THE Complete list of all tools and apps I use on Linux!

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to the Linux desktop setup of an experienced user, detailing every application, utility, and workflow used daily. From the KDE Plasma desktop environment, web browsers like Floorp, and file management with Dolphin, to productivity tools like LibreOffice, Joplin, and Planify, the creator covers both essential and niche software. The video also explores media production with OBS, Audacity, and DaVinci Resolve, backup strategies using KDE tools, Synology, and Nextcloud, and system management on Tuxedo hardware. Packed with practical tips, personal insights, and tool recommendations, it demonstrates that Linux can be a fully capable platform for professional and creative work.

Takeaways

• 😀 KDE Plasma 6.5 is the primary desktop environment used, offering speed, stability, and extensive customization through panels and applets.
• 😀 Floorp is the main web browser for avoiding Google Chromium dominance while retaining Firefox-based features and extensions.
• 😀 Key utilities include PDF Arranger for PDFs, Eloquent for proofreading, GNOME Disks for storage management, Filelight for disk usage analysis, and Warehouse for Flatpak management.
• 😀 Planify is the preferred task management tool due to its simplicity, CalDAV/Todoist sync, scheduling, and reminders, while Anytype is used less due to complexity.
• 😀 Dolphin is the primary file manager for KDE, providing split view, bulk renaming, and terminal integration, though it struggles with two-factor authentication for NAS/Nextcloud.
• 😀 Image tools include Diffuse for background removal, OptiImage for compression, Switcheroo for format conversion, Gwenview for viewing, and The for basic editing.
• 😀 Virtual machines are handled with GNOME Boxes for ease of use and 3D acceleration, and most apps are installed via Flatpak for stability.
• 😀 Office and document tools include LibreOffice for editing, GNOME PDF Editor for annotations, and Scan Lite for scanning, avoiding problematic apps like OnlyOffice.
• 😀 Media production relies on OBS for recording, Audacity for redundant audio, and DaVinci Resolve for video editing, despite its complexity and Nvidia dependency.
• 😀 Backup and syncing involve KDE's built-in backup tool, Synology Drive, and Nextcloud Desktop to ensure redundancy across local and cloud storage.
• 😀 Notes and scripting are managed with Joplin (markdown-based, syncable), while QOwnNotes was previously used for KDE integration.
• 😀 Communication is handled with Thunderbird for channel emails and ProtonMail for personal use, with minimal desktop calendar use.
• 😀 Miscellaneous tools include KDE Connect for phone integration, Tuxedo Control Center for hardware management, Winboot for rare Windows app use, and Mission Center for system monitoring.
• 😀 The overall workflow demonstrates that Linux can be a fully viable platform for daily work without dual-booting, leveraging open-source and KDE-specific tools effectively.
• 😀 Sponsors highlighted include TuxCare (for security patches and lifecycle support) and Tuxedo Computers (Linux-compatible PCs).

Q & A

Which desktop environment does the speaker use and why does he prefer it?

The speaker uses KDE Plasma (version 6.5 on Tuxedo OS). He prefers it because it is fast, stable, highly customizable, offers excellent default applications, and provides flexibility through widgets and panel configuration.

What modifications has the speaker made to his KDE desktop setup?

He uses a top panel instead of the default bottom panel, employs the Gently plasma theme, Breeze Dark colors and icons, Darkly for application styling, Oxygen White cursors, Inter fonts, and an Advanced Weather widget on the desktop.

Why does the speaker use Floorp instead of Firefox or Chrome?

He uses Floorp because it is a Firefox-based browser with more customization options and fewer intrusive AI features. He also appreciates avoiding the Chromium ecosystem while still retaining Firefox compatibility.

What browser does the speaker use when Firefox-based browsers are incompatible?

He occasionally uses Ungoogled Chromium for websites and services, such as certain video conferencing tools, that do not work properly with Firefox-based browsers.

Which application does the speaker use for PDF editing and what tasks does it support?

He uses PDF Arranger to merge PDFs, reorder pages, remove pages, rotate pages, and export edited documents into a single PDF.

How does Eloquent help the speaker with writing?

Eloquent assists by identifying typos, grammar mistakes, and style issues. Since the speaker is a non-native English speaker, it helps refine sentence structure and improve writing quality.

Why does the speaker prefer GNOME Disks over KDE Partition Manager?

He finds GNOME Disks more reliable and intuitive. It simplifies tasks such as formatting drives and flashing ISO images to USB devices.

What role does Warehouse play in the speaker's workflow?

Warehouse helps manage Flatpak applications by listing installed apps, managing remotes, viewing user data locations, creating snapshots, and simplifying Flatpak-related tasks.

Why does the speaker consider Planify one of the best Linux task management applications?

He values Planify because of its clean interface, support for recurring tasks, tags, due dates, reminders, calendar integration, synchronization options, and simple project organization.

What issue does the speaker encounter with Dolphin file manager?

Dolphin struggles to connect to his NAS and Nextcloud storage after two-factor authentication is enabled. This prevents seamless access through the file manager sidebar.

Why does the speaker use GNOME Boxes instead of VirtualBox?

He finds GNOME Boxes much smoother and easier to use. VirtualBox frequently crashed or froze, while GNOME Boxes offers better integration and ISO download support.

Which tools does the speaker use for image compression and image format conversion?

He uses OptiImage to compress images and Switcheroo to convert formats, especially WebP files that are unsupported in some applications like DaVinci Resolve.

How does the speaker handle backups and file synchronization?

He uses KDE's built-in backup system for full system backups and synchronizes important files to both a Synology NAS and a Nextcloud server for redundancy.

Which applications does the speaker use for note-taking and script writing?

He currently uses Joplin because of its synchronization features, markdown support, plugins, and simple interface. Previously, he used QOwnNotes.

Why does the speaker record audio separately with Audacity despite OBS already recording audio?

He previously experienced occasional audio skipping issues in OBS recordings. Audacity serves as a backup recording method to avoid needing to re-record content.

What frustrations does the speaker have with DaVinci Resolve on Linux?

He considers DaVinci Resolve powerful but difficult to install, update, and maintain. It also works best on Nvidia GPUs, effectively locking him into Nvidia hardware.

What applications does the speaker use for email management?

He uses Thunderbird for work and channel emails, while Proton Mail handles his personal email accounts.

How does the speaker transfer files between devices?

He uses KDE Connect to send files and content between his desktop and phone.

What broader point does the speaker make about Linux as a daily operating system?

He argues that Linux is entirely suitable for daily work and productivity. After using Linux exclusively for eight years without dual booting, he believes it is practical for normal users, not only enthusiasts.

What is the speaker's overall philosophy regarding Linux applications?

He prioritizes applications that are practical, reliable, and simple rather than chasing the most advanced or feature-rich options. Stability and usability are more important than novelty.