If there is a Linux operating system which can be a real competitor for Microsoft and Apple, that is Linux Mint, which tries to offer through the concept of free license all the benefits that the proprietary system already offers to people and large companies.
Its last update is 20.2 and brings some qualities that resemble Windows, but this initiative requires large and powerful machines to do its job, depending on the users you are.
Check what are the main qualities of Mint, what are the minimum hardware requirements and compare its benefits with those offered by other Linux operating systems. Without a doubt, it is an option that you need to evaluate if you like the environment of Linux.
What is Linux Mint and what is this Linux distribution for?
Unlike other operating systems, Mint does not sell itself as a large community of volunteers and programmers around the world. They have a philosophy of generating solutions in the workflow of large companies and, at the same time, they want to reach the hearts of users in their homes. It currently has three editions: Cinnamon, Mate and Xface. Being the first one of the most recognized by enthusiasts of Linux. The download is done from their website, if people do not have the previous version of this title.
Otherwise, the update manager warns that a new update has arrived. It is an operating system that offers a desktop environment, a renewed notes application and a powerful package manager that, unlike Windows or MacOS, does not force the user to install. Why its success? Because it is based on Ubuntu 20.04.2 and this distribution already has important fans who kill to have new experiences with some variants in their honor.
What are the main functionalities and characteristics of the Linux Mint distribution?
Like any program, Mint was born to make a strong competition to Ubuntu, although it is inspired by him. But the new version of Mint is serious when it comes to that is twice as fast to complete tasks.
Check out all the features:
- Cleaner and faster: undoubtedly, the developers have had to work hard to make this operating system more effective and stable. Although the previous version was not well received and they preferred to go from edition 18 to 20.
- Similarity to Windows: the Cinnamon desktop is the equivalent of Windows for its appearance and usability. If it is a strategy, it turns out that it works and serves as a transition for people who want to try an open system on Linux, but not that different from Windows.
- Makes updating easy: it is one of the few operating systems that cares about making sure people stay up to date. In 2019, the creators realized that users weren’t paying much attention to the changes and decided to adjust that with a global wizard.
- There is no APT: Although there is no APT figure, as an update center, it actually uses the “Update Manager” figure which does almost the same thing, but not as a package manager, rather, as an optional application updater.
- Sticky Notes: It does not seem relevant, but this application comes to replace “Gnote” and tries to look like the classic notes that you create on the Windows desktop and organize in that same space.
Although we will talk about this later, the only disadvantage we see in Mint is that it requires more physical resources than the rest of the Linux distributions. However, this initiative is worth a try for the features that we have been mentioning above.
Linux Mint versions What are they and how have they improved the operating system?
Like any computer project, improvements occur progressively, as each of the updates of a project are published. In the case of Linux Mint, These changes have required several years to see the matured product that we know today.
We leave you this list of the changes that this operating system has had:
- Linux Mint 16: it starts with this version because there was a significant performance improvement in the operating system and how it uses few physical resources. It featured a revamped desktop interface, new USB memory management, program management improvements, and a new way of logging in.
- Linux Mint 17: This version is from 2014, it has two desktop modes, Cinnamon 2.2 and MATE 1.8, with adjustments to make it more intuitive by combining a cleaner design with the relocation of the options in its menu. In this release, the developers focused on usability.
- Linux Mint 18: From this moment, Mint has been a reference for offering necessary changes, without decorations to adorn. The Cinnamon 3.2 and Mate 1.16 editions are already solid, fluid, and well accepted by the end-user community. It is one of the most stable bets of the creators of Mint.
- Linux Mint 19: They launch a new welcome screen for the user, with which they have access to various services. There is also a new support center for Flatpak and many enhancements to the packages that come with this operating system.
- Linux Mint 20: As we have mentioned, it focuses more on offering specific services to large companies to create work environments, server environments and office automation solutions. The option to return to the last stable state of the system is strengthened, just as Windows does.
In summary, throughout the development of Mint it is clear that there is a tendency to reach out to new Linux users, to try to gradually increase the number of enthusiasts of this community around the world. Since birth has offered a clean, intuitive and tool-filled environment that assist their users from the first steps.
System requirements What capabilities must my computer have to install Linux Mint?
Unlike other Linux distributions, Mint demands more equipment, has several functions that demand more space and processing capacity.
These are the minimum requirements to install this operating system on any computer:
- Processor Dual Core 2 GHz.
- 4 Gb RAM As minimum. Less than that, there will be many glitches.
- Storage space 25 Gb, for installation only.
- Screen resolution 1024px x 768px.
- Is mandatory the connection to Internet.
These requirements are for office duties, in which it is not required to edit videos, have access to video games and do heavy tasks. If you want to have the experience of a video editor or graphic designer with this operating system, then you must choose to have a more powerful team with which you can get more out of the graphical environment and the speed that Mint has.
Linux Mint vs Manjaro vs Debian Which is the best Linux distribution today?
The three operating systems have Linux as the core, so the functions are similar.
The big difference is in the user experience, in the niche they want to reach and in the organization of the desktop:
Package management
All three systems have a package manager that makes work easier for users. But Mint makes the difference because it works with pre-established packages in terms of audio and video codecs, and in terms of user assistance tools. You do this because you want to have a wizard for your end users.
Security
Mint, Debian, and Manjaro deal with the same security issues being free license operating systems, in which there are fewer defense tools against attacks and data protection. However, the latest version of Min ends up reverting to a previous state of system stability, in case of failures.
Privacy
Definitely, Mint has done a better job of differentiating users who use the same computer. You have revamped the way people enter your desk several times. What Mint requires permanent internet connection, receives updates to strengthen security.
Utility
Debian is an operating system aimed at people who want to have more control of the processes of your computer, it is not so easy to use because it attracts technical and developed users. Instead, Manjaro and Mint they are more alike in their philosophy of being useful to all.
Unique tools
Mint has somewhat forgotten the freedoms and philosophy of being a free agent, but its similarity to Windows, in terms of desktops and getting things done, allow more users to have a first approach with this Linux distribution. The community appreciates an effort to attract more users.
Now that you know the qualities of Mint and other distributions With which operating system do you prefer to start your way in Linux? Your initial experience will depend on the correct choice what you do and the equipment you have at home.