On the Ubuntu Desktop

Listed below are common Windows applications that already have an equivalent installed on the Ubuntu desktop. There are also some common alternatives listed.

Word Processing

• Windows: Word

• Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Writer

• Alternatives: Abiword

Spreadsheet

• Windows: Excel

• Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Calc

• Alternatives: Gnumeric

Presentation

• Windows: PowerPoint

• Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Impress

Database

• Windows: Access

• Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Base

• Alternatives: Glom

Web Browser

• Windows: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox

• Ubuntu: Mozilla Firefox

• Alternatives: Epiphany, Mozilla

Note

Mozilla Firefox runs on Windows as well as Linux, allowing you to have the same browsing experience.

E-Mail

• Windows: Outlook Express, Outlook, or Mozilla Thunderbird

• Ubuntu: Evolution

• Alternatives: Mozilla Thunderbird

Media Players

• Windows: Windows Media Player, iTunes, Winamp

• Ubuntu: Rhythmbox, Totem Movie Player

• Alternatives: Banshee, Muine, Beep Media Player

Note

Due to patent restrictions, Ubuntu cannot install the codecs for some media codecs. Please see Chapter 3 for information on how to do this.

Photo Editor

• Windows: Adobe Photoshop or the GIMP

• Ubuntu: The GIMP

Instant Messaging

• Windows: AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, or Gaim

• Ubuntu: Gaim

Note

Gaim can connect to AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, and Google Talk networks.

Voice Over IP

• Windows: Skype or GizmoProject

• Ubuntu: Ekiga Softphone or Skype

Note

Skype uses a proprietary protocol that only Skype can understand. Ekiga uses an open protocol, called SIP, so if you are just starting out with voice over IP, use Ekiga to avoid being tied to one program. Ekiga can also talk H.323, so you can connect with Windows NetMeeting clients as well.