Best Linux software for remote work

January 31, 2025

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Remote work software significantly facilitates the process of collaboration and communication. For teams using Linux operating system, it is important to have not only reliable but also secure and affordable software.

Without these tools, it is hard to imagine a modern business workflow as most communication is conducted via video conference meetings and chat rather than by phone or email. Almost all organizations use tools for project management, team collaboration, and corporate communication daily. The modern digital market offers a wide range of software for remote work for any operating system, including Linux. Users of this operating system value security, reliability, and the ability to host the software on-premises. Let's discuss the best Linux software for remote work in this blog post.

Virola corporate messenger

Virola corporate messenger is a self-hosted application that is available for Linux, both server and client. It's a totally secure and reliable business messenger with all the essential features for productive teamwork:

• Screen sharing and remote control for Linux
• Group and private chat rooms
• Video conferencing tools for Linux
• Files sharing and storage
• Task board and issues tracking system

Virola is free for small teams and offers a wide range of corporate features that allow seamless integration into the workflow of large and medium organizations.

Remote Desktop apps for Linux

Apart from screen sharing, it is necessary to use remote desktop apps for various tasks, including remote work, IT management, accessing specialized software, and collaboration. Most organizations have been successfully using this technology for many years, making it possible for their employees to work from home and ensuring smooth and responsive performance.

Remote Desktop is a crucial tool for working from home after COVID-19. It provides an easy method for IT personnel to implement patches, and updates, conduct diagnostics, and apply solutions to computers in their employees' home offices. A Remote Desktop server enables users to operate from any location – whether at home, traveling, or in the office. There is no need for extra hardware to connect the remote user to the server. All that is required is an Internet connection and a web browser.

Linux users can take advantage of the following Remote Desktop apps:

1. Linux remote desktop over Secure Shell (SSH) with graphics
2. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) over SSH Tunnel
3. AnyDesk Remote Desktop for Linux
4. Linux remote desktop using X2Go

Remote Desktop apps are essential for businesses aiming to connect increasingly dispersed teams. Whether utilizing Remote Desktop, virtual desktop integration, or a combination of the two, organizations of all sizes can gain significant advantages from virtual desktop hosting.

Video conferencing apps for Linux

Video conferencing platforms for Linux remove geographical limitations and allow employees to communicate, host presentations or webinars and train remotely. Secure video conferencing is an essential part of any workflow. If you are looking for secure and free alternatives to Zoom or Webex, check our list of video conferencing apps for Linux.

Project management apps for Linux

In this list, we will share not only free open-source project management apps for Linux but also the ones you can purchase and host on-premises:

• Taiga.io – free open-source project management app for the effective work of cross-functional Agile teams. It is available both as a cloud and self-hosted solution.
• Jira – issue tracking and project management software that can be used both in a cloud or hosted on your corporate or remote server. It's free for small teams of up to 10 users.
• OpenProject – open-source and self-hosted project management systems with high security standards which help protect your corporate data.
• WeKan – an open-source Kanban board for efficient task management. Self-hosting option gives control over your corporate data ensuring that it cannot be accessed or shared without your knowledge.

Free instant messaging apps for Linux

Before you start looking for an instant messaging app for Linux you need to decide what kind of functionality you need for your team to stay productive and smoothly integrate the messaging app into your workflow. If you require a self-hosted instant messaging app you need to search for self-hosted alternatives to Slack or MS Teams. Here are some examples of free self-hosted instant messaging apps for Linux:

• Virola corporate messenger combines the functionality of an instant messenger with an issue-tracking system. With Virola, you can share files of any size, conduct video and audio chats, securely communicate with your team members, and create and track issues on a task board. It supports LaTeX for equation sharing and Markdown for text formatting in chat messages.
• Rocket.Chat is an open-source business messenger that is available as a self-hosted solution and on a Rocket.Chat Cloud. It's a tool for small and large teams with a great amount of integrations and corporate features essential for large organizations. For small teams Rocket.Chat offers a free version.
• TrueConf is a self-hosted secure business messenger with an available free version for small teams and support of the Linux operating system. It provides a wide range of features for efficient team communication and collaboration.

The bottom line

It is important to organize a smooth and efficient workflow for remote teams as all communication is held in instant messengers and video conferencing apps today. The ability to work remotely and have remote access to all essential for efficient work tools has become a necessity after COVID-19. At the same time, organizations tend to optimize their expenses and purchase reliable software for their remote and in-office teams.