[Rambox][70] is not a messaging application on its own. But it allows you to use Skype, Viber, Facebook Messanger, WhatsApp, Slack and a number of other messaging applications from a single application window.
#### Notes and To-do List applications
Need a to-do list app or simple an app for taking notes? Have a look at these:
##### Simplenote
![Simplenote logo][71]
[Simplenote][72] is a free and open source note taking application from WordPress creators [Automattic][73]. It is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. Your notes are synced to a cloud server and you can access them on any device. You can download the DEB file from its website.
##### Remember The Milk
![Remember The Milk logo][74]
[Remember The Milk][75] is a popular to-do list application. It is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. Your to-do list is accessible on all the devices you own. You can also access it from a web browser. It also has an official native application for Linux that you can download from its website.
#### Password protection and encryption
![Encryption software Ubuntu][76]
If there are other people regularly using your computer perhaps you would like to add an extra layer of security by password protecting files and folders.
##### EncryptPad
[EncryptPad][77] is an open source text editor that allows you to lock your files with a password. You can choose the type of encryption. There is also a command line version of this tool.
##### Gnome Encfs Manager
Gnome Encfs Manager allows you to [lock folders with a password in Linux][78]. You can keep whatever files you want in a secret folder and then lock it with a password.
#### Gaming
![Gaming on Ubuntu][79]
[Gaming on Linux][80] is a lot better than what it used to be a few years ago. You can enjoy plenty of games on Linux without going back to Windows.
##### Steam
[Steam][81] is a digital distribution platform that allows you to purchase (if required) games. Steam has over 1500 [games for Linux][82]. You can download the Steam client from the Software Center.
##### PlayOnLinux
[PlayOnLinux][83] allows you to run Windows games on Linux over WINE compatibility layer. Don’t expect too much out of it because not every game will run flawlessly with PlayOnLinux.
#### Package Managers [Intermediate to advanced users]
![Package Management tools Ubuntu][84]
Ubuntu Software Center is more than enough for an average Ubuntu user’s software needs but you can have more control on it using these applications.
##### Gdebi
Gedbi is a tiny packagae manager that you can use for installing DEB files. It is faster than the Software Center and it also handles dependency issues.
##### Synaptic
Synaptic was the default GUI package manager for most Linux distributions a decade ago. It still is in some Linux distributions. This powerful package manager is particularly helpful in [finding installed applications and removing them][85].
#### Backup and Recovery tools
![Backup and data recovery tools for Ubuntu][86]
Backup and recovery tools are must-have software for any system. Let’s see what softwares you must have on Ubuntu.
##### Timeshift
Timeshift is a tool that allows you to [take a snapshot of your system][87]. This allows you to restore your system to a previous state in case of an unfortunate incident when your system configuration is messed up. Note that it’s not the best tool for your personal data backup though. For that, you can use Ubuntu’s default Deja Dup (also known as Backups) tool.
##### TestDisk [Intermediate Users]
This is another command line tool on this list of best Ubuntu application. [TestDisk][88] allows you to [recover data on Linux][89]. If you accidentally deleted files, there are still chances that you can get it back using TestDisk.
#### System Tweaking and Management Tools
![System Maintenance apps Ubuntu][90]
##### GNOME/Unity Tweak Tool
These Tweak tools are a must for every Ubuntu user. They allow you to access some advanced system settings. Best of all, you can [change themes in Ubuntu][91] using these tweak tools.
##### UFW Firewall
[UFW][92] stands for Uncomplicated Firewall and rightly so. UFW has predefined firewall settings for Home, Work and Public networks.
##### Stacer
If you want to free up space on Ubuntu, try Stacer. This graphical tool allows you to [optimize your Ubuntu system][93] by removing unnecessary files and completely uninstalling software. Download Stacer from [its website][94].
#### Other Utilities
![Utilities Ubuntu][95]
In the end, I’ll list some of my other favorite Ubuntu apps that I could not put into a certain category.
##### Neofetch
One more command line tool! Neofetch displays your system information such as [Ubuntu version][96], desktop environment, theme, icons, RAM etc info along with [ASCII logo of the distribution][97]. Use this command for installing Neofetch.
```
sudo apt install neofetch
```
##### Etcher
Ubuntu has a live USB creator tool installed already but Etcher is a better application for this task. It is also available for Windows and macOS. You can download it [from its website][98].
##### gscan2pdf
I use this tiny tool for the sole purpose of [converting images into PDF][99]. You can use it for combining multiple images into one PDF file as well.
##### Audio Recorder
Another tiny yet essential Ubuntu application for [recording audio on Ubuntu][100]. You can use it to record sound from system microphone, from music player or from any other source.
### Your suggestions for essential Ubuntu applications?
I would like to conclude my list of best Ubuntu apps here. I know that you might not need or use all of them but I am certain that you would like most of the software listed here.
Did you find some useful applications that you didn’t know about before? If you would have to suggest your favorite Ubuntu application, which one would it be?
In the end, if you find this article useful, please share it on social media, Reddit, Hacker News or other community or forums you visit regularly. This way you help us grow :)
