6 Useful Applications and Indicators for Ubuntu

Yesterday I switched from Windows to Linux on my home computer. Being a Windows user for more than a decade, I was not sure if I would like it. But I went ahead and installed Ubuntu. Now after using it, though only for a day, I am loving it.

Ubuntu comes packed with some great applications, but some little ones were not of my liking. So I went hunting, and here are my favorites.

Touchpad Indicator

TouchPad indicator allows you to temporarily disable touchpad while you are typing on your laptop. It can also be configured to automatically disable touchpad on connecting a mouse.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/atareao
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install touchpad-indicator

Ejector – Eject or Mount Devices on Ubuntu

Ejector gives you the ability to mount and eject CD/DVD drives, USB drives, etc. This small application runs in the background and is visible only when you connect a device.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:fredp/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ejecter

Pastie – Clipboard Manager

Pastie is a simple clipboard manager with its own appindicator support.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:hel-sheep/pastie
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install pastie

Weather Indicator

Weather Indicator is an indicator tool that displays the weather, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and more. It also shows the weather forecast for the next few days and supports multiple locations.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:weather-indicator-team/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install indicator-weather

Lookit – Screen Capture

Lookit is a screen capture tool that can be used to capture an area or the entire screen. After capturing, you can save it on your desktop or upload to a FTP, SSH server or Imgur.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lookit/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install lookit

Google Reader Indicator

Google Reader Indicator displays the number of unread items in your Reader account along with article title and excerpt. Click on an article will open it in your default browser.
Install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/atareao
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install google-reader-indicator

Checkgmail
Checkgmail adds a small icon to your taskbar and notifies you of new mails. It supports multiple accounts, Google Apps accounts and labels within your Gmail.

Install:

sudo apt-get install checkgmail