Good programs for use in ubuntu/ linux

[Henrythewound]

I just installed ubuntu and got my modem up and running. I was able to install codecs for playing music etc but have no idea what programs of the many available to install. I am a pretty general computer user, email, image processing, music, burning CDs and DVDs, cruising the web, etc. Are there any "must have" programs out there that I should at least check out? Anything like a free version of Matlab? I want to become proficient at a text editor (have used emacs before). Basically I just want your opinion on what programs are especially cool and worthwhile.

Thanks,
Wound

 

[Brazen]

go to ubuntuforums.org. They have a newbie section that answers your question.

 

[PatboyX]

the ubuntu that i had used recently came with pretty much everything needed for basic use. had open/free office, all network tools for basic setup and running (firefox, thunderbird).
the only thing i felt like i really needed to add was a packet sniffer and i pretty much ran down the line offered. i guess most people go with ethereal but i used that as well as about three other programs offered in the ubuntu "add programs" tabs. i really just browsed around that until i found something i might like...but i wouldnt say i needed it.

 

[Henrythewound]

thanks for the info, I have perused the ubuntu forums but did not easily find what I was looking for.

 

[TonyRic]

Free version of Matlab? ummm you are joking right? lol

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: Henrythewound
thanks for the info, I have perused the ubuntu forums but did not easily find what I was looking for.

Here ya go. Found it in like 8 freakin' seconds.

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: TonyRic
Free version of Matlab? ummm you are joking right? lol

A quick search for "Matlab" in the above mentioned thread resulted in finding this:

If you mean Mathematica:
It does run on Linux, but a free replacement would be Maxima. I'd recommend wxMaxima as a GUI for that.

The above mentioned Octave would rather be a free replacement for Matlab.

 

[Brazen]

By the way, the only all-around "essential" I can think of is Webmin, but that's probably cuz I'm a server administrator. There are good GUI tools for desktops, although I still use Webmin on my desktop just cuz I'm used to it. Other than that, it kinda depends. Pretty much stuff that comes default are the essentials, such as totem for movies or Rhythmbox for music. If you are running a website, I would say Joomla is essential, you know it just kinda depends on what you want to do.

 

[Henrythewound]

Originally posted by: Brazen

Originally posted by: TonyRic
Free version of Matlab? ummm you are joking right? lol

A quick search for "Matlab" in the above mentioned thread resulted in finding this:

If you mean Mathematica:
It does run on Linux, but a free replacement would be Maxima. I'd recommend wxMaxima as a GUI for that.

The above mentioned Octave would rather be a free replacement for Matlab.

Wow, I am definitely going to try this out, thanks for the info!

 

[Henrythewound]

Originally posted by: Brazen

Originally posted by: Henrythewound
thanks for the info, I have perused the ubuntu forums but did not easily find what I was looking for.

Here ya go. Found it in like 8 freakin' seconds.

I missed that one, thanks