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.
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