This is the most helpful new Linux tool I've tried in years - here's why and how I use it

How many applications have you installed that promised to make your desktop life a bit easier? I cannot even begin to total up the software I've tried that made such overtures. That's why, any time I see such a tool advertised or available for Linux, I grow immediately doubtful.

Sometimes, an app shrugs off that doubt to prove itself invaluable.

Such is the case with Linux Assistant.

Also: 5 Linux terminal apps better than your default - and they're all free

This handy little app helps you search your system for files and folders, can help you install applications and upgrade your system, offers self-learning search, runs a security check, and so much more.

I could go on and on about what Linux Assistant can do, but we'd spend a lot of time covering it. I'll show you how much it can do by way of a demonstration.

Also: How to use Linux without ever touching the terminal

Before I continue, know that Linux Assistant is still in beta, so there will be problems with the software. That is to be expected.

Let's see what this app is all about.

How to install Linux Assistant

What you'll need: To install Linux Assistant, you'll need either a Debian- or Fedora-based distribution. You could also build the app from source, which can be downloaded from the project's GitHub page. I'll demonstrate this using Pop!_OS, which is based on Ubuntu (which is based on Debian). You'll also need a user with sudo privileges.

sudo dpkg -i linux-assistant.deb
sudo rpm -i linux-assistant.rpm

Once that is finished, you can delete the installer file and close the terminal window.

Once you've worked your way through the setup wizard, you'll find yourself at the main window, where you can click "First steps after install." This will run you through a few more configurations (all of which are straightforward), and you'll wind up back on the main page.

Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn

You can also click the gear icon at the bottom right of the window to access the Settings page. On the Settings page, you can set your distribution, manage the search settings, and make changes to the UI.

On the Search settings page, you can enable/disable options like include applications, include favorite files and bookmarks, self-learning search, folder recursion depth, and more.

Also: How to compile your first Linux kernel (and 3 reasons why you should)

Let's use Linux Assistant.

Using Linux Assistant

Using Linux Assistant is easy. Click on the search bar and start typing. Say you want to run a security check on your system. Type "s," and the results will automatically start filling in as you type. At the top, you'll find the Security Check option. Click that, and Linux Assistant will run a security check on your machine.

Also: 5 ways I use regex in Linux (and why they're so essential)

Let this keep running, and if it finds any issues, there'll be an associated Fix button for many of them. For example, my firewall is currently inactive (I have my reasons), and Linux Assistant presented a Fix button for that.

Right below the firewall instance, there were two SSH-related issues, but Linux Assistant only offered suggestions for those (instead of a Fix button).

Go back to the main page and type the name of a file you're looking for, and Linux Assistant will present you with every instance it finds.

You can go through the entire alphabet at the search bar and find all sorts of things Linux Assistant can do.

Also: 10 things I always do immediately after installing Linux - and why

I've been using Linux Assistant for days and keep finding new ways to use it. Every day, I'll start typing something in the Search field and find a new way to use the tool.

Anyone who works on a Linux desktop should either install this app right away or wait for the first stable version and grab it then. Linux Assistant is one of those tools that every distribution should include by default. Install Linux Assistant today and see if you don't find it staying open on your desktop 24/7.

Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.