53. Setting up Linux as a good desktop operating system

As Linux distributions get better and better, Linux is truely becoming a very usable desktop operating system. But, there are some tools out there that are still better than their OpenSource alternatives. Specifically, I recommend that you install the following tools on your system.

• OpenSSH or SSH.com's SSHv2 for secured telnet and file transfers
• Sun's StarOffice or OpenOffice.org's suite for word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
• Sun or IBM's Java run-time or full JDK for Java support
• Mozzila for a excellent WWW browser and a strong Email client
• Adobe Acrobat to view PDFs as they really should look
• XMMS for MP3 and other audio file playback
• RealAudio's RealPlayer for both audio and video
• Setiathome - use spare CPU cycles to search for E.T.
• GAIM - One of the best ICQ/AIM/Yahoo/etc Instant Messanger (IM) clients available
• xine - To watch DVDs under Linux

If you have a "minimum required" program for your Linux box, please email me and let me know what it is. If enough people request it, I can touch on the installation of these programs.