The new Linux Mint 21.2, codenamed “Victoria,” is a refreshing replace to my favourite Linux desktop distribution. It continues to construct on the strong basis of Ubuntu 22.04 Long Term Support (LTS) and the Linux kernel 5.15, providing a secure and dependable working system for each new and skilled customers. This model can also be a Mint LTS; you should use it confidently till 2027.
Why do I desire it over Windows 11 or MacOS Ventura? Besides that it has higher safety than both one, I additionally like that it comes with all the free and open-source software program I want for work.
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Like all Linux desktop distros, Victoria is not only a complete desktop working system. It contains all the software program you want. It comes with LibreOffice 7.3.7 for workplace productiveness, Thunderbird 102.4 for e-mail and calendaring, GIMP 2.10.30 for graphics modifying, and Firefox 115.02 for net shopping.
Want a special program? No downside. You could have heard putting in applications on Linux is a significant ache. That’s not true. It’s easy. Just open up the Software Manager and search for your program.
For instance, if, like me, you like Chrome, all I needed to do was search for “Web browser,” and I’ve three dozen net browsers to select from. I discovered Chrome from a variety that included Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and — an actual blast from the previous — Mosaic and clicked on it. A minute later, I used to be in enterprise.
All of those are free.
The Software Manager additionally incorporates a refreshed consumer interface and the choice to obtain functions by way of Flatpak. This is a big growth as Mint is considered one of the newest Linux distributions to undertake Flatpak. The Software Manager additionally contains software rankings that can assist you make knowledgeable choices about your functions.
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Flatpak permits builders to allow customers to put in containerized applications on their desktops simply. Don’t like Flatpak as a result of these containerized functions take up extra drive and reminiscence area? No downside. Software Manager makes it straightforward to see the distinction between a standard and a Flatpak set up.
Mint’s management has by no means favored Flatpak’s rival Snap program supervisor. If you need to use snaps anyway — I do — take the following steps from the shell.
$ sudo rm /and many others/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref
$ apt replace
$ apt set up snapd
And, whereas the Snap retailer will not be built-in with the Software and Update Manager, you’ll be able to set up Snap applications.
One of the most vital updates in Linux Mint 21.2 is the enhancement of the Cinnamon desktop setting. Cinnamon, already identified for its user-friendly and intuitive interface, has been additional polished on this launch.
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The newest model, Cinnamon 5.8, introduces a new idea known as Styles, which affords three modes: darkish, gentle, and blended. These modes, mixed with theme variants, permit customers to customise the look and really feel of their desktop to their liking. Other enhancements embrace improved gesture assist for window administration, media controls, and workspace administration, the means to resize the important menu manually, and the addition of icons to notification home windows to raised illustrate the message.
Don’t care for Cinnamon? Linux Mint 21.2 additionally comes with MATE, the GNOME 2-style desktop, which is now not in growth. If you’ve got a low-powered PC, Linux Mint Xfce 21.2 can also be prepared to put in and run. All are quite simple to select up.
Speaking of pc energy, the Cinnamon interface can also be quicker and snappier. There have been many adjustments underneath the hood to hurry up the show. I observed this instantly on my important desktop. The new Mint ran quicker than ever on my 2020 Dell Precision 3451. An Intel 8-core 3GHz i7-9700 CPU powers this PC. It additionally contains 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
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This is much extra pc energy than Mint wants. Linux Mint will run on just about any pc. You’re good to go in case your PC has 2GBs of RAM and 100GB, any graphics card, and a monitor that helps a 1024×768 decision. If you are uncertain if you wish to attempt Mint, you’ll be able to seize virtually any PC from a second-hand retailer to play with it.
Linux Mint 21.2 additionally introduces expanded video file format assist, together with assist for HEIF and AVIF file codecs, and Adobe Illustrator recordsdata in the doc viewer. This launch additionally options an improved Bluetooth stack and login display, in addition to new wallpapers and themes, together with a world darkish mode. The Cinnamon Nemo file supervisor now has new, clearer folder icons, enhancing the general consumer expertise.
Despite these important updates, Linux Mint 21.2 maintains its dedication to simplicity and user-friendliness. It continues providing a conventional, Windows 95-style desktop, which has gained over many customers over the years. This launch doesn’t introduce any radical adjustments which may shock customers. Instead, it focuses on small enhancements that improve the general consumer expertise.
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This model of Mint is constructed on prime of Ubuntu 22.04, generally known as Jammy Jellyfish. It inherits many business-friendly options, akin to full Active Directory (AD) assist with Advanced Group Policy Object. So if you wish to run Mint on a enterprise community with a Windows 2012 or newer AD Domain Controller, you are prepared for work.
It additionally makes use of the Linux 5.15 kernel. This comes with enterprise options, improved Windows NTFS file system assist, and an in-kernel SMB 3.0 file server. This additionally improves its integration with Windows-based programs and file servers.
The desktop itself has additionally been cleaned up. Now, by default, there are far fewer icons. The Home, Computer, Trash, and Network icons are all lacking. If you continue to like these icons like me, you’ll be able to simply add them once more by way of the System Settings panel. Mint provides you all the management you can ever need over your desktop to set it up in no matter manner makes you content.
The newest Process Monitor alerts you when any important actions, like backups, are occurring in the background. The default use of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) permits for straightforward printer and scanner setup while not having drivers, though assist for printer drivers can also be obtainable.
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To set up Linux Mint 21.2, you’ll be able to obtain it now. If you are already operating Linux Mint 21.x, upgrading to Victoria is trivial. Using my 1 Gigabit down fiber connection, it took me lower than quarter-hour.
To sum all of it up, Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” is a strong replace that brings a number of new options and enhancements to the desk. It continues providing a user-friendly, secure, and feature-rich working system for new and veteran customers. Whether you are a new consumer contemplating switching from Windows to Linux or a seasoned consumer wanting for an improve, Linux Mint 21.2 is price trying out.
Me? I exploit Linux Mint day by day on my important desktops. On it, I write 1000’s of phrases a day, check applications of all kinds and types, handle web sites and mailing lists, and just do sufficient programming to maintain my hand in. Unless you are doing severe with a capital S picture or video work — by which case it is best to use the highest-end Mac you’ll be able to afford — Mint is a superb desktop.
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