The reviews are in, and the just-released Ubuntu 9.04, i.e. "Jaunty Jackalope," rates as a slick, fully-formed Linux desktop. Looking to get started or upgrade your system? We're recommending 10 downloads for everyone to try.
A quick note about this compilation—it's a little different than a list of Windows or Mac utilities. We link to each application's home page, but most of them (with exceptions noted) can be installed from Ubuntu's repositories, the default collection of software any user can access by heading to their System menu, then Administration, then choosing Synaptic Package Manager. Search out the app's name there to install it (or, for terminal fans, type something like sudo apt-get install conky). Many of the applications also have Windows or Mac versions that work well for dual-booting users.
http://lifehacker.com/5227309/top-10-ubuntu-downloads
