So maybe you have a new desktop or #gaming laptop for Christmas? Probably coming with a new installation of Windows, but you want to #install your favourite Linux distro. Hence the new lightning fast hardware is lacking some must-have #applications upon install. So we have included the best desktop applications for linux gaming. Some of these are obvious, things like like Steam and Google Chrome.
Since there are plenty of other everyday programs that deserve to be on your system. We are going to give a brief overview of the programs we suggest as the best desktop applications for linux gaming. Then we will throw in a couple more of our go-to apps.
Here are the best desktop applications for linux gaming
Web browsers
Google Chrome – The obvious choice, but Firefox already comes with most every distro.
Slimjet – Hence, if you are looking for something more secure. Maybe not the ultimate but better security to browse the internet with some very apt features. You can check out for yourself here. And we suggest running the browser in Private Browsing mode.
Vivaldi – Now, if you are someone who likes watching livestreams and gameplay videos. Vivaldi is where it’s at. The hardware acceleration and overall performance is definitely ideal. Which you can download here.
Messaging
Skype – As much as we hate to admit it, Skype improves the user experience. We should probably have it to chat with your parents, significant other or fellow gamers. The Skype of Linux Alpha is still the better choice. Unless you want to go old school, then the old classic version is still there.
Compression
7-Zip – Zip or unzip anything you throw at it. Free and lightweight and it’ll never bug you to pay for it. Just install the “p7zip” or “p7zip-full” in your package manager.
Media
VLC – VLC can play anything and is a reliable all-around media player. We have another media player recommendation below, too.
Spotify – (Optional) If you’re a subscriber, might as well grab the desktop app for Linux (Debian package).
Online storage
Dropbox – You most likely have a Dropbox account for quickly moving files between systems. Grab it here.
Image Editing
GIMP – Since this the runner-up to Photoshop. GIMP is still a great free tool for editing and image modification. Which should already be available in your package manager.
Gaming
Steam – Get your game on. We already know what it is and how it works. So needless to say, this will be one of the first few apps to install on Linux.
Itch – So if you are a deep into the Indie scene or just keen to creative new titles. Then it will be a good ideal to install the Itch.io installer for Linux.
Discord
Discord has become a go-to chat client over this past year, with a very solid Linux test build. Making it easy to join channels with a quick invite link and chat, via desktop application or a web client. Plus it is completely free, hosted on remote servers instead of your own PC. Since it keeps getting better social integrations and other features every month. The Linux Game Consortium channel is another cool place to hang out.
f.lux
So the applet makes your screen look orange and weird. But stick with f.lux for a few days. Then you will wonder how you stare at the eye-searing LCD without it. The application does help prevent headaches and improves your quality of sleep. Which really is true. f.lux automatically color tints your monitor as the sun sets to mimic natural lighting. Hence this kicks in towards the end of the work day. Therefore warming the typical LCD white-blue to be much easier on the eyes.
