Reinstalling Linux should feel exciting — not exhausting. Yet every fresh Linux installation usually means the same tedious ritual: opening the app store, searching for software, clicking “Install,” typing your password, waiting… and repeating that process dozens of times.
On Windows, tools like Ninite and UniGetUI solved this problem years ago by allowing bulk app installation. Linux, however, has mostly lacked a simple, user-friendly equivalent — until now.
TuxMate changes the game by offering a web-based tool that instantly generates a complete installation command (or script) for your Linux distribution, allowing you to install all your essential software in one shot.
No manual searching. No copy-pasting package names. No repetitive installs.
Just select your apps, copy the command, and you’re done.
What Is TuxMate?
TuxMate is a lightweight web interface that lets you:
- Select your Linux distribution
- Choose the applications you want
- Automatically generate the correct install command or script
It supports over 180 popular Linux applications across categories like:
- Browsers
- Media
- Gaming
- Development
- Productivity
- Security
- Utilities
Once you make your selections, TuxMate instantly builds a tailored installation command compatible with your system.
How TuxMate Works
1. Choose Your Distribution
From the top-right dropdown, you can select:
- Ubuntu / Debian
- Fedora
- Arch Linux
- openSUSE
- Nix
- Flatpak
- Snap
- Homebrew (Linux/macOS)
TuxMate automatically adjusts package names and installation syntax to match your distro and package manager.
2. Select Your Applications
You simply check the apps you want, such as:
- Firefox, Brave, Chromium, Tor
- Discord, Slack, Telegram, Zoom
- VLC, Spotify, Audacity, Kdenlive
- VS Code, Git, Docker, Python, Rust
- Steam, Lutris, OBS Studio, GIMP
Apps unavailable for your selected distro appear grayed out with a tooltip explaining alternative installation methods.
3. Copy the Command or Download the Script
TuxMate generates a complete command in real time, for example:
sudo apt install -y firefox vlc gimp steam libreoffice keepassxc qbittorrent
You can:
- Copy the command directly
- Download a full Bash script with error handling, progress indicators, and package checks
The script automatically:
- Skips already installed packages
- Handles network failures
- Adds required repositories when needed
- Displays a summary report at the end
Smart Multi-Source Package Handling
TuxMate doesn’t limit itself to official repositories.
- On Ubuntu, it detects when apps require Flatpak or Snap.
- On Arch, it automatically installs and uses
yayfor AUR packages. - On Fedora, it enables RPM Fusion when multimedia codecs are required.
You can even switch sources manually (APT ↔ Flatpak ↔ Snap) directly from the interface.
Open Source and Community-Driven
TuxMate is fully open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Built with Next.js, React, and TypeScript
- Styled using Tailwind CSS and Framer Motion
- Publicly available on GitHub
The project has already inspired third-party tools, including tuxmate-cli, a command-line client that lets you install apps without opening the website.
Example:
tuxmate-cli install firefox vscode steam
Who Is TuxMate For?
TuxMate is ideal for:
- Linux beginners overwhelmed by package names
- Power users who reinstall or distro-hop often
- Developers setting up fresh machines
- IT admins preparing multiple workstations
It is not meant to replace full configuration management tools like Ansible, GNU Stow, or NixOS — but rather to provide a fast, clean, and convenient way to bootstrap your system.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- The catalog focuses on popular and widely used apps — not obscure or niche packages.
- It does not manage dotfiles or system configuration.
- It is an installer, not a full provisioning framework.
That said, the curated approach keeps the tool fast, clean, and accessible.
Final Thoughts
TuxMate fills a long-standing gap in the Linux ecosystem: a simple, elegant way to install your essential software in bulk without scripting, searching, or frustration.
If you regularly reinstall Linux, manage multiple machines, or just want a cleaner setup experience, TuxMate can save you significant time and effort.
It’s fast, open source, distro-aware, and beginner-friendly — exactly what modern Linux deserves.
And if you'd like to go a step further in supporting us, you can treat us to a virtual coffee ☕️. Thank you for your support ❤️!
We do not support or promote any form of piracy, copyright infringement, or illegal use of software, video content, or digital resources.
Any mention of third-party sites, tools, or platforms is purely for informational purposes. It is the responsibility of each reader to comply with the laws in their country, as well as the terms of use of the services mentioned.
We strongly encourage the use of legal, open-source, or official solutions in a responsible manner.
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