkit so use one of the above. Can be installed on our virtual Windows slice, so only an extra couple of clicks away. |
Graphics Development
A few graphics tools. Being a Luddite, I run Photoshop via my Virtualbox installation of XP. (PS CS2 works well thru' Wine too.)
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Pimp your Gimp with these extras to improve the graphics equivalent of Adobe Photoshop. | see below | |
| gimp-plugin-registry | Adds a repo of optional extensions. | sudo aptitude install gimp-plugin-registry | Applications > Graphics > GIMP Image Editor |
| gimp-data-extras | Extra brushes, palettes and gradients. | sudo aptitude install gimp-data-extras | Applications > Graphics > GIMP Image Editor |
| Shutter | A feature-rich screenshot program. | sudo aptitude install shutter | Applications > Accessories > Shutter |
| Inkscape | This vector graphics programme is the Linux equivalent of Adobe Illustrator. | sudo aptitude install inkscape | Applications > Graphics > Inkscape |
| Blender | Create 3D graphics. | sudo aptitude install blender | Applications > Graphics > Blender |
| Picasa | Advanced photo management. | Download from http://dl.google.com/linux/deb/pool/non-free/p/picasa/picasa_3.0-current_i386.deb and run the .deb | Applications > Graphics > Picassa |
Office Apps
Accounts, project management & similar office utilities.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location | Gnucash | Personal finance tracking, supports multi-accounts, running/reconciled balances, double entry, expense cats, imports QIF & OFX files. | sudo aptitude install gnucash | Applications > Office > Gnucash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homebank | More accounting for pyjama-clad developers, it's similarish to Gnucash, from what I've heard. | sudo aptitude install homebank | Applications > Office > Homebank (I guess) |
| Dia | Flowchart/diagram editor, rather like MS Visio. | sudo aptitude install dia | Applications > Graphics > Dia |
| OpenProj | Project management programme. | wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb | Applications > Office > OpenProj |
| GEdit | Improve Jaunty's default text editor with some handy plugins. | sudo aptitude install gedit-plugins | Applications > Accessories > Text Editor |
Communications Schtuff
Email, calendar, tasks, IM & VOIP Applications.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location | Mozilla Thunderbird | Jaunty's standard, Evolution, is very good, with calendar and task management. Thunderbird is also pretty fine though, and the Lightning plugin can be bundled for calendar and tasks. | sudo aptitude install thunderbird | Applications > Internet > Mozilla Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird Lightning | The calendar and tasks functionality for Thunderbird. | sudo aptitude install lightning | Applications > Internet > Mozilla Thunderbird |
| CheckGmail | Gmail new mail notification widgetty thing. (Why not just set up Gmail & Thunderbird/Evolution for IMAP?). | sudo aptitude install checkgmail | Goto Application > Internet > CheckGmail |
| Instant Messaging Multi-Client | Pidgin is installed by default and, just before you bother adding another, it works with the majority of IM clients as well as a few chat networks. | Applications > Internet > Pidgin Internet Messenger | |
| Skype | The grand-daddy of VOIP. Jaunty comes installed with an alternative, Ekiga. | sudo aptitude install skype | Applications > Internet > Skype |
P2P File Sharing
Just a few bits and bobs for torrents and donkeys.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluge | An alternative to the Jaunty standard bittorent client, Transmission. | sudo aptitude install deluge-torrent | Applications > Internet > Deluge Torrent |
| Azureus | A Java-based equivalent. | sudo aptitude install azureus | Applications > Internet > Azureus |
| Amule | You guessed it, kinda like Emule. I think that's a play on words or, in donkey speak, a neigh play. | sudo aptitude install amule | Applications > Internet > aMule |
| Amule-Gnome-Support | Amule's web browser support package for Firefox and other browsers. | sudo aptitude install amule-gnome-support | Check your browser |
File Management Utilities
So that'll be apps that help organise the file system, then.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archivers | Unpack anything. | sudo aptitude install aish arj cabextract file-roller lha mpack p7zip-full p7zip-rar rar unrar sharutils unace uudeview zip unzip. | |
| Glipper | Extend clipboard functionality. | sudo aptitude install glipper | Right click on panel > Add to Panel > drag Clipboard Manager to panel |
| Multiget | A powerful http and ftp download manager. | sudo aptitude install multiget | Applications > Internet > MultiGet |
| Subversion | AKA svn, this is a version control system, used to keep favored applications, files, etc bang-up-to-date. In a local environment it's especially handy for project collaboration whilst, on a live server, it can be used to keep online apps safely patched. | sudo aptitude install subversion | Mug up on this |
Googly-Woogly
Maybe there are other Google Apps or gnome plugins that you like?
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Earth | Some map thing. I can see my mum in her garden, but it could be the washing on the line. (Seriously brilliant and useful for planning a holiday or war.) | sudo aptitude install googleearth | Application > Internet > Google Earth |
| Google Desktop | sudo aptitude install google-desktop-linux | Applications > Google Desktop > Google Desktop > Google Desktop Preferences, with a handy new icon on the panel too | |
| Google Gadgets | Clutter for your desktop. Sorry, am I cynical? Never tried it. Never will. But it is popular. | sudo aptitude install google-gadgets-gtk | Applications > Internet > Google Gadgets, right click on the newly launched panel icon and something or other, this, that, I'll be down the pub. |
Windows/OS Translators, Virtualizers, Emulators, Bagofpotaters, whatever they're called these days
Use Windows & other systems from within Linux.
| Software | Description | Installation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine | Translates Windows programs for Linux in a buggy kind of a way. | sudo aptitude install wine | Applications > Other > Wine |
| PlayonLinux | A wine fork, said to be better for games. Needs dual-boot with Windows. Forget it and use Setup a Virtual OS with Virtualbox (sure beats a dual-boot!) | sudo aptitude install playonlinux | Applications > Other > PlayonLinux |
| Virtualbox | Now you're talking! Run virtual OSes easily (this sure beats a dual-boot.) | Read Part 25 - Emulate Virtual OSes with VirtualBox |
Install & Perfect Ubuntu 9.10 .. KARMIC KOALA BIBLE
Set up Koala .. tweak it to perfection .. & maximize productivity .. for work & play.
That's what the Karmic Koala Bible does, stepped out in easy copy/paste guides.
From Linux initiates to intermediates, here's what you need.
- Intro: Install & Perfect Ubuntu 9.10
- Ubuntu Desktop vs Server Edition?
- Plan Hard Drive Partition Strategy
- HOW-TO Install Ubuntu 9.10
- UPGRADE Jaunty 9.04 to Ubuntu 9.10
- apt-get v aptitude v Synaptic v Software Ctr
- Terminal Alias Shortcuts with bashrc
- Add The Best Software Repositories
- Safe-Upgrade 9.10 System & Packages
- Update Latest 9.10 Hardware Drivers
- Speed Up 9.10 by Disabling Services
- Speed Up 9.10 Boot & Personalise GRUB
- Optimise 9.10 SWAP with Swappiness
- Restore 9.10 'home' Folder from Backup
- SAVE TIME! Permanent Partition Mount
- TWEAK File Management Preferences
- Custom Keyboard Application Shortcuts
- Use Windows Key with Ubuntu 9.10
- HACK-PROOF 9.10 Anti-Virus & Firewall
- HOW-TO Disable Annoying System Beep
- Top 9.10 Software Picks by Category
- Add Application Launcher to Panel
- Set Preferred Startup Applications
- Remember Running Applications on Reboot
- Emulate Virtual OSes with VirtualBox
If you liked that ...
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mark simpson January 19th, 2010 at 3:37 am
Hey ... this stuff is brilliant and extremely helpful ! thanks for all the hard work. Mark
the_guv January 20th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@mark .. big cheers, your're welcome.
Emilio February 4th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Thanks for a great guide! it helped my as an noob lots!
the_guv February 6th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Emilio .. your welcome, tx
Luiz Augusto February 8th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Thanks for this great work. Useful and beautiful site!
the_guv February 9th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@Luiz .. thank you .. appreciate that, Sir.
Koen V March 14th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Super super helpfull!
Tx for sharing all your experience in such a clear guide, while keeping it fun to read!
Only minor issue I had: concerning the mounting of a partition and making a 'symlink' needed change some access rights I think to make it work.
For me personnaly some more details about the partitioning shemes would also have been interesting (or a link to somewhere with thorough explination, I googled arount).
Tx again!!!
the_guv March 16th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@Koen .. tx for that .. yes, sometimes it helps to assume "Super User" permissions. appending:-
sudo
in front of commands can force the command to work
siva April 18th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
very good good work........ thanks.......
the_guv April 19th, 2010 at 8:25 am
@siva .. big cheers .. look out for the new Lucid Lynx bible, now writing