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Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions on the planet. It was originally started back in 2006 and is based on Ubuntu. It retains compatibility with Ubuntu to this day but has surpassed Ubuntu when it comes to ease of use. You'll be hard pressed to find a Linux user that doesn't agree that Linux Mint is a great option for new users and those who love the Cinnamon Desktop. Let's dig a little deeper in this Linux Mint Review.Installing Linux Mint is very easy to do so I'm going to bypass that in this review. You can however, read my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmscritic.com/how-to-install-linux-mint/">How to Install Linux Mint</a> article if you want to see the process in depth.<h2>The Cinnamon Desktop</h2>No Linux Mint review is complete without screenshots and this one is no exception. My goal is to show you the basics and explore some of the functionality to help you make a decision as to whether it's something you want to try. The Cinnamon desktop is a very well put together desktop environment that is in version 4.0 as of the latest Linux Mint release.Here's how it looks post-install:<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-welcome-screen_q4n5d2.png" />Linux Mint Review – Welcome ScreenYou'll notice that the first thing to pop-up is a welcome screen introducing you to the system. This is also present in several other Linux distributions such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmscritic.com/ubuntu-mate-review/">Ubuntu Mate</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmscritic.com/mx-linux-review/">MX Linux</a>.<h2>The Welcome Screen</h2>The welcome screen is intended to provide you with quick shortcuts to useful information as well as some things you should consider exploring after installation. Clicking on First Steps showcases some of the post-install tasks to explore.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-welcome-screen-first-steps_qcdhib.png" />Welcome Screen – First Steps – Linux Mint ReviewHere's a quick summary of each of the sections:<ul><li>System Snapshots – this app is intended to help you set up automatic backups of your system that you can restore if something breaks.</li><li>Driver Manager – this driver manager provides you with a means of scanning your system to see if any drivers are available for any of your hardware.</li><li>Update Manager – this one speaks for itself, it checks for updated software in the repositories and initiates the updates.</li><li>Desktop Layout – New in 19.1 is a layout tool that allows you to choose between two different panel layouts; traditional and modern.</li><li>System Settings – Offers quick access to all of the settings for items such as appearance settings, preferences, hardware and administrative tools.</li><li>Software Manager – This allows you to manage software on your system and install new software from a massive repository.</li></ul>Now that we've explored the welcome screen, which I feel is one of the best ones out there. Let's take a look at some of the individual components available to Linux Mint users.<h2>System Snapshots</h2>With system snapshots, you can choose either RSYNC or BTRFS for snapshots. If you aren't sure which one to choose, click the HELP drop-down for more information on each option. I typically choose RSYNC but if you formatted your partitions with BTRFS, then feel free to choose it. The choice is yours.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/system-snapshots-linux-mint-review_dyssyt.jpg" />System Snapshots – Linux Mint ReviewOnce you've made a selection, Timeshift will load allowing you to configure your snapshots. For more information on using Timeshift, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/teejee2008/timeshift">this link</a>. The inclusion of Timeshift is a smart one. It's a very useful tool and given that Linux Mint is geared towards new users, it's a good idea to offer some sort of recovery option. This will not only bolster the confidence of new users to try new things with the system without fear of breakage but also offers peace of mind overall.<h2>Driver Manager</h2>The Driver Manager, as mentioned, will scan your hardware and check to see if there are any hardware drivers (third party Nvidia for example) that may be required. It will then let you choose whether you want to install them or not.Opening the driver manager will kick off an update of the cache so that Linux Mint knows what's available.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-driver-manager_iphi5c.jpg" />Linux Mint Review – Driver ManagerOnce the cache update is complete, the Driver Manager will load and present you with the available drivers, if any.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-driver-manager-2_qgyzea.jpg" />Linux Mint Review – Available DriversThe driver manager is an essential app for Linux Mint and is similar to the one included with most Ubuntu derived distros. This simple offering helps make Ubuntu and related distributions such as Linux Mint stand out when it comes to ease of use for those being introduced to Linux for the first time.<h2>Update Manager</h2>The update manager allows you to check the Linux Mint repositories for updated software and security fixes. Launching it, you'll be presented with the following screen:<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/update-manager-linux-mint-review_jh3blc.jpg" />Update Manager – Linux Mint ReviewOnce you click OK on this screen, the update manager will do a scan of the repositories to see if there are any security or version updates that are available to install. You'll then be presented with a list of updates which you can either choose to install all of or select individually.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/update-manager-available-updates-linux-mint-review_e7c6ls.jpg" />Update Manager – Available updates – Linux Mint ReviewLike any good distro, there's multiple ways to perform system updates and Linux Mint is no exception. While the hardcore user will likely end up using apt commands in the terminal, the new user has an interface that's easy to understand and use until they begin to discover the wonders of the console.<h2>Desktop Layout</h2>This is where you can choose between either the modern layout which Linux Mint has by default or the traditional layout from older releases. Here's what the Traditional Layout looks like in comparison to the Modern Layout.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/traditional-panel-layout-linux-mint-review_lgjdn9.png" />Traditional Panel Layout – Linux Mint ReviewI like that the devs chose to include the previous panel layout as an option. For those who are old school Mint users, this keeps them happy and choice is never a bad thing. While I personally thing the new panel look and feel is better overall, I'm pleased to see that they are offering the choice to switch if desired.<h2>System Settings</h2>System settings is where you get access to all of the, well, settings that are available in Linux Mint. Launching it will present you with the following window:<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/system-settings-linux-mint_lsuvyd.png" />System Settings – Linux Mint ReviewWe won't get into every single option here as that would be very time consuming but what I will do is touch on some of the key items within this window that I think are worth pointing out in this Linux Mint review.<h3>Effects</h3>Cinnamon comes with numerous options for desktop effects. Within the Effects icon, you'll find two tabs.The first tab presents you with ability to enable or disable effects for individual components of the desktop as well as choose from some pre-defined effect styles.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-effects_oiqmwp.png" />Linux Mint Review – EffectsThe second tab offers you more granular control over your settings by allowing you to customize them individually.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-effects-2_gyqoje-1.png" />Linux Mint Review – Effects-2<h3>Themes</h3>While Linux Mint does offer a slick default look and feel, you can also change individual components of your theme or download new ones. Clicking on Themes will launch the related window so you can do this.The first tab lets you customize the themes for individual areas of the desktop.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-themes-individual-settings_e17gec.jpg" />Linux Mint – Themes – Individual SettingsThe second tab gives you the ability to add or remove themes that are available for download. Once you download a new one, switch back to the first tab to make your customizations.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-themes-add-and-remove_aiokpu.jpg" />Linux Mint – Themes – Add and Remove<h3>Applets</h3>Applets are small apps that run inside the Cinnamon panel and offer additional capabilities or information. You can manage them by clicking on Applets inside the Settings Manager.The first tab lets you manage your applets – functions such as adding and removing them from the panel, etc.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-applets_jk4pbq.jpg" />AppletsThe second tab gives you the ability to download additional applets from the Linux Mint applet repository.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-review-applet-download_q5ltgc.jpg" />Applet DownloadExtensions functions similarly to these as well, allowing you to customize and download additional extensions for Linux Mint.The remaining settings dialogs are all pretty self explanatory and I encourage you to explore them each individually to ensure you have a solid understanding of what Linux Mint is capable of and what can be configured.<h2>Applications</h2>Be default, Linux Mint comes with numerous applications installed by default such as Firefox, Thunderbird, GIMP, Rhythmbox, VLC and LibreOffice.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-applications_xq3nzr.png" />ApplicationsYou can always download more via the Software Manager app.<h3>Nemo</h3>The file manager, Nemo, is excellent as well and offers more than just basic file management capabilities. You can also connect to servers and mount locations via various protocols.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-nemo_toqpdq.png" />NemoThere are also numerous plugins that can be used with Nemo, which you can access from the Edit menu.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-nemo-customizations_tobcnr.jpg" />Nemo Customizations<h2>Performance</h2>Performance wise, Linux Mint is pretty good. With Firefox, Calculator, GIMP, Terminal and Nemo running, memory usage was pretty reasonable. The CPU usage was pretty high but I was also running all of this under a limited VirtualBox session.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/linux-mint-system-monitor_yf0y8j.png" />Linux Mint – System Monitor<h2>Conclusions</h2>Overall, it's easy to see why Linux Mint is so popular. It's visually appealing and highly customizable use of the Cinnamon Desktop lends itself well to new and old users alike. The choice of applications and ease of installing new ones is broad and well thought out. Little things such as an app for backups make it easy to recommend. I'm giving it a 5/5. What do you think? Are you a fan of Linux Mint?

Linux Mint Review

mike-johnston

Linux Mint is one of the most popular Ubuntu compatible distros on the planet, even more so in some cases than Ubuntu itself. Most of this comes from it's focus on ease of use. Installing Linux Mint is relatively straight forward but to help make things easier for those who are new to Linux and aren't familiar with the process, we've put together this handy How to Install Linux Mint guide.<h2>How to Install Linux Mint</h2>To install Linux Mint, you need to first download a disc image from the Linux Mint website here: <a target="_blank" href="https://linuxmint.com/download.php">https://linuxmint.com/download.php</a> (see screenshot below for what the page typically looks like).<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint_wdvalv.jpg" alt="how to install Linux Mint" />How to Install Linux Mint – Download an ISO image<h3>Choosing an Edition to Download</h3>On this page, you'll be given numerous options to choose from. The three desktops listed are Cinnamon, MATE and XFCE. The primary desktop that most people use is Cinnamon, due to the fact that it is developed by the Linux Mint developers specifically for the platform; although in true Linux fashion it's also available on most other distros as well.If you've never used MATE before, that's OK. You can get a general idea of how MATE works in our <a href="/ubuntu-mate-review/">Ubuntu MATE review (opens in a new tab)</a>.  To get a look at XFCE and see if it's something you might want to consider using, you can learn a bit more about it and see how it looks in our <a href="/mx-linux-review/">MX Linux Review (opens in a new tab)</a>. Keep in mind that in both of these reviews, there have been some customizations made but they will give you a general idea of how these other desktop environments work.Assuming you've decided on which edition you wish to download, you'll now need to ascertain whether or not you need the 32 bit or 64 bit versions of the ISO image. If you own a computer made in the past 5 years, chances are you are will need a 64 bit version. If you are unsure, however, here's how to tell:<ol><li>Windows users:  Here's a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001121.htm">handy guide</a> that will help you figure it out.</li><li>Mac users: <a target="_blank" href="https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/12666/how-to-check-whether-my-intel-based-mac-is-32-bit-or-64-bit">read this</a> answer on StackExchange.</li></ol>Once you've downloaded the correct edition, you'll need to write it to a USB drive. If you do not have a USB drive, you'll need to purchase on first. Here's the one we tend to use: <h3>Writing the ISO image to the USB drive</h3>Now that you have a USB drive on hand and have downloaded an ISO image, it's time to write the image to the drive so that you can properly install Linux Mint.There are numerous tools to use for this but the one I find the easiest is Etcher. It also works on Windows, Mac OS and Linux so it's cross compatibility makes it a good choice. Go ahead and download and install Etcher. Once you've finished installing, launch it and you will be greeted with a window that looks similar to this:<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-etcher_fskoms.jpg" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - Etcher" />How to Install Linux Mint – EtcherEtcher is very easy to use. Simply click Select image, find the ISO image that you downloaded and choose it. If you have a USB drive already inserted into your laptop or desktop, Etcher will usually find it right away. If not, insert it and select it with the Select drive button. Once you've done this, simply click Flash! and you are on your way.Once the USB drive has been written to, it's time to install Linux Mint. Whether you are trying to install Linux Mint alongside an existing operating system (such as Windows) or replacing it entirely, it's very important that you ensure you have a proper backup of your data beforehand. There is always a chance that issues will arise and that the install will fail, although this is typically a rare occurrence. I'd also recommend having a backup laptop or desktop (or smartphone) you can use just in case it does, this way you can look up solutions online.Back up any files you wish to keep BEFORE proceeding here. We are not responsible for any loss of data or potential issues that may arise.<h3>Beginning the Install</h3>To begin the install, you need to boot from your USB drive. Leave it inserted in your laptop or desktop and then follow the necessary instructions. Here's a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acronis.com/en-us/articles/usb-boot/">handy guide</a> to help you do so.Once the USB drive has been booted, you'll see a Linux Mint logo and it will automatically boot to the Linux Mint desktop you have chosen.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-the-install-process-1_gc6tdc.png" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - The Install Process - 1" />How to Install Linux Mint – The Install ProcessFrom here, double click on the Install Linux Mint icon to launch the installer.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-the-installer_osklsh.png" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - The Installer" />How to Install Linux Mint – The InstallerIt's now time to choose your language. Since you're reading this guide, I'll assume you are English so go ahead and click Continue (or select a different language).Next up is your keyboard layout. Most of the time, the defaults are correct for most people so I typically have never changed this but you can if you like. Click continue here once you are done.You'll now be asked whether you wish to install third party software.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-third-party-software_vhsbl2.png" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - Third Party Software" />How to Install Linux Mint – Third Party SoftwareI recommend checking this box but it's not mandatory. In some cases, however, it is best to do so in case your system requires third party drivers or software.Next up, you'll be given the option to either install alongside your existing OS and resize the partitions or you can choose the Erase Disk and Install Linux Mint option (Note: doing this will wipe your disk and install Linux Mint exclusively, so make sure this is what you want to do, there's no going back).<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-disk-choices_fronyq.png" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - Disk Choices" />How to Install Linux Mint – Disk ChoicesYou'll now be asked to confirm your changes.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-install-linux-mint-confirm-changes_kj9n0i.png" alt="How to Install Linux Mint - Confirm Changes" />How to Install Linux Mint – Confirm ChangesOn the next screen, you'll be presented with a map and asked to choose your location. Normally, Linux Mint will detect this automatically but in some cases it may be incorrect. You can choose to either click on the map and find your location or start typing it and select it from the drop-down list.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/choose-your-geography_csyqm7.png" alt="Choose your Geography" />Choose your locationNow you'll need to add your information including a username and password. On this screen, you can choose to have the system ask for your password at login or simply boot straight to the desktop. I typically use the latter if I know I'm the only one using the machine and it's not a laptop. For laptops, I recommend leaving the first option (require password) checked for security reasons.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2021/07/adding-your-user-information_vlqve8.png" alt="Adding your user information" />Adding your user informationWhen you click continue, the system will the installation. It's simply a waiting game here.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/installation-progress_tsn7ao.png" alt="Installation Progress" />Installation ProgressOnce the installation is complete, you'll be asked if you want to reboot or continue using the live session. Click reboot and you'll be booted into your brand new Linux Mint desktop!If you experience any installation errors, here are some resources to help:<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewforum.php?f=46&amp;sid=ef0e557a38bf991f2ee45e7ed5729d8d">Linux Mint Forums – Installation Help</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://linuxmint-troubleshooting-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/">Linux Mint Troubleshooting Guide</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint">Linux Mint Subreddit</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxquestions">Linux Questions Subreddit</a></li></ul>If you found this post helpful, please share it so others can find it as well. I'd also love to hear your experiences with Linux Mint and if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. I'll do my best to reply to them all.

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