Linux Mint has long held a place in the Linux ecosystem as the go-to distribution for users seeking a no-nonsense, Windows-like experience on an open-source platform. Its latest update, Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria, continues this tradition—delivering stability and accessibility while subtly refining features for a growing and varied user base.
Linux Mint’s core appeal is rooted in its heritage. Like many Debian-based distributions, Mint uses Ubuntu as a springboard, directly benefiting from Ubuntu’s vast repositories and active development. In 21.2 Victoria, the heart of the distribution is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS—renowned for rock-solid reliability and long-term support until 2027. This foundation means that users get access to tried-and-tested Linux technologies and security updates without sudden, disruptive changes.
For those who crave newer hardware support or want to experiment at the edge, Mint’s developers offer the Cinnamon Edge release. This build boasts the 6.2 kernel, providing improved device compatibility and performance compared to the mainstream 5.15 LTS Linux kernel.
What’s different—and particularly pragmatic—about Linux Mint, however, is the confidence its developers demonstrate in the project’s direction. In an open nod to longevity and resilience, the team maintains a separate, parallel edition: the Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). This branch is based directly on Debian, serving as an insurance policy should Ubuntu’s direction ever become incompatible with the Mint philosophy. For the cautious or those deeply embedded in Debian workflows, LMDE offers continuity and choice—a subtle but important strength.
The reasons for Cinnamon’s ongoing popularity are multifold: muscle memory for Windows users, logical organization, and straightforward customization. Essential applications are accessible from the menu, frequent tools can be pinned for one-click launching, and settings feel familiar and clear-cut.
While this arrangement is a colossal boon for switchers, it’s also what shapes Cinnamon’s key criticism: to some, the interface seems a touch conservative compared to the modern, fluid visuals of Windows 11’s Fluent UI or even GNOME’s more radical current iterations. The underlying technology is robust, but there’s a lingering sense of being a step behind in visual dynamism.
Yet, power users and tinkerers needn’t feel boxed in—Mint is also available with the lighter-weight MATE or Xfce desktops, catering to those preferring different styles or with lower-powered hardware.
Crucially, all of this is handled without overwhelming the user. Unlike some distributions where customization demands editing config files or combing through cryptic options, Linux Mint keeps these capabilities well-labeled and accessible through the main settings application. This user-first approach minimizes frustration and reduces the learning curve—a vital factor for Windows or Mac refugees.
Installation remains a familiar, reassuring process thanks to the “live” ISO: new users boot into a working desktop environment before committing changes, enabling hardware testing and configuration prior to installation. The step-by-step wizard is unambiguous, reducing anxiety during the often daunting migration away from proprietary operating systems.
However, the review highlights a recent issue—caused by changes to Ubuntu’s shim-signed bootloader—which led to broken Secure Boot compatibility at the time of testing. Users may need to temporarily disable Secure Boot in their PC’s firmware to install Mint until this is corrected, a reminder that hardware and software development sometimes lag in coordination. The Mint team, reassuringly, is working on a fix; it demonstrates the importance of reading installation notes carefully, particularly for security-conscious users.
Mint’s curated selection of default software is another strong suit. Out of the box, users have LibreOffice for document creation, Thunderbird for email, Mesmerizing Hypnotix for IPTV streaming, and Firefox as the default web browser. Hypnotix, in particular, stands out as an under-the-radar gem—offering effortless access to an impressive catalogue of 1,200+ global broadcasters, all organized by country. With minimal configuration, users can browse and watch television from virtually every continent, a testament to the flexibility of the open-source model.
Feature for feature, Mint’s assortment of “desklets”—modular widgets akin to Windows gadgets of old—enhance the desktop’s utility without sliding into bloat. Clock, launcher, and digital photo frame widgets can be activated as desired, and savvy users will appreciate an expanding array of options in the desklet store. The weather desklet and notepad both come highly recommended for their practicality and clean integration.
While essentials like LibreOffice come pre-installed, popular creative tools (such as GIMP for image editing or Remmina for remote desktop access) are just a few clicks away. This seamless access not only competes with but, in many ways, surpasses proprietary desktop experiences; the ecosystem is broad, and updates can be delivered securely without wading into command-line territory.
Support for Flatpak apps also ensures that Mint users can pursue the latest software releases, sometimes ahead of what is available in Ubuntu’s own repositories. It is a subtle but significant step for future-proofing Linux Mint against broader shifts in how application developers distribute and maintain their products.
The Secure Boot installation hiccup, while being actively addressed, also highlights a persistent Achilles' heel for Linux distributions aiming for broad desktop adoption. Windows dominates the preloaded PC market, and manufacturers’ UEFI/BIOS implementations are often tuned to work seamlessly with Microsoft’s systems. Such pain points, while less frequent now than a decade ago, are the lingering cost of playing outside the mainstream.
Additionally, while the inclusion of Hypnotix is a welcome addition—and one that television junkies will appreciate—it is not yet perfect. Users are currently unable to bookmark favorite channels, a feature that would offer substantial convenience, especially for those who treat Hypnotix as a daily-use platform.
Lastly, while Mint is an outstanding choice for those making their first foray into Linux, users with needs beyond the default install—such as advanced gaming, or demanding productivity workloads—may still find the Linux software catalog wanting compared to Windows. Tools like Steam, Lutris, and Proton have narrowed this gap considerably in recent years, but the reality of missing or less-refined proprietary software occasionally crops up.
The presence of Flatpak raises some concerns about the fragmentation of update mechanisms, but Mint integrates its update manager with Flatpak repositories, attempting to keep all installed applications current. Still, some users might bemoan the increased attack surface created by multiple packaging systems running in parallel with separate update cycles. For most use cases, however, the minimal risk is outweighed by the freedom and flexibility Flatpak provides.
It’s also worth observing the LMDE safety net again: in the highly unlikely event that Ubuntu’s ecosystem takes a turn that endangers Mint, users can rely on the Debian-derived version’s continuity, reinforcing Mint’s commitment to independence and stability.
Moreover, Mint’s development prioritizes user requests. While Cinnamon might not boast the glitziest features, it gets the basics right: multi-monitor support is rock-solid, system resource usage is predictable, and the learning curve is gentle. Mint’s broader appeal is also evident in its internationalization efforts, with multilingual support that’s practical, not just nominal.
For those working with constrained resources—think older laptops or mini-PCs—the Mate and Xfce editions of Mint are lifelines. They deliver fast, nimble performance with minimal RAM and CPU requirements. This adaptability makes Mint an attractive candidate for everything from resuscitating old hardware to deploying on modern desktops.
However, Mint’s deep reliability, conservative UI approach, and powerful customization engine still carry enormous weight. A decade of consistent development gives Mint an aura of trust and stability that’s challenging for upstarts to match.
For users weary of Windows or simply seeking a trustworthy open-source alternative, Linux Mint’s latest release should rank near the very top of any shortlist. The platform’s steady, unhurried evolution speaks to a quiet confidence in its user base and its mission. While it may not dazzle every taste with visual fireworks, it makes up for this with a rock-solid foundation and thoughtful, real-world utility—qualities that matter more to everyday users than passing trends.
In the ever-shifting landscape of desktop computing, Linux Mint’s persistent clarity and user focus are rare. Its strengths lie not just in where it stands now, but in its measured assurance that it will be there—and be familiar—years down the line. For millions, that is precisely what a daily-use operating system should be.
Source: www.techradar.com Hands on: I tested the latest version of Linux Mint - see what's different in this version
The Foundation: Ubuntu Roots and Debian Backup
Linux Mint’s core appeal is rooted in its heritage. Like many Debian-based distributions, Mint uses Ubuntu as a springboard, directly benefiting from Ubuntu’s vast repositories and active development. In 21.2 Victoria, the heart of the distribution is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS—renowned for rock-solid reliability and long-term support until 2027. This foundation means that users get access to tried-and-tested Linux technologies and security updates without sudden, disruptive changes.For those who crave newer hardware support or want to experiment at the edge, Mint’s developers offer the Cinnamon Edge release. This build boasts the 6.2 kernel, providing improved device compatibility and performance compared to the mainstream 5.15 LTS Linux kernel.
What’s different—and particularly pragmatic—about Linux Mint, however, is the confidence its developers demonstrate in the project’s direction. In an open nod to longevity and resilience, the team maintains a separate, parallel edition: the Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). This branch is based directly on Debian, serving as an insurance policy should Ubuntu’s direction ever become incompatible with the Mint philosophy. For the cautious or those deeply embedded in Debian workflows, LMDE offers continuity and choice—a subtle but important strength.
Cinnamon: The Desktop for Switchers
At the heart of the “Minty” experience is the Cinnamon desktop environment. Born in the wake of controversial changes to GNOME—specifically, the dramatic overhaul in GNOME 3—Cinnamon revived traditional workflows. Core features like a taskbar (panel), desktop icons, widgets, and a cascading, categorized application menu anchor the UI. For users disillusioned by the direction of Gnome or Windows, Cinnamon’s layout is immediately comforting.The reasons for Cinnamon’s ongoing popularity are multifold: muscle memory for Windows users, logical organization, and straightforward customization. Essential applications are accessible from the menu, frequent tools can be pinned for one-click launching, and settings feel familiar and clear-cut.
While this arrangement is a colossal boon for switchers, it’s also what shapes Cinnamon’s key criticism: to some, the interface seems a touch conservative compared to the modern, fluid visuals of Windows 11’s Fluent UI or even GNOME’s more radical current iterations. The underlying technology is robust, but there’s a lingering sense of being a step behind in visual dynamism.
Yet, power users and tinkerers needn’t feel boxed in—Mint is also available with the lighter-weight MATE or Xfce desktops, catering to those preferring different styles or with lower-powered hardware.
Customization without the Complication
For those determined to depart from the default Cinnamon look, Mint offers plenty of customization at almost every layer. Themes can be tweaked, color schemes swapped, and user behaviors modified. There aren’t quite as many flashy animations as in Windows 11, but you can readily tailor Mint to suit both taste and workflow.Crucially, all of this is handled without overwhelming the user. Unlike some distributions where customization demands editing config files or combing through cryptic options, Linux Mint keeps these capabilities well-labeled and accessible through the main settings application. This user-first approach minimizes frustration and reduces the learning curve—a vital factor for Windows or Mac refugees.
System Requirements and Installation Experience
Another major advantage of Linux Mint is its minimal hardware demands. The recommended minimums for Victoria are a mere 2GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space; the distribution functions best with 4GB or more of memory and 100GB for storage. These numbers are modest by today’s standards, meaning virtually any reasonably modern PC (and many that aren’t) can run Mint comfortably. The Cinnamon Edge edition carries the same unassuming requirements.Installation remains a familiar, reassuring process thanks to the “live” ISO: new users boot into a working desktop environment before committing changes, enabling hardware testing and configuration prior to installation. The step-by-step wizard is unambiguous, reducing anxiety during the often daunting migration away from proprietary operating systems.
However, the review highlights a recent issue—caused by changes to Ubuntu’s shim-signed bootloader—which led to broken Secure Boot compatibility at the time of testing. Users may need to temporarily disable Secure Boot in their PC’s firmware to install Mint until this is corrected, a reminder that hardware and software development sometimes lag in coordination. The Mint team, reassuringly, is working on a fix; it demonstrates the importance of reading installation notes carefully, particularly for security-conscious users.
Out-of-the-Box Experience: Ready to Work
Once installed, Linux Mint 21.2 shines in its ready-to-go setup. Monitors typically register at their native resolution, and network printers are detected and installed with impressive accuracy—two facets where lesser Linux distros still lag.Mint’s curated selection of default software is another strong suit. Out of the box, users have LibreOffice for document creation, Thunderbird for email, Mesmerizing Hypnotix for IPTV streaming, and Firefox as the default web browser. Hypnotix, in particular, stands out as an under-the-radar gem—offering effortless access to an impressive catalogue of 1,200+ global broadcasters, all organized by country. With minimal configuration, users can browse and watch television from virtually every continent, a testament to the flexibility of the open-source model.
Feature for feature, Mint’s assortment of “desklets”—modular widgets akin to Windows gadgets of old—enhance the desktop’s utility without sliding into bloat. Clock, launcher, and digital photo frame widgets can be activated as desired, and savvy users will appreciate an expanding array of options in the desklet store. The weather desklet and notepad both come highly recommended for their practicality and clean integration.
Software Management: Flatpak, Repositories, and Beyond
One of Linux Mint’s long-standing strengths is the way it makes software installation accessible, even to those without prior Linux experience. The graphical Software Manager centralizes thousands of applications, ranging from productivity suites to creative tools. Unlike earlier Linux ecosystems fraught with dependency hell, Mint leverages both traditional repositories and Flatpak—a “universal” package system—for sandboxed, up-to-date apps.While essentials like LibreOffice come pre-installed, popular creative tools (such as GIMP for image editing or Remmina for remote desktop access) are just a few clicks away. This seamless access not only competes with but, in many ways, surpasses proprietary desktop experiences; the ecosystem is broad, and updates can be delivered securely without wading into command-line territory.
Support for Flatpak apps also ensures that Mint users can pursue the latest software releases, sometimes ahead of what is available in Ubuntu’s own repositories. It is a subtle but significant step for future-proofing Linux Mint against broader shifts in how application developers distribute and maintain their products.
Subtle Frustrations and Room for Growth
Despite its strengths, Linux Mint isn’t immune to criticism. Some users will argue that Cinnamon’s interface, while familiar, doesn’t innovate enough—which could undermine its long-term relevance as competitors continue to evolve visually and functionally. Those wanting boldness or radical change may feel somewhat constrained by Mint’s steady-as-she-goes philosophy.The Secure Boot installation hiccup, while being actively addressed, also highlights a persistent Achilles' heel for Linux distributions aiming for broad desktop adoption. Windows dominates the preloaded PC market, and manufacturers’ UEFI/BIOS implementations are often tuned to work seamlessly with Microsoft’s systems. Such pain points, while less frequent now than a decade ago, are the lingering cost of playing outside the mainstream.
Additionally, while the inclusion of Hypnotix is a welcome addition—and one that television junkies will appreciate—it is not yet perfect. Users are currently unable to bookmark favorite channels, a feature that would offer substantial convenience, especially for those who treat Hypnotix as a daily-use platform.
Lastly, while Mint is an outstanding choice for those making their first foray into Linux, users with needs beyond the default install—such as advanced gaming, or demanding productivity workloads—may still find the Linux software catalog wanting compared to Windows. Tools like Steam, Lutris, and Proton have narrowed this gap considerably in recent years, but the reality of missing or less-refined proprietary software occasionally crops up.
Security and Stability: A Measured Approach
Security is a critical concern for every operating system, and Linux Mint addresses this with a judicious mix of user education, prompt patching, and safe default settings. By basing the mainline build on Ubuntu LTS, Mint ensures a steady stream of security updates for system libraries and bundled software—a strategy that lends itself to stable, reliable performance over several years.The presence of Flatpak raises some concerns about the fragmentation of update mechanisms, but Mint integrates its update manager with Flatpak repositories, attempting to keep all installed applications current. Still, some users might bemoan the increased attack surface created by multiple packaging systems running in parallel with separate update cycles. For most use cases, however, the minimal risk is outweighed by the freedom and flexibility Flatpak provides.
It’s also worth observing the LMDE safety net again: in the highly unlikely event that Ubuntu’s ecosystem takes a turn that endangers Mint, users can rely on the Debian-derived version’s continuity, reinforcing Mint’s commitment to independence and stability.
Migration and Community: Easing the Journey from Windows
Perhaps Linux Mint’s greatest understated value lies in its empathetic community and its developer’s relentless focus on approachability. The migration path for Windows users is kept intentionally simple, and online support documentation is available in spades. At every step, newcomers are met with clear explanations and a friendly, mature discussion forum—a rarity in the sometimes overwhelming world of open-source software.Moreover, Mint’s development prioritizes user requests. While Cinnamon might not boast the glitziest features, it gets the basics right: multi-monitor support is rock-solid, system resource usage is predictable, and the learning curve is gentle. Mint’s broader appeal is also evident in its internationalization efforts, with multilingual support that’s practical, not just nominal.
Versatility for Every User
While Mint is regularly marketed as "the Linux for switchers," this selling point overshadows its broader versatility. The operating system is more than a bridge for Windows expats; it is a quietly powerful platform for developers, writers, engineers, and even tinkerers who value predictability without unnecessary distractions.For those working with constrained resources—think older laptops or mini-PCs—the Mate and Xfce editions of Mint are lifelines. They deliver fast, nimble performance with minimal RAM and CPU requirements. This adaptability makes Mint an attractive candidate for everything from resuscitating old hardware to deploying on modern desktops.
Competing in a Crowded Field
Linux Mint doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Alongside long-standing competitors like Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and Manjaro, Mint now faces fresh competition from relative newcomers like Zorin OS—which explicitly targets new Linux adopters with polished visuals and a friendly setup experience. For some, Zorin’s modern UI and features will tip the balance, especially for those seeking direct parity with Windows 11's aesthetics.However, Mint’s deep reliability, conservative UI approach, and powerful customization engine still carry enormous weight. A decade of consistent development gives Mint an aura of trust and stability that’s challenging for upstarts to match.
The Final Word: Familiar, Functional, and Future-Ready
Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria embodies the project’s core mission: to provide a familiar, comfortable, and powerful computing environment with a minimal learning curve. The distribution excels in its accessibility—booting into a near-complete setup, meeting users where they are, and keeping the machinery humming quietly in the background. Its GUI is traditional but tweakable; its software library vast; and its commitment to security, community support, and flexibility virtually unrivaled among user-friendly desktop operating systems.For users weary of Windows or simply seeking a trustworthy open-source alternative, Linux Mint’s latest release should rank near the very top of any shortlist. The platform’s steady, unhurried evolution speaks to a quiet confidence in its user base and its mission. While it may not dazzle every taste with visual fireworks, it makes up for this with a rock-solid foundation and thoughtful, real-world utility—qualities that matter more to everyday users than passing trends.
In the ever-shifting landscape of desktop computing, Linux Mint’s persistent clarity and user focus are rare. Its strengths lie not just in where it stands now, but in its measured assurance that it will be there—and be familiar—years down the line. For millions, that is precisely what a daily-use operating system should be.
Source: www.techradar.com Hands on: I tested the latest version of Linux Mint - see what's different in this version
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