Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a desktop Linux distribution designed to be easy to use for users new to Linux. The main version is based variant on Ubuntu. There is also a Debian based version. Linux Mint is one of the most user-friendly distributions on the market - complete with a custom desktop and menus, several unique configuration tools, an easy to use Software Manager for installing and managing software, and a number of different editions. Perhaps most importantly, this is one project where the developers and users are in constant interaction, resulting in dramatic, user-driven improvements with every new release.
Architectures Supported
i386, x86_64, Note: Linux Mint 20 onwards will only be available in 64-bit
Desktop Environments
GNOME, Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE, LXDE, Fluxbox
Release Cycle
Mint's six monthly release cycle for CINNAMON, MATE and XFCE editions loosely follow Ubuntu's release schedule, delayed by around two months, but without any strict release dates. In the end this results in a 'more polished' release.
LXDE has it's own release cycle.
Mint Software
The Mint developers offer more than just a re-release of a refined Ubuntu, they also develop a few user-friendly applications to accompany their releases which help add to the flavor of the distro.
Main Menu (formerly MintMenu)
Mint menu is a complete menu system which is intended to replace the most commonly used GNOME menu and GNOME custom menus. It is loosely based on something like kickstart for KDE, sporting a super-fast search function and has maturing customization features.
Backup Tool (formerly MintBackup)
Another matured piece of software which simplifies backup tasks. There is now support for file compression and incremental backups along with a completely new interface which also makes restoring easier too.
Update Manager
Update manager is a utility to assist in software upgrades. It takes a different approach to upgrading than Ubuntu. Each new upgrade is graded from 1 to 5. 1 being a very safe and tested upgrade and 5 being a very untested and possibly unstable upgrade. By default, the Mint update manager will only show (offer) upgrades graded from 1 to 3. This is an option which can be modified however, allowing the user to perform all upgrades. As a result of this 'safety feature', the 'Mark All Upgrades' option has been removed from Synaptic.
Domain Blocker (formerly MintNanny) Removed from latest releases
Is a parental tool used to block unwanted sites from being accessed by a user on the computer. Although something like this could be handled by a firewall, it is much more intuitive and easy to use for average people who want nothing to do with iptables and what not.
Upload Manager (formerly MintUpload)
Lets you define upload services for FTP, SFTP and SCP servers. Services are then available in the system tray and provide zones where you can drag and drop files for them to be automatically uploaded to their corresponding destinations.
Desktop Settings
A desktop configuration tool for easy configuration of the Gnome desktop.
Recent Releases
| Mint Version | Code Name | LTS | Ubuntu Equivalent | End of Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.0 | Ulyana | Yes | 20.04 | June 2025 |
| 19.3 | Tricia | Yes | 18.04 | April 2023 |
| 19.2 | Tina | Yes | 18.04 | April 2023 |
| 19.1 | Tessa | Yes | 18.04 | April 2023 |
| 19 | Tara | Yes | 18.04 | April 2023 |
| 18.3 | Sylvia | Yes | 16.04 | April 2021 |
| 17.3 | Rosa | Yes | 14.04 | April 2019 |
Next Release
Linux Mint 20.1 (“TBD”) is estimated to be released around December 2020 and will be supported until 2025.
Links
- https://blog.linuxmint.com/ Mint Blog
- https://www.linuxmint.com/ Main Site (portal)
- https://forums.linuxmint.com/ Forum
- https://community.linuxmint.com/ Community Site