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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThere is no universal set of must-have Ubuntu apps. A gamer needs Steam, a designer may need Inkscape or Krita, and a browser-only email user may need no mail client at all. This guide targets Ubuntu Desktop—primarily 26.04 LTS, with advice that also applies to 24.04 LTS—and separates broadly useful additions from workflow-specific software.
First, check what is already installed. Open the Applications grid and search for LibreOffice, Firefox, Files, Document Viewer, Image Viewer, Text Editor, Terminal, Disks, and Software Updater. Ubuntu’s installer offers Default and Extended selections, and Extended can already include office tools and utilities (Ubuntu installation guide).
The short list: install only what solves a real problem
| App | Best for | Install if… | Recommended source | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLC | Media compatibility | Your default player cannot open a file, stream or subtitle | Ubuntu repository or VideoLAN | Often unnecessary for common formats |
| Bitwarden | Passwords and passkeys | You need secure, cross-device credential storage | Browser extension; optional desktop client | Requires a reliable recovery method |
| LibreOffice | Documents, spreadsheets and presentations | It is absent or your existing suite is insufficient | Ubuntu repository; official site | Complex Microsoft Office layouts may change |
| Visual Studio Code | Programming and technical writing | You develop, script or work with Git and remote systems | Official package or Snap | Classic Snap confinement has broad access |
| Steam | PC gaming | You play Linux-native or Proton-compatible games | Steam | Games, storage and anti-cheat support vary |
| OBS Studio | Recording and streaming | You make tutorials, broadcasts or webcam captures | Official site or Snap | Steep learning curve and encoder load |
| GIMP | Raster image editing | You edit photos or layered bitmap graphics | Ubuntu repository; GIMP | Not a vector, painting or video editor |
| Inkscape | Vector graphics and SVG | You create logos, diagrams or illustrations | Official site | Wrong tool for pixel-based photo work |
| Kdenlive | Timeline video editing | You need a free, full editor | Official site | Projects can require substantial CPU, GPU and storage |
| Thunderbird | Desktop email and calendars | You need offline mail, archives or multiple accounts | Official site | Duplicative for browser-only mail users |
| qBittorrent | Legitimate torrent transfers | You download Linux images or other authorized torrents | Official site | Unnecessary outside torrent workflows |
Install safely before adding anything
Use App Center for the simplest route
- Open App Center from the Dock, or search for Software in Activities.
- Search for the application, select it, and click Install.
- Enter your account password.
When multiple results appear, inspect the publisher, package format, permissions and update information. Ubuntu’s App Center normally shows the Snap first when both a Snap and Deb exist (App Center instructions).
Update first, then use apt when the package is in Ubuntu’s repositories
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install vlc gimp libreofficePackage names and availability depend on your Ubuntu release and hardware architecture. Remove a package with sudo apt remove package-name; use sudo apt purge package-name when you also want package-managed configuration removed. Personal files and all configuration are not necessarily deleted.
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Use Snap when it is the official distribution
sudo snap install steam
sudo snap install code --classic
sudo snap install obs-studioUbuntu says Snaps are generally sandboxed, independently updated and often newer than release-tied Debs, but can use more disk space. --classic is a major exception: classic-confinement Snaps are not sandboxed in the normal way and can access system resources broadly (Ubuntu’s Snap and Deb comparison).
The genuinely useful core apps
VLC: a compatibility fallback
Install VLC when Ubuntu’s default player fails with an unusual codec, subtitle, external-drive file or network stream. It is not mandatory on every installation.
sudo apt install vlcUse Ubuntu’s repository or VideoLAN, not an arbitrary download site. A repository Deb may be conservative and integrated; another package source may be newer but less integrated.
Bitwarden: protect accounts before buying a VPN
For most people, the browser extension is the essential part; the desktop application is optional. Use unique passwords, passkeys where supported, and secure notes, then store recovery and emergency-access information safely. Pricing and plan limits change, so check Bitwarden’s current pricing before subscribing. KeePassXC is a local-first alternative, while Proton Pass and 1Password suit different hosted-service preferences.
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If LibreOffice is not already present, install it with sudo apt install libreoffice. It handles common documents, spreadsheets and presentations, but complex Microsoft Office layouts can differ; export to PDF when exact appearance matters. ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors may feel closer to Microsoft Office. Microsoft 365 and Google Docs are browser-based choices. Installing both desktop suites without a reason creates duplicate file handlers and confusion.
Apps by workflow
Development
Visual Studio Code is a capable editor for code, Git, containers and remote work. The official vendor package or official Snap is preferable to commands copied from an untrusted blog:
sudo snap install code --classicBecause this uses classic confinement, review the access trade-off. VSCodium emphasizes open-source defaults; JetBrains IDEs provide deeper language-specific tooling; GNOME Builder and Neovim suit narrower workflows.
Gaming
Install Steam only if you play games. Steam lists native Linux titles and Windows games running through Proton, but compatibility depends on the game, launcher, anti-cheat system, controller and graphics driver. Check each title and consult ProtonDB before purchase. Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher and Bottles manage other stores or Wine environments. Steam’s official pages are About Steam and Steam for Linux.
Recording and streaming
OBS Studio supports scenes, sources, audio monitoring and hardware encoding. Test microphone, webcam permissions and encoder load before a live broadcast:
sudo snap install obs-studioFor a quick clip, GNOME’s built-in recorder, Kooha or SimpleScreenRecorder is easier than OBS.
Images, illustration and 3D
- GIMP: layered raster and photo editing.
- Krita: digital painting, brushes and tablet work.
- Inkscape: vector artwork, logos, diagrams and SVG.
- Blender: 3D modeling, animation, rendering and compositing; expect a long learning curve and meaningful GPU demands.
Video editing
Kdenlive is an accessible open-source timeline editor. Shotcut and OpenShot are simpler alternatives; DaVinci Resolve is powerful but requires checking current Linux support, codecs, GPU requirements and licensing. No editor guarantees smooth playback on modest hardware.
Email and file transfer
Thunderbird is worthwhile for offline archives, multiple accounts and calendar integration. Browser Gmail, Outlook or Proton Mail may be better for a single online account. qBittorrent is appropriate for authorized torrents such as Linux images; verify checksums and never treat torrenting as permission to distribute copyrighted material.
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Privacy, backups and utilities
A VPN is situational: it changes network routing and visibility but does not replace updates, MFA, strong passwords, backups or endpoint protection. Mullvad advertises €5 per month, up to five devices and a 14-day money-back guarantee at its pricing page. Proton VPN advertises a free plan with no data or artificial speed limits but fewer locations and features; see current plans.
Prioritize tested backups over cosmetic tweak tools. Déjà Dup offers a straightforward backup frontend; Syncthing synchronizes files between your devices; Flameshot annotates screenshots; Mission Center monitors resources. GNOME Extensions and alternative terminals are optional customization, not maintenance requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Snap, Deb, Flatpak or AppImage?
| Criterion | Snap | Ubuntu Deb | Flatpak | AppImage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Updates | Usually automatic | Managed with Ubuntu updates | App-centered updates | Often manual |
| Freshness | Often newer | More conservative on LTS | Often newer desktop releases | Depends on publisher |
| Isolation | Usually available; classic is broad access | Generally unrestricted | Usually sandboxed | Runs with user permissions |
| Best fit | Convenient current apps | Integration and conventional apt management | Desktop-app ecosystem | Portable, self-contained use |
| Main caution | Permissions, disk use and integration | Third-party repositories can be risky | Extra source to maintain | Manual updates and inconsistent integration |
Prefer Ubuntu repositories, App Center listings or the developer’s official instructions. Ubuntu cautions that third-party Deb repositories have unrestricted system access; do not add one merely to chase a newer version.
When installation goes wrong
App cannot open a folder
Sandbox permissions may block removable media or directories such as /media and /mnt. Open Settings → Apps, select the application and review permissions, then restart it. If access remains broken, compare the official Deb or Flatpak build.
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The package is missing or outdated
sudo apt update
apt policy package-name
snap find package-nameConfirm the package name, release and architecture, then check App Center and the project’s official page. Avoid random PPAs and forum commands. An older LTS Deb may be preferable for stability; choose a vendor package or Snap only when the newer version solves a real need.
Windows software or a game will not run
Wine, Bottles and Proton are compatibility layers, not guarantees. Check for a native Linux or browser version first; otherwise consider a remote Windows machine, virtual machine or dual boot. Professional Adobe, enterprise VPN, hardware-vendor and anti-cheat software must be evaluated individually.
Unusual hardware
This advice assumes standard Ubuntu Desktop on supported x86-64 hardware. Ubuntu’s installation documentation says recent Apple Silicon Macs require the community Ubuntu Asahi project, which Canonical does not support, and support varies by model (Ubuntu hardware guidance).
A sensible first-day install plan
Run only the commands for software you actually need, and confirm availability for your release:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install vlc gimp libreoffice
sudo snap install code --classic
sudo snap install obs-studio
sudo snap install steamFor many people, the finished list is just a password manager, an office suite if absent, and VLC when media compatibility demands it. Add creative, development, gaming, recording, torrent or VPN software only when that workflow—and its permissions, storage and maintenance cost—justifies it.
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