Most Useful Linux Programs & Configurations

My list of most useful Linux Programs

The Right Distro :) - Favorites are Linux Mint (Gnome and LXDE versions), Lubuntu, Ubuntu

Openoffice.org - specifically Go-OO, which Ubuntu and Ubuntu derivatives use by default

FreeMind - Mind mapping software, great for sketching out ideas

Chrome or Chromium Web browser - Speedy and I snyc my bookmarks between all my computers, Windows & Linux

Terminal Server Client - Allows me to RDP into my Windows machines on the server

Pidgin Internet Messenger - Chat over multiple protocals

Virtualbox - so I can setup my virtual Windows machines, etc

System Profiler & Benchmark - system info at your fingertips

Xfce4 Taskmanager - only if you want detailed system usage information similar to Windows Task Manager

AceToneISO - allows mounting of ISO and proprietary CD image files like mdf as virtual disks.

Etherape - graphical map of network traffic
Dolphin - Network and web browser. Allows me to easily see Samba and Linux shared drives. Works better than many alternatives and works with LXDE desktop.

Others of note:

Zimbra Desktop - as an email client

RealPlayer - media player

Google Earth -

Skype - phone

Exaile - music player with simple, easy interface

If desktop for new to Linux user:

Desktop - change to only 1 desktop

Adobe - Install reader and flash plugins if not included in distribution

File defaults - in OpenOffice, set defaults to XP2003 file formats for saving

Add trash can icon to desktop - for Ubuntu run gconf-editor

Wifi cards - check proprietary drivers are enabled for any cards