Getting some Linux Functionality Out of Windows 7

Due to school requiring certain Microsoft software and being tired of using a virtual machine I have decided to keep Windows 7 on my Toshiba Satellite L755D-S5204 laptop, leaving my HP Pavillion DV7-2180US laptop with Ubuntu installed and my MSI Wind U100 with Fedora installed. Of course I immediately started feeling tied down, lacking certain things I get in Linux (like a clipboard manager). So I set out to hunt down some applications that would give me some of my Linux functionality back. This is what I found:

Ditto – I actually like this clipboard manager better than the ones I’ve used on Linux. It has an expansive history and doesn’t change formatting when I’m using it to copy and paste my website slogans. Pidgin – The popular Linux instant messaging client is also available for Windows and retains the same functionality. The only catch is it doesn’t work with my touchpad scrolling. Windows Live Calendar Gadget – This handy gadget can be used to sync Google Calendar with your desktop. You can find instructions on how to do this here. LibreOffice – This popular Linux office suite is also available for Windows. Functionality is the same for the Windows client as it is for the Linux client. OpenProj – I am happy to report that this native Linux project management application is also available for Windows. Functionality remains the same as it does on the Linux client. Evolution – I was shocked to find out there is an Evolution client for Windows. It isn’t official and I haven’t tried it out (I use Gmail’s webmail client for all my email), but it’s nice to know it’s available. GIMP – Ok, I admit I already knew GIMP was available for Windows. But it’s such a great program I think it deserves mention. The functionality remains the same with this one as well. VLC – VLC doesn’t have the glitches in the Windows client that keeps me from using it in Linux. So the functionality I would say is even better. SMplayer – I have grown so fond of this media player and it makes me happy that it is available in Windows. The functionality remains the same here too. :) Banshee – My favorite media player is now available on Windows! It’s still in alpha so there are some bugs, but it’s great to know it’s up and coming. The functionality is not the same as it is in Linux due to its alpha nature. DeVeDe – This awesome DVD authoring software is available for Windows, too. The functionality remains the same.

Of course, this is not a complete list of all the Linux software/Linux-like software available for Windows. Lots of Linux native applications are available for Windows and many more are following in their tracks. We also haven’t even touched on the topic of all the Linux-like alternative shells available for Windows.

If you have friends or relatives that are resistant to giving Linux a shot, try introducing them to some of these programs over the holidays to demonstrate what awesome (and free) software is available on Linux! Maybe they won’t be as hesitant to try Linux if they are at least comfortable with some of the programs and functionality available in Linux.

Full Story