Last Updated on March 11, 2022
This article needs updating/deleting.
With so many different distributions and a huge collection of open source software available, it can be difficult to finding the best application for getting things done.
We previously published an article on excellent open source productivity tools in 2008. Many of the tools featured in that article have fallen by the wayside. Many of the projects were developed by one or a few developers. They ceased working on the projects, in part because better alternatives sprung forward. Given the length of time that has elapsed, we thought it best to update the article.
This article focuses predominately on software that helps individuals organise their day, capture and retrieve information, and assist them fulfilling their various roles in life (whether as a parent, employer, employee, good neighbour etc), as well as streamlining the desktop. It has been brought up-to-date with the best open source tools available.
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 21 best Linux productivity tools. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wishes to organise their daily life.
Now, let’s explore the 21 productivity tools at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.
| Productivity Tools | |
|---|---|
| Evolution | Integrated mail, addressbook and calendaring functionality |
| Kontact | Unites mature and proven applications |
| Osmo | Feature-laden personal organizer |
| MyNotex | Take and to manage textual notes and activity management |
| BasKet Note Pads | Organizing, sharing, and taking notes |
| Tomboy | GNOME desktop note-taking application |
| CherryTree | Hierarchical note taking application packed with features |
| Recoll | Personal full text search tool |
| Tracker | Object database, extensible tag/metadata database, search tool and indexer |
| Catfish | File searching tool |
| Cairo-Dock | Light and eye-candy dock to launch your programs |
| Docky | Elegant, powerful, clean dock |
| Synapse | Semantic graphical launcher written in Vala |
| Albert | Desktop agnostic launcher |
| FreeMind | Visualise ideas, projects, brainstorming, concepts, internet research |
| View Your Mind | Store and modify information in an intuitive way |
| Lightning Calendar | Organize your schedule and life’s important events in a calendar |
| Terminator | Multiple GNOME terminals in one window |
| GNOME Terminal | Terminal emulator for the GNOME desktop environment |
| Autokey | Desktop automation utility |
| Easystroke | Highly configurable gesture-recognition application |
 Read our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software. The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. |
What? No listing of Orage Calendar?? It is, by far, much better than Osmo or Lightening Calendar (listed). It take up the least amount of screen space even when left permanently on the screen. Holiday, event, and to do reminders. It is one of THE best calendar apps/programs available.
You’ve stumbled upon a legacy article which is scheduled for an update.