Linux Mint is a GNU/Linux distribution. Its slogan is “to produce an elegant, updated, and comfortable desktop”.
This distribution is based on Ubuntu. It also uses the same software repositories.
What is the Linux Mint Operating System?
The unstable branch of Linux Mint is called Romeo. This branch is not active by default. However, users who want advanced features can add Romeo manually.
They can also contribute to the system by testing new packages. Users can manually add the Romeo branch to the APT sources. Romeo is not a standalone branch. Moreover, it does not replace other repositories. New packages are first released on Romeo.
Developers test these packages here. Users who use Romeo also contribute to this process. When the package is stable enough, it is moved to the stable version.
This process is similar to the update model in Debian. There, packages first come to the Unstable branch. Then they move to the Testing branch. Romeo corresponds to the Unstable branch in Mint.
On the other hand, the latest stable version of Mint is like the Trial branch. Because it is stable, but it gets updates from Romeo. Some packages are tested only according to their dependencies. These packages can then be included in the stable release.
What Is the Software of Mint OS?
Mint OS comes with its tools to make it easier to use. These tools are called “Mint Tools”.
MintUpdate
Developers designed this tool to address problems in the Ubuntu system. New users often apply updates unconsciously. This can lead to instability in the system. MintUpdate prevents this problem.
It also assigns a security level to each package. This rating is based on the stability evaluation of the developers. MintUpdate was first introduced in Mint 4.0 Daryna.
MintInstall
This tool allows you to download programs from the Software Portal. Programs are cataloged with files with the .mint extension.
However, .mint files do not contain programs. They only carry information about the source to be downloaded.
MintDesktop
Users can customize the desktop with this tool. MintDesktop has made significant improvements in the Mint 4.0 release.
MintConfig
MintConfig is a customizable control center.
MintAssistant
This tool guides users during their first session. It also guides the user with various questions. It configures the system settings according to the user’s knowledge and preferences.
MintUpload
This tool is an FTP client integrated into the Nautilus context menu. Users can quickly share files. The system provides each user with 1 GB of space.
To share a file, right-click on the file. Select the “Upload” option. Then the default profile window opens.
Click the Upload button to complete the process. When the upload is complete, the link appears at the bottom of the MintUpload window.
MintMenu
This tool is written in Python. It also allows you to customize the icons, texts, and colors. The menu appearance is similar to the OpenSUSE 10.3 menu.
What are Linux Mint Versions?
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the most popular one of Linux Mint. It contains the most features. Therefore, users usually prefer Cinnamon. However, this release consumes more resources than others.
Therefore, Cinnamon is more suitable for high-end computers. Additionally, beginners tend to have a better experience with robust systems.
MATE
MATE provides a good desktop experience. Its performance is strong. It also features numerous applications. This version is suitable for intermediate Linux users.
XFCE
Linux Mint also offers a release that includes the XFCE desktop environment. This version uses it instead of GNOME. The default applications are also different. The XFCE Edition comes with a downloadable CD.
This version is ideal for computers with low system resources. Moreover, it uses minimal resources. Therefore, it is among the lightest options.
Main Edition
Main comes with the GNOME desktop. It also includes multimedia codecs. It has all this content on a single CD.
This is suitable for everyone. It is designed to satisfy both beginners and professionals.
Light
Some codecs in the Main are not freely distributed in all countries. Therefore, there are legal restrictions in some regions. Users in these countries may prefer the Light one.
The Light is a stripped-down edition of the Main. It also does not contain any proprietary or restrictive components. It still offers most of the basic features.
KDE
Linux Mint also supports the KDE model. It uses KDE instead of the GNOME desktop. The default applications are different in this version. It also comes with more software. KDE usually does not come on a CD.
Instead, it comes as a downloadable DVD. The 4.0 KDE is a significant step forward. The development team has implemented special tools for this purpose. These tools are MintInstall, MintUpdate, and MintAssistant.
Fluxbox
Linux Mint also has a version with the Fluxbox environment. In this view, it replaced the GNOME desktop with Fluxbox. So, it comes with a downloadable live CD.
Also, this edition is stable, lightweight, and simple. They designed it specifically for low-end computers. However, this release is no longer supported.
Linux Mint Base
This operating system (OS) utilizes the same software repositories as the Ubuntu distribution. For example, release 24.04 (“Nomle Numbat”) uses packages from 24.10 (Oracular Oriole). Most of the packages are the same in both distributions. Therefore, the two systems function almost identically.
The most significant differences are found in the view. Mint OS comes with home applications that enhance the user experience. For example, mintDesktop automatically searches for Windows groups and network environments.
MintWifi makes it easy to configure wireless cards without an internet connection. MintDisk mounts NTFS partitions in read/write mode. MintMenu and mintConfig enable you to customize the GNOME in various ways.
Some minor changes make Linux Mint a bit faster than Ubuntu. For example, they turned off IPv6 support in this OS. Plus, multimedia codecs are installed by default.
The default application set is different between the two applications. Additionally, some programs may be newer in more recent versions of Mint.
Ubuntu supports PPC and x64 architectures. However, Mint OS only supports the stable X86 architecture and the recent 64-bited 64-bit architecture. Ubuntu provides server and text installations. These features are not available in Mint.
Requirements
You will need at least 512MB of RAM to run the Live CD, but it will also work with a pre-installed edition. It also performs well with 256MB of RAM. You will need 2.5 GB of disk space for the installation, and the software is compressed onto a 700 MB CD.
Starting with 6.0, you will have access to the mint4win installer, which is based on Wubi and designed for Windows. I recommend at least 256MB of RAM for this.
In version 8, the developers removed Mint4Win, but re-enabled it on the Mint 9 installation CD.
TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!