Conclusion
Well, there you have it--the best and easiest to install Linux-based image applications.
For simple image viewers, the KDE and GNOME defaults, Gwenview and Eye Of GNOME (respectively) are our top picks, but most of the contenders in this category will do the trick.
For image managers, we again like the KDE and GNOME defaults of digiKam and Shotwell (respectively) along with gThumb. But digiKam stands out as the most attractive option.
As far as photo editors go, we like showFoto (when paired with digiKam) and RAWTherapee. But nearly every app in this category has features that warrant a look.
In drawing and painting, the race isn't even remotely close. mtPaint is significantly better than any other “simple painting” application I've ever come across.
For image manipulation software, GIMP really is the only contender for a Photoshop replacement on Linux. But most of you probably already guessed the outcome there.
As for vector graphics, we like both Inkscape and Xara Xtreme equally well, though Inkscape is used more heavily by the open source community, and therefore has more help available online.
With regard to 3D graphics, nothing for Linux beats Blender. Not only does this application trump proprietary software in price, but its quality puts Blender on even ground with much more well-known commercial apps.
Shutter is one of the best programs out there for taking screenshots.
For scanning utilities, Simple Scan does what 99% of us need a scanning utility to do, but XSane has an insane number of options. PosteRazor and Hugin were two examples of Linux niche applications that are high quality and surprisingly easy to use.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Tom's Definitive Linux Software Roundup. We'll be looking at audio applications--everything from music players to professional-grade mixers.
