10 Best Linux Apps and Software in 2023

Linux the open-source operating system, has gained immense popularity over the years due to its flexibility, security, and the vibrant community behind it. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just getting started, there’s a wealth of software available to help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best Linux apps and software in 2023 that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.

1. Virtual Box

VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool that enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. It’s invaluable for testing, development, and running legacy software. It is a popular and versatile virtualization software that allows you to run more than 1 system software in a single system. It works on various host operating systems, including Linux. You can download the VirtualBox package for your Linux distribution directly from the VirtualBox website.

Download command on Ubuntu : " sudo apt install virtualbox "
For specific version of software, you can use : " sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.1 " 
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install VirtualBox "
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S virtualbox "

For complete VirtualBox installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to Install VirtualBox in Linux?

2. Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a robust and customizable email client, ideal for managing multiple email accounts efficiently. It offers excellent security features and supports numerous extensions. The most promising feature is the backup storage for all the messages on your computer. It was primarily developed my Mozilla. It’s available for various operating systems, including Linux, and provides a feature-rich and customizable email experience.

Download Command on Bash : " sudo apt install thunderbird "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install thunderbird "
Download command for Snap : " sudo snap install thunderbird " 
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S thunderbird "

For complete Thunderbird installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to Install Latest Thunderbird?

3. Bottles

Linux users have long sought a seamless solution for running Windows applications on their systems, and Bottles has emerged as a game-changer. This remarkable application is not only a powerful Windows compatibility layer but also a versatile tool optimized for gaming and designed to cater to users of all skill levels.

Download Command on Bash : " sudo flatpak install bottles "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install bottles "
Download command for Arch Linux : " yay -S bottles "
Download command for OpenSUSE : " zypper addrepo https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/games:tools/openSUSE_Tumbleweed/games:tools.repo "
                                                                   " zypper install bottles "

For complete Bottles installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to Install bottle package on Linux?

4. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is a highly regarded open-source password manager that allows you to securely store and manage your passwords and other sensitive information. It’s available for various platforms, including Linux. Bitwarden offers both a web-based interface and desktop applications. You can download the application by visiting the official Bitwarden website at https://bitwarden.com/download/ .

Download Command on Bash :  " sudo dpkg -i bitwarden-desktop*.deb "
               " sudo apt-get install -f "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install Bitwarden-*-x86_64.rpm "
Download command for Snap : " sudo snap install bitwarden "

5. Visual Code Studio

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It is available for Linux and can be installed on various Linux distributions. You can also download the Visual Studio Code package directly from the official website and install it manually.

Download Command for Bash : " sudo apt install code "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install code "
Download command for Snap : " sudo snap install --classic code "
Download command for OpenSUSE : " sudo zypper install code "

For complete VS Code installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to Download and Install VS Code?

6. LibreOffice

In the world of open-source software, LibreOffice shines as a powerful and feature-rich office suite designed to meet the needs of Linux users. LibreOffice has gained prominence for its versatility, compatibility with various file formats, and a broad range of applications. For office productivity, LibreOffice is the go-to suite. It includes powerful applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more, making it a fantastic alternative to proprietary office software.

Download Command for Bash : " sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa "
                                                         " sudo apt install libreoffice "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install libreoffice "
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S libreoffice-fresh "

For complete LibreOffice installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to Download and Install LibreOffice?

7. Boxes

Virtualization is a crucial tool for software developers, system administrators, and enthusiasts alike. For Linux users, “Boxes” has emerged as a powerful yet user-friendly virtual machine manager, offering the capability to create virtual machines (VMs) of various operating systems, including Windows and other Linux distributions.

Download Command on Bash : " sudo flatpak install boxes "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install boxes "
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S boxes "
Download command for openSUSE : " sudo zypper in boxes "

8. GIMP

GIMP is a feature-rich open-source image editor, often compared to Adobe Photoshop. It’s perfect for graphic design, photo retouching, and creating stunning visuals. In the realm of open-source software, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) stands tall as a versatile and powerful image editor. Available for Linux and other platforms, GIMP has earned a reputation as a reliable alternative to proprietary image editing software.

Download Command for Bash : " sudo apt install gimp "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install gimp"
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S gimp "
Download command for openSUSE : " sudo zypper in gimp "

For complete GIMP installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to install GIMP on Linux?

9. ProtonVPN

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your online privacy is of paramount importance. With an array of VPN options available in the market, Linux users can take advantage of ProtonVPN, a freemium VPN service that stands out for its reliability and robust privacy features. It is also one of the widely used applications in Linux.

Download Command in Bash : " sudo flatpak install protonvpn "
Download command for Fedora : " sudo dnf install protonvpn "
Download command for Manjaro : " pamac build protonvpn "

For complete ProtonVPN installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to install ProtonVPN on Linux?

10. Krita

In the realm of digital art, finding a versatile and user-friendly application is essential for unleashing your creative potential. Krita, an exceptional open-source digital painting, editing, and animation software, emerges as the go-to choice for artists and designers. Developed by KDE, Krita boasts an impressive array of features and an intuitive user interface, making it a favorite among digital artists.

Download Command in Bash             : " sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kritalime/ppa "
Download Command in Ubuntu         :   " sudo apt-get install krita "
Download command for Fedora        : " sudo dnf install krita "
Download command for Arch Linux : " sudo pacman -S krita "

For complete Krita installation you can refer the below article on GFG : How to install Krita on Linux?

Conclusion

Linux is more than just an operating system; it’s a platform for creativity, productivity, and innovation. These ten best Linux apps and software represent just a fraction of the vast ecosystem available to users. Whether you’re an artist, developer, writer, or everyday computer user, Linux offers a diverse range of tools to meet your needs. Explore, experiment, and discover the world of open-source software on your Linux system, and unlock the full potential of your computing experience.