Are you tired of paying and updating Windows just to set your wallpaper or stop Microsoft from tracking you? Linux Mint might just be the perfect Operating System (OS) for you. Unlike other Linux distributions that can have a steep learning curve, Mint is easy to migrate to, even if you've only ever used Windows. But is it right for you and what do you need to know before taking the plunge?
Mint comes in three different variations called "flavors": Cinnamon, MATE (pronounced "mah-TAY"), and XFCE. For most people, Cinnamon is the way to go, as it is the most full-featured OS. The other two are for users needing extra stability for some specialized applications, or for those with low spec hardware, or just prefer the classic interface. Mint recommends 4GB of RAM and 100GB of free disk space for optimal performance. Even Mint Cinnamon can run on any reasonably modern computer and can be a great way to breathe new life into an older PC.
Setting up Mint is similar to Windows. Just create a portable USB and insert it into your PC and follow the instructions.
Mint has support for all major modern audio and video formats. Just make sure to install the relevant codecs automatically during installation. You can also download thousands of programs from the software manager, similar to the App Store or Microsoft Store.
Mint tends to be more stable than Windows due to fewer pieces of malware written for Linux and because it does not give programs run by the user the same permissions to meddle with the file system. The trade off is that some of the newest hardware or software may not work as intended.
Mint has a few user friendly customization options to make the OS look and feel the way you want. It has a task bar and start menu similar to Windows, so you should not be confused about how to do basic tasks. Even gaming is surprisingly doable on Mint, with thousands of titles compatible with Linux. Plus, Mint’s Driver Manager will keep your graphics card drivers up to date.
We’re not saying Windows is a bad OS. However, Mint does have the advantage of being generally more stable than Windows. Just keep in mind the few downsides we mentioned. Some Windows programs don’t have Linux equivalents and you may need to use a compatibility layer or emulator to run them. Similarly, although Steam has an impressive library of Linux compatible games, many others do not play nicely with Mint, especially if you’re trying to use a different installer such as Origin. So if there’s a title you really want to play, check to ensure it’s supported before taking the Minty plunge.
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We've all heard of Linux, the free and open source operating system which offers users a different, more secure computing experience. But which version of Linux should you choose? Well, some have lauded Ubuntu and Mint as being especially friendly for beginners. We're going to look at both of these and discuss which one we think is better for those new to Linux.
Ubuntu is an incredibly popular Linux Distro with a user interface that is less similar to Windows than Mint. This might make it take a little longer for the beginner to become accustomed to. It also collects telemetry data which could raise privacy concerns. Also, the software distribution platform called snap downloads from snap, which can take a little longer to run. Furthermore, this system is controlled by Canonical, the company that develops Ubuntu, which has made some enthusiasts concerned that it could become a walled garden of sorts.
Mint is based on Ubuntu and has a user interface that is a lot more similar to Windows, which should make it easier for a beginner to adjust to. It also doesn't collect data, making it a more secure option for those concerned about privacy. It also offers users more control over the software they download and install.
We believe that, for a beginner user, Mint would be a better option than Ubuntu. It is more similar to Windows, making it easier to adjust to, and provides a more secure environment for users concerned about privacy. So if you're new to Linux, we recommend giving Mint a try!
