Linux Mint Guide

Overview

Linux Mint was founded in 2006 by Clement Lefebvre. It aims to produce a modern, elegant operating system that is both powerful and easy to use.

Quick Facts

Based On	Ubuntu (or Debian for LMDE)
Package Manager	APT
Default Desktop	Cinnamon
Release Cycle	Following Ubuntu LTS
Support Period	5 years (follows Ubuntu LTS)
Init System	systemd

Who Should Use Linux Mint?

Windows users - Familiar desktop layout and workflow
Linux beginners - Easy to use out of the box
Desktop users - Polished user experience
Older hardware - Xfce edition is lightweight
Privacy-conscious users - No data collection

Tip

Linux Mint is perfect for users who want Ubuntu compatibility with a more traditional desktop experience. The Cinnamon desktop is intuitive for Windows users.

Installation

Linux Mint provides one of the friendliest installation experiences:

Download the ISO from linuxmint.com
Create a bootable USB (Mint includes USB Image Writer)
Boot into the live environment to test before installing
Click "Install Linux Mint" on the desktop
Follow the graphical installer

bash

# Verify your download (check SHA256)
sha256sum linuxmint-21.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso

# Compare with checksum on linuxmint.com/verify.php

Package Management

Linux Mint uses APT like Ubuntu, plus the Software Manager for graphical installation:

bash

# Update package list
sudo apt update

# Upgrade all packages
sudo apt upgrade

# Install a package
sudo apt install package-name

# Remove a package
sudo apt remove package-name

# Search for packages
apt search keyword

# Use mintupdate for system updates (GUI)
mintupdate

# Install Flatpak apps (pre-configured)
flatpak install flathub app-name

Info

Linux Mint includes Flatpak support out of the box with Flathub enabled. You can install Flatpak apps directly from the Software Manager.

Key Features

Cinnamon Desktop

A modern desktop environment developed by the Mint team. Traditional layout with taskbar, start menu, and system tray - familiar to Windows users.

Mint Tools

Custom tools like Update Manager, Software Manager, and Driver Manager simplify system administration.

Timeshift

Built-in system snapshot tool. Create backups and restore your system if something goes wrong.

No Snap by Default

Linux Mint uses Flatpak instead of Snap, giving users more control over their system.

Editions

Linux Mint Editions

Cinnamon	Flagship edition with the Cinnamon desktop
MATE	Traditional GNOME 2-style desktop
Xfce	Lightweight edition for older hardware
LMDE	Debian-based edition (not Ubuntu-based)

FAQ

What's the difference between Linux Mint and Ubuntu?

Mint is based on Ubuntu but uses Cinnamon instead of GNOME, includes different default apps, uses Flatpak instead of Snap, and focuses more on traditional desktop workflows.

Can I use Ubuntu PPAs on Linux Mint?

Yes, since Mint is based on Ubuntu, most PPAs work. However, use caution as some may cause conflicts.

What is LMDE?

Linux Mint Debian Edition is based directly on Debian instead of Ubuntu. It's a backup plan ensuring Mint's survival independent of Ubuntu.

Summary

Linux Mint provides a polished, user-friendly Linux experience that's perfect for beginners and Windows migrants. Key takeaways:

Based on Ubuntu LTS with 5 years of support
Cinnamon desktop provides Windows-like experience
Mint tools simplify system management
Timeshift for easy system backups
Flatpak support out of the box