Ubuntu just keeps getting better as an OS. People frequently ask me why I love using Ubuntu Linux and I invariably rattle off 4 or 5 features that I really love about Ubuntu. I don’t know if I have ever convinced anyone to change, but then again, I’m not a software evangelist. I think the software you use is up to you and your needs. Anyways, here are several reasons why I love Ubuntu Linux.

1) It’s easy to write shell scripts using Ubuntu Linux. It’s so easy to write a little script to take care of repetitive tasks and save you a lot of time.

2) Every software package you need is available for use with it. You can be just as productive, if not more so, on the tools provided with Ubuntu.

3) It’s free. That’s right. There is absolutely no cost for the software.

I enjoy looking for Open Source Applications. I use Ubuntu Linux as often as practicable but rarely I need a certain tool or application that is only available under Windows and using it will save me time. I end up booting into Windows and then I am back in Linux as soon as possible. One of the first things I do once the pressure to complete the project has gone away is to look for an application or tool in Ubuntu Linux that I can use the next time it comes up.

Anyways, time is money in business. Any loss of productivity is a loss in income. I have come up with some open source applications that will help your business by saving you money, increasing productivity or both.

1. Open Office. Open Office is a suite of office software that competes very favorably with Microsoft Office. It features good quality applications and with their current level of advancement, they have a better feature set than Microsoft Office.

2. Gnu Cash. I looked over Gnu Cash a couple of years ago and it was clunky and ugly. Now, it is looking a lot better and its usefulness has grown tremendously. It’s now a very useful piece of Accounting software for small businesses.

3. Firefox. I know you all know about Firefox and how useful it is for surfing the internet, but will it help save money or make your employees more productive? Yes, sir. Your employees spend less time dealing with the hassles of Internet Explorer. You know, the spyware and viruses that love to live in IE?

4. Scribus. Scribus is great program for desktop publishing. You can layout and design your own brochures and newsletters from it and the quality is outstanding.

Next week, I will come up with a list of 4 Other Open Source Apps to Help Your Business.