For many users, getting started with Linux is surprisingly easy. New, friendlier
versions of the free operating system, such as Fedora and Ubuntu, feature straightforward menus and automated installations that make switching from Windows to Linux a relatively simple process.

But a lot of people who try Linux dump it and switch back to Windows the instant
they want to get some work done, mostly because they don't know which Linux
programs to use in lieu of their old Windows standbys. Fortunately, such confusion
need last only a moment.

Linux offers equivalents to many Windows applications that are often as good
as--or even better than--the programs you're used to. In some cases the apps
are also available in Windows and Mac OS versions, allowing dual-booters to
stay with the same set of free programs regardless of the operating system in
use.

For your convenience, we've provided download links to as many of these applications
as possible. The majority of them, however, come preinstalled in the most popular
Linux distributions, or are available through online software installers such
as Fedora's YUM or Ubuntu's Synaptic Package Manager. Installing new software
through your Linux distribution's package management system is generally better
than installing programs manually, so check your OS's software repositories
before downloading any of the apps from our links.

Office/Productivity Programs

If you like Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice.org. Microsoft's flagship product
is feature-rich and friendly, but it's expensive and it doesn't run natively
under Linux. Though Microsoft doesn't sell a Linux version of Office, most Linux
distributions come with a variety of free office suites, as well as individual
productivity applications such as KOffice's KWrite word processor and Gnumeric
spreadsheet.

Nothing comes closer to matching Microsoft's suite than OpenOffice.org 2.3,
which includes the Write word processor, Calc spreadsheet, Impress presentation
software, Base database designer, Draw vector-graphics program, and Math formula
editor. All of the apps can import and export files in native Microsoft Office
formats, or be configured to use them by default. Windows and Mac OS X versions
are also available.

In place of Outlook, use Evolution. Microsoft Office's indispensable personal
information manager is one key element for which the OpenOffice.org suite has
no counterpart. Evolution fills the gap, combining an excellent e-mail reader
with contact manager, calendar, sticky-note, and to-do-list modules.

Evolution supports standard Internet protocols such as POP3 and IMAP servers,
LDAP directories, and CalDAV calendar servers, allowing you

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