I have always been quite fond of Linux distros capable of marrying the solid underlying Linux architecture with a usable graphical user interface. This used to be a tough job until Ubuntu burst on the scene to help propel desktop Linux in to areas it has never been. To further that thought, Linux Mint, a quite sexy distro based on Ubuntu, just unleashed their first release candidate of Linux Mint 7 “Gloria” based on Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope.
When it originally launched, Linux Mint was designed to enhance the basic Ubuntu install with integrated media codecs on top of a polished graphical user interface. Through the course of its life, Linux Mint has added a host of unique features not seen elsewhere as a result of the tightly knit user and developer community. Today, Linux Mint sports one of the best out-the-box interfaces of any distribution and is definitely the most user-friendly.
So what is new in this wonderful distro?
- Software. Based on Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope, Linux 2.6.28, Gnome 2.26 and Xorg 7.4, Linux Mint 7 “Gloria” features a lot of improvements and the latest software from the Open Source World.
- mintMenu. Filter the application list to quickly find what you’re looking for. If no results are found then mintMenu “Suggestions” displays a set of suggestions, hopefully pointing you in the right direction. This idea is similar to what is found on the Windows Vista start menu, so it should be fairly easy for most folks to get used to.
- mintInstall improvements. Modifications to both mintInstall and mintUpdate have been made, improving both applications and fortifying stability when installing or upgrading software. The process is a breeze and can be accomplished by novice and expert Linux users alike. More importantly, screenshots of software are now available for your viewing pleasure before you perform the install so you can be assured you are about to install something desirable.
- Artwork. The default icon set was replaced, updates to the Murrina engine installed and a new alternative theme have been added to the new distro. The new default theme is simply orgasmic!
There are a host of other improvements as well. If you are interested in the nitty gritty then I implore you to stop by and read the full what’s new in Linux Mint 7 Gloria.
If you like playing with Linux then you should definitely check out Linux Mint. It plays quite well with VMware – I installed it without an issue and am thoroughly enjoying the updated distro.
If you want to try Linux Mint without going the VMware route but are a Windows user, check out mint4win – it allows you to install Linux Mint from within Windows, negating the need to repartition your hard drive.
Give Linux Mint a try because it’s an exceptional alternative Ubuntu or any distro you might consider your favorite desktop Linux environment.
Mint has always been a favourite of mine, and definitely a project that I hope continues for a number of years. For so long Linux was kind of a “backstage” experience – you got to places you wouldn't otherwise, but it really wasn't user-friendly or polished to any regards. Things like Mint make it seem like that someday, perhaps it'll even supplant Windows or Mac as the most viable OS choice. Now wouldn't that be an interesting turn of events for the computing world?
May 9, 2009 @ 11:25
I would love to see a cool project like Linux Mint make it big. These guys do great work on their little distro and it's cool to see the latest release get even better.
But yeah, Linux supplanting Windows would be quite interesting. There is a long way to go but it is definitely an intriguing concept.
May 9, 2009 @ 11:27
Thanks to this great writeup I think I will be taking a good look at Mint and see if I can't find a use for it on one of my old laptops.
May 9, 2009 @ 12:25
Glad to have helped point you towards a cool Linux distro. Enjoy!
May 9, 2009 @ 16:42
I use Ubuntu, but I might give this distro a try. I have some time coming up in a couple weeks… I'd like a little project to work on.
Amy
May 10, 2009 @ 00:42
If you like Ubuntu then you will definitely like Linux Mint. They're essentially the same only Linux Mint is an overall better desktop Linux.
May 10, 2009 @ 06:37
Cool. I'm really digging Ubuntu Jaunty right now. Good OS, and it gets better with every release.
Amy
May 10, 2009 @ 12:42
Just a short comment
mint4win does not work with this RC but will of course work with the final
May 11, 2009 @ 05:12
Many thanks for the information. Good to know ahead of time!
May 11, 2009 @ 07:51
From your screenshots, Mint uses the GNOME-colors project for its's theme (GDM, GTK, icons, Metacity), the color version called “Wise” (Green), found here: http://code.google.com/p/gnome-colors/
It's what I use for my Ubuntu 9.04. It's a great theme. Check out the other colors aswell.
May 13, 2009 @ 00:34
Good looking out. I had wondered about the theme and am glad to see it's available for more than just Mint users. I actually adore this theme and like it much more so than the default Ubuntu 9.04 theme. It's one of the reasons Mint looks so tasty!
May 17, 2009 @ 07:45
I love Mint. I'm a fairly new Linux user. Mint made the switch virtually painless. Now that I'm here, I'm enjoying learning CLI and talking with the Linux experts. Who would have known that a stay at home mom from the southern united states could learn to do so many awesome things with her computer. Very blessed to be a Mint user :)
May 13, 2009 @ 06:25
That is very cool to hear, that a stay ah home Mom is a Linux user. I think most people would find it hard to believe but given distros like Mint it's more than plausible. Best of luck!
May 17, 2009 @ 07:44
Ubuntu and Mint are changing the way people see Linux. Bye bye Windows :p
I love it!!!
May 13, 2009 @ 08:18
Indeed they are, especially with such a polished interface like Mint. With these distros I think Linux is almost there.
May 17, 2009 @ 07:43
The first image points to the wrong direction ;)
May 16, 2009 @ 23:59
What exactly does that mean?
May 17, 2009 @ 07:42
He means that the first thumbnail image on the page points back to this page instead of to the full size image (which is here: http://techmiso.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/…)
May 17, 2009 @ 22:01
Hi. I have ubuntu on my desktop. I also have one of those little acer aspire one netbooks 512Mb and 8Gb SSD on whichI'm currently using a distro called Kuki Linux- which works pretty well (It's designed specifically with the Acer in mind) however as I don't really keep anything of note on the computer it makes it suitable for trying out new stuff on. Do you know if Mint might run OK on such a machine?
May 18, 2009 @ 19:20
I'm probably as neabout as new to the Linux family of distros as a person can get, but frustrated with Windows Vista (like so many others), I decided last week to take the plunge and check Linux out as a viable option.
I did my homework, burned a few live CDs, tried out OpenSuSe, Simply Mepis, and Ubuntu, but Linux Mint was what really drew me in. I was amazed at how well the Live CD worked, so I decided to install it and dual-boot with Vista.
The installation was amazingly easy and complete. I'm on my second day of using Mint, and I don't see myself ever going back to Vista. I think I'm already hooked! It's a beautiful program that just WORKS, and it makes the transition from Windows just about seamless. Good job!
June 14, 2009 @ 00:22