Linux Mint

There are many reasons why someone might want to explore the Linux operating system. Perhaps they are trying to breathe life into an old Windows PC. Maybe they have become tired of being handcuffed by dependence on Microsoft. Whatever the reason, Linux Mint is a great introduction to the wonders of the Linux environment. It is based upon the Ubuntu Linux framework, but it simplifies the process of getting used to the OS. Linux Mint is available in two desktop varieties, Cinnamon and MATE. Cinnamon is the edition which will likely be preferred by those who are used to the Windows OS. Mint can be downloaded from free from the Mint site and placed on a USB drive or other forms of removable media. It is possible to boot the system directly from a disk or to install it on the hard disk of a device. It is even possible to place the OS on old Windows systems that have crashed, provided the hardware is undamaged. The installation process for Linux Mint will wipe the existing data on an old hard drive. The current edition of Linux Mint is version 18. It comes packaged with the Cinnamon desktop. There aren't many changes to this version over previous ones, but things like the tiling of windows has been vastly improved. It is also possible for individuals to customize their start menu, much like in Windows, and remove unnecessary items. A downside of the OS is that Cinnamon does tend to use up a lot of memory. It will consume about 450 MB with only the default startup apps running. Still, it uses fewer resources than Ubuntu. The MATE desktop may be preferable to those who want a more streamlined experience.

Stop at mint 17.3 if you want a real desktop and not a Windows 10 look alike. Mint kde and cinnamon does use a little more resources but who uses a computer with 512 mb ram anymore? Most Linux sweet spot for ram is 4 gb regardless of 32 or 64 bit. Diminishing returns above that unless you are doing non normal computer use. Mx Linux or Linux lite os flies compared to mint but are rather visually unappealing compared to min. For comfortable use, mint should have at least a core i5 and 4 to 8 gb ram. Decent video card a big plus. Also mint refuses to include many codecs and flash needed for web surfing. Even vlc is not able to do everything. Mint does not come with a swf player. You have to find it in the repository. I have yet been able to find a single Linux that does NORMAL computer usage without having to download *something*. The os installer is ok somewhat. Others are better. And there is no dialog like ubuntu has to click run input password and run ./sh files. Those require memorizing command line syntax. Mint team too focused on corporate use and only have desktop as an afterthought. Word of advice you look at a distributor forum and see if there are any hardliners there. Like those who are gruff or rude in their posts. You are u likely going to have a good experience with help requests. More advice KEEP WINDOWS as a backup. Linux cannot fix crosslinked files or the hard drive bitmap. Seems Linux cannot do a hard drive surface test either. Traditional hard drives are a good storage medium for backups. Windows movie maker beats anything Linux has hands down. That is if you can get it. Mint is a good os but depends on what you use your computer for and how old it is.