Ditching Windows? Replace top picks with these five Linux counterparts.

Switching to Linux often reveals apps lacking native versions. Instead of resorting to compatibility layers, consider seeking open-source alternatives upfront. This approach sidesteps potential issues and ensures a smoother transition.

Phone Link is the built-in Windows app for linking phones with computers. For Linux users, KDE Connect offers an alternative installation option. This versatile app is accessible across multiple platforms at no cost.

To use Phone Link, you must create a Microsoft account, whereas KDE Connect simply demands that your phone and computer share the same network connection. The application then displays a list of accessible devices, allowing seamless pairing with just one touch on your mobile device.

Files can be shared and clipboards synchronized using this feature. When KDE Connect is activated, copied text on the computer appears instantly on the mobile device's keyboard application. Notification alerts are transmitted directly from the phone to the PC. Computer users can respond to incoming text messages without needing their handheld device.

KDE Connect offers capabilities not found in Phone Link, including transforming your phone into a presentation controller. This allows seamless control over music playback on your computer. Additionally, it provides a virtual keyboard and trackpad for effortless remote input connection with your PC.

For those seeking a straightforward file-sharing experience without extra frills, LocalSend is an excellent choice. Its open-source design offers a stripped-down alternative to Airdrop, with a sleeker interface and smoother performance. Unfortunately, KDE Connect falls short in this department, failing to deliver robust file sharing capabilities.

Linux distributions such as ZorinOS often include a built-in resource monitoring tool. On GNOME-based systems, users have access to a system monitoring application. Yet most Linux distros lack a native Task Manager equivalent. To track resource usage, simply open a terminal and execute commands like top or htop.

Linux machines support these commands, although their user interfaces appear somewhat outdated. To stay current, I recommend installing btop on your Linux systems for an elegant terminal-based system monitoring experience.

Debian and Ubuntu users can install.

Install Btop using the command "sudo apt install btop".

Fedora systems offer alternative options.

To access alternative system monitoring tools, one can use the terminal command "sudo dnf install btop".

Navigation is possible via both mouse and keyboard input. The interface presents system metrics, such as memory, network, and storage utilization, within organized sections. Filtering and searching of running processes are also supported features. Additionally, process termination can be accomplished through predefined keyboard shortcuts. Customizable theme options are available.

The Windows platform held my attention for a prolonged period due to Photoshop's presence. My primary use of this app was for creating artwork, with occasional editing tasks. However I transitioned to Krita for artistic endeavors and utilized GIMP for more in-depth editing projects. Both software options are free and open-source.

This setup meets my needs, but replacing Photoshop or other Adobe creative tools requires significant retraining due to their unique feature sets. The lack of direct access to these features is a notable limitation. Consider testing this alternative first to gauge its effectiveness before attempting to use compatibility layers with Photoshop.

Krita won my heart instantly, yet the standard GIMP layout remains unappealing to me. Fortunately, a plugin exists that transforms the GIMP interface to mimic Photoshop's native design, known as PhotoGIMP. This plugin arrives as a.zip file, which you simply extract into your home directory.

With Windows, users have access to the built-in Remote Desktop Connection feature for remote access to other Windows computers. For Linux systems, RustDesk offers a comparable solution as a completely cost-free alternative. This open-source tool enables seamless remote control over connected computers.

RustDesk can be installed from its official GitHub repository on any computer. Upon launching, it will simultaneously generate unique identifiers and temporary passwords for both devices. To initiate the connection, simply input these codes on the other device and select "Connect". The next step is entering the one-time password to complete the setup process.

RustDesk offers a hassle-free experience without any costs involved. Its cross-platform compatibility allows for seamless use across various operating systems.

LibreOffice is designed to function as a comprehensive replacement for Microsoft Office. Its free and open-source nature allows users to operate it without an internet connection. The suite's aesthetic and functionality evoke memories of early 2000s Microsoft Office iterations. LibreOffice can also handle various proprietary file formats, including.doc.docx.ppt.pptx.xls.xlsx, and.pub.

In the new version, Microsoft's productivity suite is rebranded with Writer replacing Word, Calc taking over from Excel, Impress stepping in for PowerPoint, Draw assuming Publisher's role and Access becoming Base. Thunderbird fills the gap left by Outlook's absence.

In recent years, the Linux desktop experience has undergone significant improvements. Decent open-source substitutes exist for most popular software applications. Exceptions include Adobe's creative tools and specialized programs that cater to specific needs, not widely used by the general public.