if there is a linux operating system that can be a real competitor for and that is linux mintwhich tries to offer through the concept of free license all the benefits that the private system already offers to individuals and large companies.
Its latest update is 20.2 and brings some qualities that resemble Windows, but this initiative requires large, powerful machines to do its jobdepending on the user you are.
Review what are the main qualities of Mint, what are the minimum hardware requirements and compares 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 atmosphere 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, Matte and Xface. Being the first one of the most recognized by the enthusiasts of Linux. The download is done from its 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 your success? because it is 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 features of the Linux Mint distribution?
Like any program, Mint born to make a strong competition to Ubuntu, although it is inspired by him. But the new version of Mint is serious when she refers to that is twice as fast in completing tasks.
Check out all the features:
- Cleaner and faster: Without a doubt, the developers have had to work hard to make this operating system more effective and stable. Despite the fact that the previous version was not well received and they preferred to go from edition 18 to 20.
- Similarity with Windows: the Cinnamon desktop is the equivalent of Windows in appearance and usability. If it’s a strategy, it turns out to work and is a transition for people who want to try an open system on Linux, but not so different from Windows.
- Makes upgrading easy: it’s one of the few operating systems that cares about making sure people stay up to date. In the year 2019, the creators realized that users were not paying much attention to the changes and decided to adjust that with a global wizard.
- There is no APT: Although there is no figure of APT, as an update center, it actually uses the figure of “Update Manager” which does almost the same thing, but not as a package manager, rather, as an optional application updater.
- Sticky Notes: It doesn’t seem relevant, but this application is here 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 trying for the features 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 gradually, as each project update is 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 renewed desktop interface, new USB memory management, program management improvements, and a new login method.
- Linux Mint 17: This version is from the year 2014, it has two desktop modalities, 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, smooth, and well received by the end-user community. It is one of the most stable bets from the creators of the Mint.
- Linux Mint 19: launch a new welcome screen for the user, with which you have access to various services. There is also a new support center for Flatpak and many improvements in the packages that this operating system includes.
- 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 the Mint it is clear that there is a tendency to reach out to new linux users, to try to gradually increase the number of fans of this community around the world. Since his birth, has offered a clean, intuitive environment full of tools that assist their users from the first steps.
System requirements What features must my computer have to install Linux Mint on it?
Unlike other Linux distributions, Mint demands more equipmentit has several functions that demand more space and processing capacity.
These are the minimum requirements to install this operating system on any computer:
- Processor 2GHz Dual Core.
- 4GB RAM As minimum. Less than that, there will be many failures.
- Storage space 25 Gb, only for installation.
- Screen resolution of 1024px x 768px.
- It is mandatory the connection to Internet.
These requirements are for office work, in which video editing, access to video games and heavy tasks are not required. If you want to have the experience of a video editor or graphic designer with this operating system, then you should choose to have a more powerful team with which you can get the most 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 kernelSo 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 it 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 all deal with the same security issues as they are freely licensed operating systems, in which there are fewer tools to defend against attacks and data protection. However, the latest version of Min is limited to reverting to a previous state of system stability, in case of crashes.
Privacy
Definitely, Mint has done a better job of differentiating users who use the same equipment. You’ve revamped the way people walk into your desktop several times over. 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 over processes. of your computer, it is not so easy to use because it appeals to technical and developed users. Instead, Manjaro Y Mint they are more alike in their philosophy of being useful to everyone.
unique tools
Mint has somewhat forgotten the freedoms and philosophy of being a free agent, but its similarity with Windows, in terms of desktops and doing things, allow more users to have a first approach with this Linux distribution. The community appreciates that an effort is made 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 you do and the equipment you have at home.