Top 5 Applications I Can’t Live Without
May 24, 2009 by Clair Ching
Filed under Geeky Fun
Since I started using Linux, I’ve found a new set of tools that help me in my work everyday. If not directly used for work, at least these tools help me work faster in one way or another.
- Drivel – Who says blogging can only be done via the web browser? Drivel supports WordPress as well as LiveJournal. Whether I need to blog here, my personal blog on LJ, or elsewhere, Drivel makes it easier for me and I don’t need to launch another webpage and wait for everything to load. I could type my drafts on Drivel and post them at a later time. This is especially for moments when the internet provider fails.
- Pidgin – The application that used to be called Gaim. This all-in-one messaging client is still the most useful for me. GyachiE works and there’s also Empathy but I like my keyboard shortcuts on Pidgin a lot. It is easier and faster for me to use Pidgin because I could easily launch a conversation with my contacts.
- Firefox – My favorite web browser. I love the fact that it has many plugins and extensions. Not to mention personas and themes. Whether I want to use it easily with StumbleUpon, delicious or something else, Firefox makes it easy.
- Emacs planner mode – Because I am back to using Emacs, I can’t help but include Planner mode. I like taking down notes with Planner mode because I don’t think about what it will look like as it’s just going to be stored as a text file. Because it’s in Emacs, I could customize Planner mode too.
- Gnome-Do – If you want the ultimate launcher, Gnome-Do is awesome. You really have to try it so you know what I am talking about. It could launch conversation dialogs, launch your favorite apps, and so much more.
What are your top 5 apps? Maybe there are applications out there that I must try so let me know. 
A few that I have found indispensable:
Liferea: Rather than log onto 20 web sites every morning, I use Liferea to download all of my news, favourite blogs, and snippets from the open source world, and they are waiting for me when I sit down at the computer with my first cuppa tea. I found your blog post that way
Evolution: With GMail and Google contacts and calendar integration, Evolution has become my lifeline to the world.
Tomboy Notes: This helps me remember everything. Often used serial numbers, tricks to restart Network Manager, and even lists of action items that I want to discuss when certain people call.
Conduit: This little utility takes care of syncing data, services and devices. It is unobtrusive, and it just works.
Simple Backup: I’m a backups fanatic — and this utility is easy and works well, ensuring that my data is backed up so *when* my disk crashes or my filesystem gets hosed, I have not lost much.