The Best Linux Software for Webmasters and Graphic Designers

Linux is taking the computing world by storm these days. Ubuntu (a version of Linux) is making it possible for long-time Windows users to switch to Linux with ease. The security, functionality, and diversity of Linux is unsurpassed, and best of all it's absolutely free!

I encourage you to give Linux a try. Many business and even the entire governments of some countries are switching to Linux. There is a virtual cornucopia of information on the web about Linux and all of its variations. I would recommend that you check out Ubuntu first.

Once you have Linux installed on your computer, you have access to literally thousands of free programs that you can automatically install with the push of a button. I have tried hundreds of them over the last few years.

For you webmasters and graphic designers, I have listed my top personal favorites. I like to keep things simple and not have a large number of programs that I need to complete my tasks. These are programs that I use everyday. They are tried and true performers!

1. The Gimp. The Gimp is an image manipulation program very similar to Photoshop. It has all of the same features plus many more. I use it in conjunction with a program called Gimpshop which arranges the layout of the Gimp to make it easier for people who use Photoshop to make the switch. I can't live without my Gimp!

2. Inkscape. Inkscape is a drawing program that uses the SVG (scalable vector graphics) format. Its user interface is similar to CorelDraw. Inkscape supports multiple opened files and multiple views per file. Graphics can be printed and exported to .png bitmaps. I use Inkscape to design all of our logos, business cards, flyers, you name it!

3. Screem. After trying many HTML editors in Linux I settled on Screem. I like to code from scratch and hate the clumsy WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors. Screem loads fast, will allow you to open multiple pages, has search and replace, and can handle Javascript, PHP, and cascading style sheets just to name a few. It also has useful site maintenance facilities, including automatic link updating and site upload options.

4. Filezilla. Filezilla is the best FTP client I have ever used. The interface is simple, attractive, and intuitive. It has strong encryption support using SFTP over SSH and FTP over SSL/TLS. It supports transfer resuming and files larger than 4 GiB. It has a site manager plus many more attractive features.

5. GLabels. When I get lazy I use GLabels. GLabels is a lightweight program for creating labels, business cards and media covers. It is designed to work with various laser/ink-jet peel-off label and business card sheets that you'll find at most office supply stores. It also supports mail merge from sources such as CSV files, vCards and Evolution data servers. I use GLabels when I don't have the time (or the desire) to design business cards or labels from scratch.

That is the extent of my webmaster/graphic designer toolkit for Linux. These five programs give me all of the functionality I need to create professional websites and media for print with ease; and all for free! Breaking the addiction to Microsoft has become much easier and a thing of joy.