Discover 7 Must-Have Linux Applications for Students – Featuring a Local AI

The Appeal of Being a Student

Back when I was engrossed in academia, I was among those who truly relished educational pursuits. My passion for learning was so compelling that I transitioned into academia, teaching at a trio of universities.

Those were the days before Linux or even personal computers existed. My tools for scholarly activities were limited to basics: paper, pencil, and a calculator. It feels like an era ago.

Nowadays, the landscape is vastly transformed with the availability of abundant software solutions aimed at boosting students' productivity and organization. Despite common perceptions, Linux actually offers a plethora of options tailored to satisfy a wide array of student requirements.

Exploration of Essential Apps

Let's embark on a journey through some standout applications, beginning with the well-known and progressing to the lesser-recognized gems.

LibreOffice – The Office Suite Powerhouse

No surprise here—LibreOffice is indispensable for students writing papers. This robust, open-source office suite accommodates the handling of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Being locally installed, it avoids the risks of third-party cloud services exploiting your documents for AI training.

It’s prudent to configure it correctly so digital submissions are in compliant formats. This suite is free and can be effortlessly integrated into any Linux setup.

Ollama/Msty – Your Local AI Companion

Living in an era saturated with AI can be complex, especially in ensuring academic honesty. Instead of using AI to finish assignments, consider harnessing it for research, with accuracy checks. Opt for a local AI setup like Ollama/Msty to safeguard privacy.

These applications let you choose which language models to employ and allow quick switching. Prioritizing my privacy, I count on Ollama/Msty over other AI platforms; they’re freely installable on Linux systems.

Kalzium – Your Chemistry Guide

For chemistry enthusiasts, Kalzium is a handy tool, encapsulating vast information about the Periodic Table. From melting points to ionization energy, it offers comprehensive data on elements, proving indispensable during chemistry sessions.

Despite a slightly old-fashioned interface, its user-friendliness shines, and it can be downloaded freely, with Flatpak support for non-KDE environments.

Stellarium – The Astronomer's Essential

Taking up an astronomy class? Stellarium transforms your computer into a planetarium, vividly depicting a 3D sky filled with stars and celestial bodies. With detailed astronomical data, it caters to star-gazers and is a treasure trove of knowledge.

This free software is accessible through various installation methods, enriching your astronomical studies.

KAlgebra – For the Budding Mathematician

If algebra is on your curriculum, turn to KAlgebra. This app excels in solving algebraic equations, offering tools for symbolic and numerical analysis, and supports 2D/3D graphics.

While based on MathML, fluency in it isn't required. It also boasts feature sets such as exports and scripting, all for free.

Anki – Revolutionizing Flashcards

For students who swear by flashcards, Anki offers a modern solution. With support across devices, multimedia functionality, and customization, it takes the concept of flashcards to a sophisticated level.

Installation requires some manual effort with its source file, but an installation script simplifies this process. It’s a zero-cost tool that supports expansive decks.

Standard Notes – Premier Note-Taking

An exceptional note-taking app is Standard Notes, offering not just basic note creation but enhanced features like tagging, encryption, and synchronization across gadgets.

While free to use, premium subscriptions unlock further functionalities. It's designed for users seeking security and advanced note management tools.