Here's a list of applications used to perform common tasks, they're all installed by default and are all high quality, but naturally you can replace them with alternatives if you wish.

Mozilla Firefox is the default web browser. It's one of the world's leading web browsers.


Alternatives to consider: Opera, Konqueror, Chromium

OpenOffice.org is a complete office suite with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, drawing and more. It's very compatible with Microsoft Office.


Alternatives to consider: KOffice, Abiword

Amarok is a feature rich music player that handles your music, podcasts, etc. Read about codec installation in a later chapter.


Alternatives to consider: JuK, Audacious

Kaffeine plays videos and DVDs - and even TV if you have a TV-card. Read about codec installation in a later chapter.


Alternatives to consider: SMPlayer, VLC

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a very powerful image editing application.


Alternatives to consider: Gwenview (only basic editing - resize, crop, red-eye reduction)

Kopete is a multi-protocol instant messenger, it supports Windows Messenger, Jabber/Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo, Facebook and other chat protocols all within one application.


Alternatives to consider: KMess, Amsn, Pidgin

Kontact is a fullblown PIM (personal information management) suite, uniting e-mail, calendar, news feeds, addressbook and more in one place.


Alternatives to consider: Mozilla Thunderbird

K3b is a great application for various tasks related to CDs and DVDs.