Best Linux apps: utilities

• AnyDesk

  Remote desktop for helping someone, or being helped, with a short number instead of setup.

  Free with paid extras

• Ark

  The archive tool built into KDE desktops. Opens and creates zip, 7z, rar and tar files from the right-click menu.

  Free · Open source

• BleachBit

  Clears caches, browser history and temporary files to free space and tidy up.

  Free · Open source

• Calculator (GNOME)

  The calculator that comes with Ubuntu and Fedora. Standard, scientific, programmer and conversion modes.

  Free · Open source

• Czkawka

  Finds duplicate files, similar photos and empty folders so you can clear space.

  Free · Open source

• Disk Usage Analyzer (Baobab)

  Shows what is eating your disk space as a tree and a coloured map. The Linux answer to WinDirStat.

  Free · Open source

• Files (Nautilus)

  The file manager on Ubuntu and Fedora. The Linux equivalent of File Explorer.

  Free · Open source

• FileZilla

  The same FTP and SFTP file transfer program you used on Windows, with an official Linux version.

  Free · Open source

• Flameshot

  Screenshot tool with arrows, blur and text you add right after you grab the shot.

  Free · Open source

• FSearch

  Instant file search by name. Type a few letters and matching files appear straight away.

  Free · Open source

• GNOME Boxes

  The easy way to run Windows or another Linux inside a window. Pick a system and it downloads and installs it.

  Free · Open source

• GNOME Disks

  Built-in disk tool. Checks drive health, formats USB sticks, writes images and shows what is on each drive.

  Free · Open source

• GNOME Screenshot

  Screen capture on GNOME desktops. Press the Print key and pick an area, a window or the whole screen.

  Free · Open source

• GNOME Text Editor

  The plain text editor that comes with GNOME desktops. The Notepad of Linux, with tabs and colour coding.

  Free · Open source

• Google Earth Pro

  Google's satellite globe, with official Linux installer files. A web version covers the same ground.

  Free

• Java (OpenJDK)

  The Java runtime that programs ask you to install. Free builds for Linux from Eclipse Temurin and your app store.

  Free · Open source

• KDE Connect

  Links your phone to your desktop for notifications, files, clipboard and a remote control.

  Free · Open source

• ksnip

  Screenshot tool with proper annotation. Draw, add text, blur private details and upload, on X11 or Wayland.

  Free · Open source

• LocalSend

  Sends files between your phone and computer over your own wifi, with no account.

  Free · Open source

• Mission Center

  Task Manager for Linux. Shows CPU, memory, disk, network and graphics use, plus what each app is using.

  Free · Open source

• OpenRGB

  One app for the lighting on all your gear, without Razer, Corsair, MSI or ASUS software.

  Free · Open source

• PeaZip

  Archive manager for zip, 7z, rar and around 200 other formats, with encryption.

  Free · Open source

• Piper

  Settings app for gaming mice. Changes DPI steps, button assignments and the light colour on supported models.

  Free · Open source

• qBittorrent

  Torrent client that looks like the old µTorrent, without the ads.

  Free · Open source

• Remmina

  Connects to other computers' screens over RDP, VNC and SSH from one window.

  Free · Open source

• Software (GNOME Software)

  The app store built into Ubuntu, Fedora and most GNOME systems. Browse, install, remove and update.

  Free · Open source

• Solaar

  Manager for Logitech keyboards and mice. Shows battery level, pairs devices to a receiver and changes button behaviour.

  Free · Open source

• Ventoy

  Turns a USB stick into a menu of installers, so you copy ISO files on and boot any of them.

  Free · Open source

• VirtualBox

  Runs a whole copy of Windows in a window on your Linux desktop.

  Free · Open source

• Waydroid

  Runs a full Android system on Linux so you can use Android apps on the desktop.

  Free · Open source