Which application should i use on Linux ?

Something that every non-Linux users find themselves at the first encounter with one of the linux distributions is certainly the diversity and freedom of choice of applications.

Need a word processor? In addition to five basic, there are another dozen specialized for a particular type of text and also so many variations of each depending on the tastes of users. The case is the same with all other applications ... In fact, the only thing you can not find the applications that come directly with one operating system (such as Notepad, Paint) or by the manufacturer of the software written for certain operating systems (such as Photoshop or AutoCAD).

But don't worry this is not a problem in Linux and soon enough you'll learn on how to choose the best software (for you), i also suggest this nice article regarding choice in Linux:

Are You Intimidated By Breakfast Cereal?

In order to keep things a little easier, I'll post a small review of software i've used/tested in my Linux life.

With these few mentioned there are, at least, as many alternatives, so if someone notices that i dropped a particularly important program, feel free to suggest as an addition in the comments.

Internet Browsers

Since this is an area that is covered by many open source applications on other operating systems, most people probably heard or already using some of these browsers:

Firefox - is generally the most common internet browser, upgradable with numerous Plugins.

Chrome (chromium) - speed centric, internet browser developed by Google

SeaMonkey - it's an internet suite with browser, Email and mailing list

links, lynx - text browsers, without a graphical user interface

E-mail Clients

Similar to the browser, Thunderbird is probably known to most of the users due to widespread use on other operating systems.

Thunderbird - another product of Mozilla project, Firefox and SeaMonkey

Evolution - e-mail client, and calendar, browser tasks, notes and address book (for MS users - something like Outlook)

Mutt - text e-mail client without the GUI

Calendar

Evolution (already listed on mail client)

Sunbird - Another software available from Mozilal foudnation, also available as lighting an extension for thunderbird

Instant Messaging

There are a lot of nice IM client around, these are 2 that support multi protocol::

Pidgin IM - a large number of different protocols supported, MSN, GTalk, Yahoo, IRC, ICQ and Skype chat

Empathy - similar to that of Pidgin, less protocols supported, but has become Gnome default application (and so you'll find it in Ubuntu)

Document Processing

As regards the processing of documents, OpenOffice is certainly the most famous set of tools for this area, but there are several other programs that can handle documents.

OpenOffice - toolkit for processing text documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and simple drawing

Abiword - processing text documents

Gnumeric - Spreadsheet

KPresenter - processing and presentations

Audio and Video

As for the playback of video and audio recordings, the choice is wide, you should not have a problem with codecs with these application.

VLC - with a large number of audio and video formats and supports and streaming

MPlayer - video player

TOTEM - Another nice video player with a lot of plugins

Rhytmbox - audio files, streaming radio stations

Amarok - listening, storing and cataloging audio files

Imaging, photography and video

We all sometimes need to process an image, draw a diagram or process the video of your vacation. These programs can do it without any problems, some of which can be used for more advanced stuff.

GIMP - Advanced image processing and photography

Inkscape - image processing in vector form

Dia - diagram drawing

QCad - 2D CAD application

Blender - 3D modeling and animation

Cinelerra - video processing

Audacity - Multi-channel sound processing

And if you think that is not enough check this site:

http://www.linuxalt.com/

For a database with Windows software and the Linux equivalents and alternatives.