Useful *Linux* Applications

Since July 4th, 2024, I have been permanently on GNU/Linux. Over the last couple of years, I found some highly useful applications. Here are my favorites:

• btop++: Task manager, but a lot better and cooler. This uses vim-like bindings, so if you feel confused when using it, press Esc to read the help. Install: bash sudo apt install btop
• CopyQ: Clipboard manager. Retains a history of copied things and allows searching. Install: bash sudo apt install copyq

• drawio: Draw.io supports GNU/Linux!

• FreeFileSync: Allows easy file synchronization.

• Inkscape: Just like in the Windows version, Inkscape has been great for making vector graphics. It is far more user friendly than illustrator, though part of it is due to less features. Install: bash sudo apt install inkscape
• Joplin: This is a note taking application that is cross-platform. If you have several small notes that are not inter-connected, then I highly recommend this. Use cases include journalling, notetaking for a non-math class, todos, etc. Install: bash wget -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/laurent22/joplin/dev/Joplin_install_and_update.sh | bash
• KDE Connect: Allows cross-platform connection between devices. Install: bash sudo apt install kdeconnect
• Kdenlive: Simple video editing software. bash sudo apt install kdenlive

• kitty with fish and atuin = pretty nice terminal. Setting this up was slightly cumbersome, so I will assume you are tech-savvy enough to install it yourself.

• krop: Allows you to crop PDF documents. Great for extracting figures from research papers. You can also use Inkscape for this. Install: bash sudo apt install krop

• Logseq: A more powerful note-taking app. Unlike Joplin, notes can be inter-connected. This greatly improves note-taking for research, where many papers might cite each other, or ideas maybe linked to each other. I installed this by downloading their AppImage and running it (don’t forget to grant permissions to run!).

• Element: A client for communicating on the federated Matrix universe. This actually came pre-installed on Linux Mint. This is cross-platform, and considering Discord’s ads, better than Discord: download

• NextCloud Desktop Client: To sync with NextCloud of course. Checkout my guide here

• PDF Arranger: Great for merging and arranging PDFs. BentoPDF is another option, but that is a bit too advanced. Install: bash sudo apt install pdfarranger

• Qalculate!: Literally the best calculator I have ever used! Allows unit conversions while performing calculations. Great for using mixed units. Also allows plotting and storing variables! Here’s their download instructions

• Syncthing: Like in Windows, this is great for synchronizing several devices.

• VSCodium: VSCode, but without the telemetry and AI.

• Whispering: Speech to text. Highly recommended when doing experimental research so that you don’t have to note down your actions!

• Zathura: Simple PDF viewer. Install: bash sudo apt install zathura
• Zotero: Library for research papers and more. Zotero also has a great note taking feature. To install, see their website.

Additional background applications:

• LaTeX, but if LaTeX had a child with Markdown, you’d get Typst. I have been using Typst for a while now, and it is so much more user friendly. Do note that not all of LaTeX’s feature is present.

• Typing Booster: Boosts your typing speed by predicting the next word/phrase. Great for non-math and non-code writing, but otherwise, gets in the way. Install: bash sudo apt install ibus-typing-booster

• reveal.js: Presentations using HTML. I like this since using HTML allows me to focus on content. Additionally, it is great at math (like LaTeX Beamer) and videos (like Google Slides).

• fzf: Allows searcrhing for files and folders very quickly.