Ubuntu Linux – Replacing Windows – Day 5

6 April 2009 1 views One Comment

Ubuntu in 7 Days: Day 5

Day1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7

Software Essentials

In this article, lets take a look at a few alternative softwares that you might want working on your freshly installed Ubuntu System. These are few of the software applications that I like to use in addition to the previous essential softwares mentioned in Day 4. Lets go ahead and install.

Amarok

If you are looking for a alternative player that does an excellent job? Then you need to look no further. I would highly recommend this player as your main player. Over time of usage I have come to like it and has become my main player in ubuntu. Did I tell you that there is a version for Windows available.

Installation is so simple I tells ya. Click Application and Add/Remove. Search for Amarok and tick it. Click Apply changes and you are done.

I will let you play with it. You can get back to be any time if you need assistance on this.

VideoLan player (VLC)

This is another must have video player. It can play any format you throw at it. Try it out and let me know. I almost exclusively use it on my Windows and Linux machines. On excellent and easy to use player.

Installation is the same process as Amarok player. Go to Add/remove applications and then type in VLC. Need I say more?

AVG Anti Virus

Most linux guys will tell you there is no need for an Anti-virus for Linux. There are very few virus or malware around for Linux that it is almost negligible. Moreover, the way Linux is built makes it difficult for such infections.

I will advise you to have a simple Anti Virus to be installed. If this is going to be a fully utilised main system then it is better to have it installed. You might be transferring or sharing files with family friends and colleagues that might be infected. When you share that out again to another person, you are spreading the virus. The virus might be written for a Windows or Mac system and you might be passing along unknowingly even though your own Linux system might not be affected.

Follow the steps mentioned here to install. Simple tutorial for you to install.
As for me, I did download the debian package and did a double click to install. Since Ubuntu is debian based, a deb package is recognised. Then follow the Launcher portion onwards to get the launcher to be installed to the correct application categories.

Firestarter Firewall

Your ADSL or any wireless router device might have some level of firewall protection from external prodding and attacks. Ideally it would be good to have a dedicated hardware firewall to provide the best protection. In our case a software firewall will do the trick or rather more than sufficient.

I would recommend the simple and useful Firestarter. Howtogeek.com has a simple guide. Click here and proceed to install without any hassle.