Ubuntu Programs: Which Are the Best and How to Install Them

Discover the best programs for Ubuntu and learn how to install, manage, and uninstall them easily, with clear examples and solutions to the most common issues.

Have you ever tried searching for programs for Ubuntu without knowing where to start? Have you followed online guides to install software, only to end up with strange errors returned by the system? Or maybe you’re wondering why an app you used on Windows isn’t available on your Linux distribution, leaving you unsure about what to do next.

If these situations sound familiar, you’re not alone. Switching to Ubuntu Desktop can seem complicated at first: new commands, new tools, Snap packages, alternatives to well-known programs, and less intuitive ways to install and manage software. Yet, once you understand a few key concepts, you’ll discover that Ubuntu can offer a stable, customizable, and extremely efficient environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know: where to find the best Ubuntu programs, how to install programs on Ubuntu, how to remove them without issues, and how to choose the right tools for your daily work.

Table of Contents

• Where to Find the Best Programs for Ubuntu
• How to Install Programs on Ubuntu
• How to Uninstall a Program on Ubuntu
• The Best Ubuntu Programs to Install Right Away
• Ubuntu Programs: the Most Useful by Category
  • Ubuntu Programs: Internet
  • Ubuntu Programs: Productivity
  • Ubuntu Programs: Photo and Video
  • Ubuntu Programs: Music
  • Ubuntu Programs: Other Useful Tools
• FAQ: Ubuntu Programs

Where to Find the Best Programs for Ubuntu

The world of open-source programs is huge, and most software can be installed for free. The first place to look is the Software Center, an application with an easy-to-use graphical interface that allows you to search, install, and update nearly anything.

Many programs can be installed from the official repositories using the command:

sudo apt get install program-name

This is the most stable and recommended method, especially when an app is already optimized for Ubuntu.

Other tools are distributed as Snap packages, designed to work on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without modifications. To install them:

sudo snap install app-name

In some cases—especially with technical or development software—the program may be downloaded from the source code and compiled manually. This isn’t for everyone, but it can be useful if no official package exists yet.

How to Install Programs on Ubuntu

Choosing the right method depends on your needs and on the type of software.

• The Software Center is ideal for users who prefer a graphical interface.
• The command sudo apt get install is perfect for speed and stability.
• Snap packages allow you to install isolated, always-updated software, even though they occupy more disk space.
• .deb packages offer a middle ground: download, double-click, and Ubuntu installs them.

Whatever you need to install, Ubuntu always provides a practical method to get it done.

How to Uninstall a Program on Ubuntu

If you want to free up space or remove unused applications, understanding how to uninstall a program on Ubuntu is essential.

For programs installed with apt:

sudo apt remove program-name

Or, to remove configuration files as well:

sudo apt purge program-name

For Snap packages:

sudo snap remove app-name

Once you understand these commands, managing the system becomes much easier and faster.

The Best Ubuntu Programs to Install Right Away

Ubuntu already includes several useful tools, but adding extra software can make you more productive. LibreOffice, Firefox, VLC, GIMP, and Visual Studio Code are just a few essential programs that can be installed with a single command and offer complete features for work, creativity, and entertainment.

Ubuntu Programs: the Most Useful by Category

To help you navigate among the many available applications, here’s a selection organized by daily activities.

Ubuntu Programs: Internet

To browse the web, Ubuntu already includes Firefox, but you can install excellent alternatives:

• Chromium – open source, fast, and compatible with Chrome extensions
• Brave Browser – ideal for privacy and ad blocking
• Thunderbird – a complete email client, often preinstalled
• FileZilla – perfect for managing FTP servers

These tools can be installed via apt, Snap, or .deb files depending on availability.

Ubuntu Programs: Productivity

If you use your computer for work or study, these tools may be extremely useful:

• LibreOffice – a complete suite, often preinstalled
• OnlyOffice – modern interface and strong compatibility with Microsoft documents
• Obsidian or Joplin – excellent for note-taking
• Visual Studio Code – great for software or web development

Almost everything can be installed on Ubuntu with a single command through the terminal or the Software Center.

Ubuntu Programs: Photo and Video

If you work with graphics or editing:

• GIMP – a solid alternative to Photoshop
• Inkscape – vector graphics editor
• Kdenlive – powerful and easy-to-use video editor
• Shotwell – clean and intuitive photo manager

These programs install quickly and work perfectly on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions.

Ubuntu Programs: Music

For users working with audio and music:

• Audacity – powerful open-source audio editor
• Rhythmbox – music player included in many Ubuntu versions
• VLC – plays any multimedia format and installs in seconds

Ubuntu Programs: Other Useful Tools

Some tools don’t fit neatly into the previous categories but are still invaluable:

• BleachBit – system cleaner, great for recovering space
• Timeshift – creates system snapshots for safety
• Wine – lets you run Windows programs when possible
• Steam – makes gaming on Linux simple and accessible

These programs can be installed on Ubuntu without difficulty and can make daily use much easier.

FAQ: Ubuntu Programs

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