21 Best Free Linux Productivity Tools

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
EvolutionIntegrated mail, addressbook and calendaring functionality
KontactUnites mature and proven applications
OsmoFeature-laden personal organizer
MyNotexTake and to manage textual notes and activity management
BasKet Note PadsOrganizing, sharing, and taking notes
TomboyGNOME desktop note-taking application
CherryTreeHierarchical note taking application packed with features
RecollPersonal full text search tool
TrackerObject database, extensible tag/metadata database, search tool and indexer
CatfishFile searching tool
Cairo-DockLight and eye-candy dock to launch your programs
DockyElegant, powerful, clean dock
SynapseSemantic graphical launcher written in Vala
AlbertDesktop agnostic launcher
FreeMindVisualise ideas, projects, brainstorming, concepts, internet research
View Your MindStore and modify information in an intuitive way
Lightning CalendarOrganize your schedule and life’s important events in a calendar
TerminatorMultiple GNOME terminals in one window
GNOME TerminalTerminal emulator for the GNOME desktop environment
AutokeyDesktop automation utility
EasystrokeHighly configurable gesture-recognition application
Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead 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.
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Friar Tux
Friar Tux
3 years ago

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.