Linux Text Editors

This is the first in a series of brand new mini-features.

• 21 of the Best Free Linux Text Editors - A compilation of the finest Linux text editors, with both console and graphical applications covered.

Linux Science

This is our latest feature.

• 42 of the Best Free Linux Scientific Software - A compilation of the finest Linux science software, covering maths, biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, electronics, engineering, geography and more.

Linux Email

Linux is the world of choice with a bewildering array of email software available.

• 42 of the Best Free Linux Email Software - A compilation of the finest Linux email software, covering email clients (graphical, console and web based), groupware, servers, utilities, security, filtering, mailing list managers and more.

Linux Gaming

If you believe that Linux is just for business, think again! There's thousands of games available that run on your favorite distribution. We have trawled the net to locate the finest available, covering a wide range of different game genres. For each game we have created its own portal page, capturing all the information you need to know.

• 42 of the Best Free Linux Games - Our own personal pick of the finest free native Linux games.
• 42 More of the Best Free Linux Games - The Linux community's selection of their favorite games. which didn't make the above compilation
• 42 of the Best Commercial Linux Games - Native commercial Linux games that either require a fee to purchase the game, or a monthly charge.

Linux Multimedia

Linux is a multimedia powerhouse. With the huge selection of open source software available, Linux offers the ideal environment for audio and video enthusiasts.

• 42 of the Best Free Linux Audio Software - Our personal selection of the finest free Linux audio applications covering music players/managers, recording/editing tools, sequencers, synthesizers and much more.
• 42 of the Best Free Linux Video Software
• Dedicated multimedia distributions include: 64 Studio, DeMiDi, dyne:bolic, and Ubuntu Studio.

Linux Distributions

A typical desktop Linux distribution consists of various software components including the Linux kernel and a collection of free and open source software, such as office suites, email clients, web browsers, instant messaging, graphics editors, video players and more. Check out the following:

• Linux Distribution Guide - A brief guide to the world of Linux distributions, primarily aimed at individuals who are new to the Linux scene, and who are thinking about taking the plunge and trying Linux for the first time
• Distribution Portal Pages - Single page guides to all of the major desktop Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva, OpenSuSE, and Debian.

Linux Equivalents to Windows Software

This collection of articles aims to dispel the myth that Linux isn't ready for the desktop user who is looking to move away from the Microsoft world. If you are contemplating switching from Windows to Linux, rest assured that many of your favorite desktop applications have Linux equivalents, often with a comparable feature set.

• Linux Equivalents to Windows Software - provides in-depth coverage of 231 Linux applications.

We have also divided this extensive list into 11 convenient categories. Use the category chooser below to pick which interests you the most.

A sample of applications included in this feature: Blender, Scribus, GIMP, Pidgin, Banshee, OpenOffice.org, Firefox, Evolution, Code::Blocks, Stellarium, K3b.

Linux Security

Basic system security (having a regular backup strategy, using hard-to-guess passwords, removing services that you don't need etc) is essential administration in protecting your data. But you need a more sophisticated approach to keep intruders out. This compilation provides the user with a starting point for improving the security of a Linux machine.

• 80 of the Best Linux Security Applications - Anti-virus, anti-malware, encryption, firewalls, instrusion detection, network monitoring, network traffic analyzers, packet crafting, portscanners, vulnerability scanners, log file analyzers, data removal, password management, VPN tools, forensics, and other tools are covered. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, providing a detailed description of the software, its features, with links to other relevant resources.
  
  

First for Beginners

There are a number of resources LinuxLinks provides specifically for beginners. Your first questions might be 'What is Linux ?' and 'Why use Linux ?'. Next, you might want to look at some essential links for Linux Beginners and raise a question in the Beginners Discussion Forum. Are you confused by the Linux jargon - try the The Linux Guide - a glossary of Linux information.

Also check out:

• Checklist for Newbies - A starting point for the complete novice.
• You Can Switch to Linux - A 6 page article.