I've been a Linux server user for years but have only recently started using it on my desktop. I was quite impressed with Arch Linux and am now migrating to using it full-time. I'm curious about what productivity apps other users rely on. While I've heard of M365 and Google, I'm looking for other options that might fit well within a Linux ecosystem. Also, are Android or Apple mobile devices better for cross-platform apps and syncing with Linux?
7 Answers
KDE Connect works wonders for syncing with Android devices, though you might need to tweak some firewall settings based on your Linux distribution. If you’re running large documents, Google Docs might not be your best bet—LibreOffice is a solid offline alternative that handles heavier files way better.
I moved away from Microsoft and Google completely and use Nextcloud as my main productivity tool. You can host it yourself or choose a provider, and it works well for office tasks. Plus, it integrates nicely with tools like Collabora for document editing.
When it comes to ecosystems, Apple doesn't have as strong support compared to Android. Most Linux users lean towards LibreOffice, so compatibility isn't as much of an issue. Generally, they avoid Microsoft and Google products on their desktops.
For my personal use, I prefer LibreOffice, but I use the web versions of Microsoft apps for teamwork. If you're into video editing, ShotCut and KDEnLive are excellent options on Linux, and for photo editing, Photopea is fantastic online while GIMP is great offline. Good luck on your journey!
I've been with Google for all my productivity needs—Docs, Drive, and Photos are user-friendly and great for collaboration. I've been a loyal Google phone user since the Galaxy Nexus and find the integration smooth.
Definitely check out the Nextcloud ecosystem! It has a lot to offer and can be a great alternative to the more mainstream options.
If you're deciding between M365 and Google, I'd say Google is slightly more efficient, especially if you're using Chrome. Running a Windows VM could also help with compatibility for certain tasks, especially when using tools like Google Calendar or Nextcloud, and it works well with both Android and Apple phones seamlessly.
Don't forget about Syncthing for syncing files! And a Wi-Fi keyboard can come in handy for typing on a full keyboard when needed.