Best and Useful Ubuntu Software That Will Make You More Productive

Ubuntu, powered by Canonical Partners, is the most optimized and updated Linux distro out there. Both Ubuntu and Linux Mint are based on the Debian system. These Linux distros provide solid system stability and lots of software through the software center. But there are lots of applications you may not find in the distro’s repositories. So how do you install all those software? Here comes “Terminal,” which is used to install an application from outside of the software center. After installing Ubuntu, you may need some of your favorite software, which will come handy to complete the task. So I am here to help you with a small list of best useful Ubuntu software, which obviously not following any specific order.

Best and Useful Ubuntu Software

In this article, I am going to share with you a generic list of Useful Ubuntu Software and how to install those through a command-line interface called “Terminal.”

1. Java

Java is widely used in the Ubuntu platform, which is used to run many applications. Run the following command to install java.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer

2. Dropbox

You can install a Dropbox cloud client from the Ubuntu repositories. So run the following command from the Terminal to install Dropbox in Ubuntu.

sudo apt-get install nautilus-dropbox

After installation, open the Dropbox from the Gnome app drawer and follow the instruction to complete.

3. Google Drive

Ubuntu repositories do not index Google drive. So if you prefer to use google drive, there are many ways to follow. You can use Insynchq, one of the powerful google drive clients for the Ubuntu platform.

4. Telegram

Telegram is a highly secured messaging app, which used to send any files, voice messaging, video calls, and group messages. The telegram can be used on all the devices, including Android, iPhone, Windows, and Linux platforms. It can synchronize all the messages all through the devices. The telegram can be installed in all the Ubuntu-based Linux distro via PPA.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/telegram
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install telegram

Remove Telegram

sudo apt-get remove telegram

5. Multimedia Player – VLC

To enjoy a multimedia file on Linux, you can install VLC. This media player is the most commonly used media player on Windows, and the Linux operating system. VLC can play all sorts of media files without any problem. To install VLC, run the following command into Terminal.

sudo apt-get install vlc browser-plugin-vlc

6. Google Chrome

Though Firefox is the default web browser at Ubuntu, which is enough for performing all the web-related tasks. But google chrome the best web browser out there, which offers lots of add-ons to enhance productivity. So if you want to install google chrome, run the following command into Terminal.

wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google.list'
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install google-chrome-stable

On the other hand, if you want to install a chromium web browser, which is open source, and comes built-in at Ubuntu repository, follow the command from the Terminal.

sudo apt-get install chromium-browser

7. Gimp Image Editor

Now, most of the Linux distros include Gimp Image Editor by default. This tool is trendy and used by many professional photographers for image composition and editing.

sudo apt-get install gimp gimp-data gimp-plugin-registry gimp-data-extras

8. Skype

Skype is one of the best messaging apps, which is used to make voice and video calling, but it’s not included in Ubuntu repositories. To install the latest Skype package in Ubuntu, run the command from Terminal.

wget https://download.skype.com/linux/skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Here it’s essential to notice the version number. So when installing Skype, version no must be checked and replaced with the above one.

Or You can install it by PPA

sudo sh -c "echo 'deb https://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ `lsb_release -cs` partner' >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/skype.list""

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install skype

If you face any problem of missing theme components on a 64-bit laptop, then run the following command into Terminal…

sudo apt-get install gtk2-engines-murrine:i386 gtk2-engines-pixbuf:i386

9. Install the Gnome Tweak Tool

Gnome Tweak tool is one of the useful Ubuntu software. By installing the Gnome tweak tool, you can make a lot of customization on the Gnome desktop. Run the following command to install the Ubuntu Gnome tweak tool.

sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool

10. My Weather Indicator

“My Weather Indicator” is used at the Ubuntu panel to show the weather forecast for the day, and the widget can also be used on the desktop. My Weather Indicator can be installed by adding the following PPA and command.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/atareao
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install my-weather-indicator

11. Caffeine

This application is used to prevent the activation of the lock screen, screen saver, or sleep mode. This tool is useful while enjoying movies or listening to music etc.

sudo apt-get install caffeine

12. Variety

This tool is convenient for using desktop wallpapers. Once the app is being configured, the app menu indicator can be used to change the wallpaper without opening the app.

sudo apt-get install variety

13. Install GDebi GTK and Synaptic

Gnome software center is ok to find or get the best Linux software, but if you don’t know the application name, then that’s the problem. Here old synaptic package manager can help to understand the package name and installing process. Install by the following command.

sudo apt-get install synaptic

If you want to install any .deb files, a gnome-software center can help. But that doesn’t give much information about the package dependencies. So to get more information about the installation package, GDebi GTK can be used.

sudo apt-get install gdebi

14. Install Flash player

Flash player plugin is required to play videos and online games into a browser. If you use only the Firefox web browser, then flash player plugin install is a must. But in the case of google chrome, you need not have a flash player. So to install flash player, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install flashplugin-installer

If this doesn’t work, then follow…

sudo apt-get install pepperflashplugin-nonfree
sudo update-pepperflashplugin-nonfree --install

15. Install Archive Packages

Run the following command from the terminal to install archive Packages in Ubuntu.

sudo apt-get install 7zip unrar zip unzip

16. FTP Client – Filezilla

If you are a web developer, then FileZilla is a must application for you to have it on Ubuntu.

sudo apt-get install filezilla

Final Thought

Is this list of best useful Ubuntu software helpful? Did I miss any important application here? Let me know your favorite one from this list or any other that you liked most in the comment below.