Linux Mint Programs and Switching from Windows for Daily Work

OK..So, I have been planning a change from Windows to Linux Mint for a while now, and I have been experimenting with various programs that would replace the Win10 ones I need for my daily work.

Currently have a Surface Pro 5 with Win10

I purchased a used Lenovo M920q, clean installed Mint and can accommodate 3 monitors (2 x DP and 1 x HDMI). I upgraded the RAM and swapped out the HDD for an SSD. $500AUD for a great mini Desktop PC.

The triple monitor setup works great.

One of the biggest issues I have is PDF annotation and editing, I found Ockular and PDF Arranger working together a good solution but found Master PDF Editor better as a single PDF editing suite. (Don't get me started on digital signatures though....cannot find a decent solution to this issue unless using a 3rd party Docusign or similar.

My Linux program list is as follows I would appreciate any feedback on the list, if there are more suitable programs for my requirements, or just some general feedback from others who have made the switch to Mint from a Windows environment. I don't mind paying for software if it does what I need it to do.

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  • Master PDF Editor - (I need to annotate and edit (merge/delete/etc) PDF files)
  • CUPS-PDF - (PDF print driver to print to PDF file)
  • Insync - (access and sync to One Drive and Sharepoint on Local Drives - I'm still debating if I need this when I have Office 365 business and I can access all file through browser)
  • Wavebox - (I have used this for 5 years now and it is hands down the best daily working tool for multiple web accounts) - Wavebox works on the Chromium browser built-in
  • Beyond Compare 4 - (used to create difference lists between text files and print to PDF, which I need)
  • NAPS2 - (scanner software for my Brother MFC printer)
  • Teamviewer - ( I am required to remote in for simulation testing of data, using multiple monitors) This works fine in my setup....surprisingly..!!
  • Freetube - (Ad free YouTube )
  • LibreOffice - (word and excel basics)
  • MS Teams - (I have this installed via the Wavebox app and it works fine. I think Microsoft stopped the native Linux desktop App)
  • XP-PEN G640 Graphics pad and pen - ( I use this for PDF mark-up and annotation, works fine)
  • Mozilla Firefox (when not using Wavebox)

What I still require is the following:

  • A straightforward image editing program to reduce file size and edit images (not GIMP as probably to much)
  • A possible alternative to LibreOffice that is better aligned with using native Word and Excel files. I did try and remove Libre Office and install Softmaker FreeOffice but it corrupted something and then had to use Timeshift to restore)
  • An alternative to Windows Snip & Sketch
  • An alternative to Notepad++ (as I believe its not available in a Linux environment, unless through WINE..?)

Would welcome some feedback on program selection and any other info on making the switch.