Linux Mint stands out as a beginner-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, featuring the Cinnamon desktop that mimics Windows for easy familiarity. It includes preinstalled applications and intuitive tools that simplify setup and maintenance. Developers have crafted it to serve as both an entry point and a reliable full-time operating system.
Linux Mint, an open-source operating system derived from Ubuntu, employs the APT package manager and AppArmor for access control, aiming for utmost simplicity. The Cinnamon desktop environment greets users with a layout reminiscent of Windows since version 95, complete with a panel, start menu, system tray, and clickable icons. Upon clicking the Start button, a menu appears offering quick access to installed applications, alongside preinstalled software like Firefox, LibreOffice, a backup tool, multimedia players, and a fingerprint configuration tool, enabling immediate productivity or entertainment.
Beyond the basics, Linux Mint incorporates thoughtful enhancements. The System Reports application, accessible via a shield icon in the system tray, displays system information and crash reports while guiding users through tasks such as installing multimedia codecs with a single click or configuring the system restore utility. Updates arrive via notifications in the system tray, leading to the Update Manager for effortless installation.
Desklets function as compact widgets, similar to those on macOS or mobile devices, extending desktop capabilities. Users can add options like a clock, digital photo frame, or launcher by right-clicking the desktop and selecting from available choices, with more downloadable varieties including to-do lists, calendars, and media controls.
The Cinnamon menu organizes content into favorites for pinned apps, a power section for locking or shutting down, a search bar, and a categorized app list. It divides further into Administration for system management tasks like backups and software sources, and Preferences for personal settings such as network and display options.
Additionally, the Web Apps tool transforms websites into streamlined desktop applications, reducing browser clutter by embedding site content in dedicated windows. These elements collectively ensure Linux Mint's accessibility, allowing installation via an ISO file burned to a USB drive using tools like UnetBootin.