The Official Ubuntu Book, 3e: Ubuntu Equivalents to Windows Programs
FOR THOSE OF YOU who are moving to Ubuntu from Windows, often simply knowing which application to use is half the battle. This appendix shows common Windows applications and their Ubuntu counterparts. Your Windows-using friends shouldn’t be completely shut out, so there are some applications for them to use also.
On the Ubuntu Desktop
Listed here are common Windows applications that already have an equivalent installed on the Ubuntu desktop. Some common alternatives are also listed.
Word Processing
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Windows: Microsoft Word
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Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Writer
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Alternative: Abiword
Spreadsheet
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Windows: Microsoft Excel
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Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Calc
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Alternative: Gnumeric
Presentation
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Windows: Microsoft PowerPoint
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Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Impress
Database
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Windows: Microsoft Access
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Ubuntu: OpenOffice.org Base
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Alternative: Glom
Web Browser
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Windows: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox
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Ubuntu: Mozilla Firefox
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Alternative: Epiphany
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Windows: Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, or Mozilla Thunderbird
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Ubuntu: Evolution
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Alternative: Mozilla Thunderbird
Media Players
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Windows: Windows Media Player, iTunes, Winamp
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Ubuntu: Rhythmbox, Totem Movie Player
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Alternatives: Banshee, Muine, Beep Media Player
Photo Editor
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Windows: Adobe Photoshop or GIMP
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Ubuntu: GIMP
Instant Messaging
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Windows: AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, or Pidgin
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Ubuntu: Pidgin
Voice Over IP
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Windows: Skype or GizmoProject
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Ubuntu: Ekiga Softphone or Skype