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Like any worthwhile operating system, popular Linux distributions define themselves not just by the default desktop manager in use, but also by the software elected to be included out of the box. This said, not all of the most important applications are always included in the popular distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora.

So to assist in helping those making the switch, I'll provide a roundup of the applications for the casual Linux desktop that I feel are must haves.

1. Evolution

Having tried the KDE PIM application in the past, I always found myself coming back to Evolution as my MS Outlook alternative, because it simply provides me with all of the support that I need. For people who are brand new to the application, they will find that switching to this PIM is a snap, if for no other reason than it just feels more natural to use. Not everyone needs their PIM client to resemble their file manager.

What makes this a must-have application?

While Thunderbird users will disagree, I feel that for those who want it all in a single application, Evolution is the best match. Calendar, contacts, email while taking things into the air with MS Exchange for those who are still stuck using Microsoft's Exchange servers at work. For those who must keep the pace in a non-exclusive-to-Linux world that many of our employers thrust us into, this application can make life a little less stressful.

2. gscan2pdf

It's true that both GNOME and KDE desktops provide their own ideas on the best way to handle scanned documents; the fact of the matter is that scanning them into PDF is another matter entirely. Not to mention going overkill with tons of unneeded options. What has brought me to gscan2pdf in the first place was the ability the application provides.

What makes this a must-have application?

Besides being able to scan images fairly easily without being saddle by unneeded options, I also find the ability to send the scanned docs into PDF format a real time saver.

3. WINE

Before I get started here, allow me to say the following. WINE is not a cure-all for those wishing to run legacy Windows apps without Windows. It is, however, a darn good place for many legacy Windows apps to run fairly well though.

What makes this a must-have application?

One of the best examples of using WINE technology at its best has to be the ability to install and use Firefox for Windows. This is particularly true when faced with those few website-accessibility issues requiring Windows specifically, or even worse, the need for Shockwave. WINE has served me well countless times in this sense.

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