Before I get started, those who are new to Lubuntu need to know that there is virtually no application that can be installed on Ubuntu that is not also not available for Lubuntu. The exception to that are small apps that integrate into a specific desktop environment. So, of course you are not going to be able to install a Unity lens because the default Lubuntu DE does not use Unity.
That being said, there are a few characteristics that rule out certain software. Lubuntu software should be both (a) lightweight and (b) minimalist.
So, here we go...
Dock - Docky
There are a few docks available for install with Lubuntu. Docky has been my favorite for a few years now. Lightweight. Stable. What more can you ask for?
Install Docky:
Quick Launcher - Synapse
Super fast, integrated with Zeitgeist, and aesthetically pleasing.
Install Synapse:
Text Editor/IDE - Geany
This is not the most comprehensive IDE out there. However, it has quite a few plugin options, it has "enough" features, and it is incredibly light-weight.
Install Geany:
Email/RSS Reader - Web-based
Evolution? Thunderbird? Liferea? Meh... There's not much out there at the moment.
The new Geary project looks promising. Lightread is also a hopeful project. But it's too early for both of them.
Browser - Google Chrome/Firefox
I go back and forth between my love for these two browsers. I simply can't decide which is better.
But if you're wondering why Chrome and not Chromium? Chrome has flash integration, regular updates, and an ntegrated pdf reader.
Install Firefox:
Install Google Chrome by downloading it from Google.
Music Player - Pithos and DeaDBeeF
I am in love with both of these applications. I think DeaDBeeF is a real improvement over Audacious. And Pithos is essential for anyone who love Pandora.
Install Pithos:
Install DeaDBeeF:
Office Suite - LibreOffice
I'm pretty sure that LibreOffice is a cardinal sin to put on a Lubuntu list. I really love AbiWord. But I need more features. LibreOffice provides the whole package.
Install LibreOffice:
Photo Manager - GThumb
No frills photo manager. You can't ask for more.
Install GThumb:
Video - MPlayer
I like VLC, but I haven't had a need to download it lately. MPlayer gobbles up everything I throw at it. It's the default video player on Lubuntu, and I think it's worthy of that status.
Are there any I missed? Did I get any wrong? Leave me a note in the comments!
Keep Reading...
That being said, there are a few characteristics that rule out certain software. Lubuntu software should be both (a) lightweight and (b) minimalist.
So, here we go...
Dock - Docky
There are a few docks available for install with Lubuntu. Docky has been my favorite for a few years now. Lightweight. Stable. What more can you ask for?
sudo apt-get install docky
Quick Launcher - Synapse
Super fast, integrated with Zeitgeist, and aesthetically pleasing.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:synapse-core/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install synapse
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install synapse
Text Editor/IDE - Geany
This is not the most comprehensive IDE out there. However, it has quite a few plugin options, it has "enough" features, and it is incredibly light-weight.
sudo apt-get install geany
Email/RSS Reader - Web-based
Evolution? Thunderbird? Liferea? Meh... There's not much out there at the moment.
The new Geary project looks promising. Lightread is also a hopeful project. But it's too early for both of them.
Browser - Google Chrome/Firefox
I go back and forth between my love for these two browsers. I simply can't decide which is better.
But if you're wondering why Chrome and not Chromium? Chrome has flash integration, regular updates, and an ntegrated pdf reader.
sudo apt-get install firefox
Install Google Chrome by downloading it from Google.
Music Player - Pithos and DeaDBeeF
I am in love with both of these applications. I think DeaDBeeF is a real improvement over Audacious. And Pithos is essential for anyone who love Pandora.
Install Pithos:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kevin-mehall/pithos-daily
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install pithos
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install pithos
Install DeaDBeeF:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexey-smirnov/deadbeef
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install deadbeef
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install deadbeef
Office Suite - LibreOffice
I'm pretty sure that LibreOffice is a cardinal sin to put on a Lubuntu list. I really love AbiWord. But I need more features. LibreOffice provides the whole package.
sudo apt-get install libreoffice
Photo Manager - GThumb
No frills photo manager. You can't ask for more.
sudo apt-get install gthumb
Video - MPlayer
I like VLC, but I haven't had a need to download it lately. MPlayer gobbles up everything I throw at it. It's the default video player on Lubuntu, and I think it's worthy of that status.
Are there any I missed? Did I get any wrong? Leave me a note in the comments!
