Linux Mint

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Linux Mint

Derivative of: Ubuntu
Managed by: Linux Mint

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Current Stable Release: 5 Elyssa

Linux Mint is originally based on Ubuntu (so it is compatible with programs for Ubuntu and Debian), but the newest version (5) is based on the previous version (4.0) with modifications to be compatible with the most recent version of Ubuntu (8.04). Mint is designed to be easier to set up, by coming with several things that are not included with a default Ubuntu installation, but are almost always installed on a desktop computer. With Linux Mint, things like codecs (including DVD playback), Flash, and Java are installed by default.

Although all of the codecs and proprietary software that Mint comes with can be individually installed on an Ubuntu installation, Ubuntu does not come with these software because in parts of the world where these software are patented, there can be a legal gray-area for distribution and use of them, (There can be legal issues with these software such as intellectual property rights and fair use).

Linux Mint right after installation, with MintMenu open

1 Linux mint comes in several versions:
2 More Information
3 See Also:
4 Derivatives:
5 External Links:

[edit] Linux mint comes in several versions:

Main Edition, uses Gnome.

Light Edition, like the Main Edition but only contains completely non-proprietary software. This version has no legal issues in parts of the world where some codecs and other software are patented.

XFCE Community Edition, uses Xfce, and is designed to be fast and to not require as many system resources.

KDE Community Edition, uses KDE.

[edit] More Information

[edit] Basic Desktop Software

[edit] Audio/Video

Linux Mint comes with Totem, MPlayer, and Rhythmbox installed. It also has mp3 and other audio playback support, and DVD playback, wma and other video playback support installed by default.

[edit] Browser Plugins

Linux Mint comes with Flash, Java, Mplayer-Plugin (for playing embedded audio/video), and support for opening PDF files externally, for Firefox.

[edit] Office Suite

Linux Mint comes with OpenOffice.org Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and Database.

[edit] Image Editing

Linux Mint comes with the GIMP Image Editor installed.

The MintMenu

[edit] The MintMenu

Linux Mint Has only one task bar, like Windows. Ubuntu and most other GNOME-based distributions have two, which can seem very strange to someone who usually uses Windows, and it crowds the screen more. On the task bar is the MintMenu, which has many useful tasks, like Terminal, Control Center, Install Software, and Trash. The Ubuntu menu is still available as an option on the panel. On the MintMenu, the programs are arranged in a similar way to Ubuntu, but hovering the mouse over a category shows the programs in it.

[edit] Accessing Windows Partitions

If you dual boot, you have to find a way to mount the NTFS and possibly FAT partitions that Windows uses if you want to access the data on them. Linux Mint enables this by default.

[edit] Software Repositories

Linux Mint uses the same repositories as Ubuntu, with a few extras. Just like in Ubuntu, many programs are accessible from the Synaptic Package Manager, often without adding repositories. Linux Mint puts a link to the Synaptic Package Manager right on the MintMenu.

[edit] Desktop Effects

Linux Mint comes with Compiz, and some desktop effects are enabled by default if the graphics card supports them. Effects can be changed simply by right clicking on the desktop and opening the visual effects menu, where "Simple CompizConfig Settings" can be accessed. On the MintMenu under Preferences, "Advanced Desktop Effects Settings" gives access to a lot more settings, with much more specific options.

MintInstall installing VLC Player

[edit] MintInstall and the Linux Mint Software Portal

Linux Mint has a new software install system for point-and-click installation of programs without using the Synaptic Package Manager. To use the system, open the MintMenu and click on "Software Portal" which will open a program that can access the The Linux Mint Software Portal and the The GetDeb Software Portal, as well as the old Apt system, with links to the Linux Mint Repository and the Ubuntu Repository.

[edit] Terminal from File Browser

By default in Linux Mint, the terminal can be opened directly from a folder opened in the file browser. From Nautilus (the file browser), just right click in the folder and select "Open In Terminal".

[edit] Compatibility with Ubuntu

Linux Mint is designed to be completely compatible with Ubuntu. Programs and instructions for Ubuntu and other versions of Debian will often work on Linux Mint. Advice found in the popular Ubuntu Forums can often be used with Linux Mint.