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ZDNET key takeaways

• Not every task needs a big application.
• I’ve found small utilities that do specific jobs.
• These apps are free and are must-use for me.

Over the decades of using Linux, I’ve found that sometimes the smallest applications can have the biggest effect. Sure, I depend on the likes of web browsers, office suites, email apps, and more, but for those moments when smaller is better, I have a collection of tools I turn to.

Also: How to make Linux look like MacOS for free

These apps are used daily and have become necessities in my day-to-day activities.

Let’s get to the apps.

1. Déjà Dup Backups

I honestly don’t know what I’d do without backups. I’ve had situations where a file would become corrupt, and without a working backup, I’d have been out of luck. This approach is especially important with my novels. The thought of losing two months’ worth of work is a sickening proposition, so I have become quite diligent about backups.

Also: Déjà Dup is as simple a backup tool as you’ll find on Linux

The easiest Linux backup tool you’ll find is Déjà Dup Backups. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that this backup utility is the easiest I’ve ever used, regardless of OS. Déjà Dup Backups requires a few quick clicks to set up a backup (even an automated one to set it and forget it). 

One word of warning: if you want to set up automatic backups, you’ll want to install Déjà Dup Backups via your distribution’s default package manager. If you install via Flatpak, you’ll need to change the app permissions, and some desktop environments (such as COSMIC) won’t allow the app to access the session.

2. COSMIC Text Editor

The Linux text editor debate has been a contentious one for years. If you talk to hardcore users, they’ll say vi or emacs are the only viable options. If I’m using a terminal-based text editor, I’m going with Nano because it’s incredibly easy.

Also: The new COSMIC Linux desktop from System76 is out of this world

However, there are times when I need a GUI text editor; for those moments, I turn to COSMIC Text Editor. This app has all the features I need and nothing more. It’s a fairly typical Linux GUI text editor, but it’s amazingly fast when running on the COSMIC desktop. The tool includes document statistics, Git integration, a side panel (for project management), syntax highlighting, find/replace, automatic indentation, and more.

Even though COSMIC Text Editor was created with developers in mind, it’s still a great text editor for the rest of us. You can use the tool to take quick notes, keep a journal, and much more.

3. Planify

Planify is a planner. Although it is a small utility-type app, you’ll probably find yourself depending on this tool very quickly. I use Planify to keep tabs on one of my most important projects, so I know what’s happened, what’s happening, and what needs to happen. I can tag tasks and add priorities, tags, reminders, due dates, descriptions, attachments, and even pin them.

Planify includes four sections: Inbox, Today, Scheduled, and Labels. You can add tasks directly to the Inbox or Today entries, view how many tasks are associated with a label, and view your tasks according to scheduled dates.

Also: 4 free project management apps I recommend on Linux

Another handy feature is the ability to sync your Planify calendar with any calendar you have configured in GNOME. For example, if you have your Google account connected with your GNOME desktop (via Online Accounts), you can set Planify to sync automatically.

4. Easy Effects

Way back in 2023, I showed you how to improve sound on Linux with Easy Effects. I still use that tool today. In fact, I depend on it even more now that I’ve moved and my turntable is not in my office. In my office, I have a pair of KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers. Although those speakers sound great, I prefer a bit more low-end than they offer, and with my subwoofer connected to my turntable, I have no choice and must artificially boost the low-end.

That’s where Easy Effects shines. EQ and Bass Loudness together mean that I can not only create the EQ curve I prefer, but also give the low-end audio some juice.

Also: Linux Mint vs RefreshOS: I found the best distro for new users

You can add other effects, such as Autogain, Autotune, Compressor, Crossfeed, Crusher, Crystalizer, Delay, and many more, making this app a must for those who like to have complete control over their sound.

5. Albert

I recently covered how the MacOS Spotlight tool is underrated, and I meant it. Although Linux doesn’t have Spotlight, it does have Albert, a similar utility that lets you search for files, launch apps, do web searches, and more.

Although Albert isn’t quite as powerful as Spotlight (you can’t send messages from Albert or interact with AI), it’s powerful enough not to feel overwhelming. Albert is very good for searching files and opening apps.

You can also add plugins, such as Spotify, VPN, System, and more. 

Also: My go-to Linux search tool makes finding what you need easy and fast

I have two complaints with Albert. The hotkey doesn’t always work, and to use the Spotify integration, you have to get a Client ID, which requires creating a Spotify App in the developer dashboard. That process is too complicated for the average user, and the Albert developers could simplify it.

Either way, I depend on Albert to help make my desktop interaction more efficient on Linux.