Linux Mint 16 Petra Review

I withheld writing about Linux Mint because it is the distribution that I currently use and I wanted to get a feel for some of the other distributions before writing about the one I use.  So far I will not be changing my distribution.  I cannot say enough good things about Linux Mint, I also do not have anything bad to say about it.  It has everything that I need in an operating system.

Linux Mint started in 2006 with it's first release, each release being based on Ubuntu which allows for easy compatibility with their package libraries.  Generally they follow a similar release schedule to Ubuntu.  They only release when the project is ready, usually about two months after the latest Ubuntu release. Their support schedule also follows Ubuntu patterns, nine months for their short term releases and two years for their long term releases.

Much like Debian, Mint is created by people who volunteer their time.  They rely on donations and bug reports from users.  Anyone from the individual to companies can help in the building of Mint as they use the feedback of their users to help in the development process.

Mint offers classifications for their software packages for ease in finding stable software for this distribution.  Main is software that is developed by Mint. Upstream is the software that is available in Ubuntu but modified by Mint.  Import is software that is not available in Ubuntu; Flash, Picasa, Opera, ect.  Finally there is Romeo, this is the testing software and is unstable.

Cinnamon is one of the desktop environments you can get with this distribution, there are others you can get as well.  Cinnamon is created by Mint developers and works very well with Linux Mint because of that.  The ease to personalize your desktop, the organization of the programs, and the overall look of Cinnamon provided for a clean and stable desktop.

If you are a Windows user looking for a similar option for easy transition; this is it.  Mint offers all the comforts and options you could possibly need.  Similarly I would offer this distribution as a starter for any person who doesn't have a lot of computer experience.  It is stable, clean, and fun to play with.  It just works which is a must have for any newbie.

As a final thought, I have searched for reliable information of software requirements for each of the distributions. Mint has been the only one that I could easily find that was reliable information.  You can see the system requirements here.  For more information on Mint or to download please visit their website.

Linux Mint 16: Cinnamon

Welcome to Linux Mint 16 install and overview.  This one is an easy one for me because I have been using Linux Mint 16 for the past month and a half.  The only difference is I've been using XFCE instead of Cinnamon.  This is a continuing series and due to the certain similarities I have omitted some install steps.  If you need to reference these you can look at a few of my previous posts.

Hurdles

When I initially set out to write this post I thought the best thing I could do was show my readers how to boot Linux from a thumb drive or CD.  As I started the process of collecting information, screen shots, and whatever else I would need for the post it dawned on me.  How can I inform my readers when they may not know yet which distribution they should go with.  It was an easy choice for me, I saw and tried Mint XFCE and fell in love.  It may not be as easy for you.

After getting into a conversation about the different Linux distributions with my very patient boyfriend, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything computer related it suddenly dawned on me. The issue that Windows or Mac OS users face when making decisions about Linux distributions or Linux in general is "How do I choose?"  

It became apparent that when you are on an operating system like Windows or Mac OS you are confined to your apartment, you can go into the kitchen, the living room, the bedroom, or the bathroom. When switching to Linux you realize that every apartment in the building is now accessible and each apartment has it's own pros, cons, and special amenities.  How do you choose which apartment you now want to live in?

So I am skipping the thumb drive post for at least a little while, instead I will be entering into the great wide world of distributions.  I will be testing out, comparing and writing about each of the major distributions.  Mint, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and Suse to name a few.  I'll even go into their respective derivatives.  At the end of each one I will give my own personal opinion, because this is my blog and I can share my opinion.  

My reasoning behind approaching it this way instead of just putting you on my personal favorite is because I do not want anyone who reads this blog to feel like they are trapped in yet another operating system.  While I don't personally believe any distribution could really limit you nearly as much as Windows or Mac OS has, I do want you to make your own choice on what may or may not work for you.  I want you to leave your apartment, become my roomie in other apartments before you make your decision on what would be best for you.  Sorry only virtual bacon can be shared, is there anyone working on being able to get food through the computer screen yet?