Microsoft OneNote alternative?

Solution 1:

Zim

Zim is a similar note taking application with wiki like features. Zim supports rich text formatting, links between notes and to external resources, inline images and even LaTeX equations. It has a familiar 'notebook' layout with tabs.

Here is a quick screenshot demonstrating some of the features:

Zim is extendible using plugins - such as the LaTeX plugin. There are lots more. Here is the list of default plugins (you may need to install dependencies of some):

• Calendar
• Create Note (from command line for keyboard shortcuts etc.)
• Diagram Editor (using graphviz)
• Equation Editor (using LaTeX)
• GNU R Plot Editor
• Insert Screenshot (using scrot)
• Insert Symbol
• Link Map (using graphviz)
• Spell Checker
• Task List
• Tray Icon (actually an application indicator)
• Version Control (using bzr - this should make synchronisation and back up really easy)

The only feature it seems to be missing is Ubuntu One synchronisation like with Tomboy, however, if you use the default Notes directory (~/Notes), you can synchronise this over Ubuntu One, as your notes as held in files in this folder.

Solution 2:

OneNote - Office Web Apps

OneNote is awesome, and no, there isn't a compatible version for Linux. BUT you can use Office Web Apps which is almost as awesome as OneNote :)

You need a Microsoft Live account to use it.

It is a Web App so it runs in a browser and works flawlessly from Ubuntu too :)

I know it is still Microsoft piece of work, but if one likes OneNote then should use OneNote.

Solution 3:

Basket Note Pads

I've always liked Basket. It's not as nice or polished as OneNote, but it lets you organize things hierarchically, group things together, embed media...etc.

It worked beautifully for me when I was in school.