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Linux Mint 8 - Review and Commentary

  • 02-12-2009 10:11am
    #1
    Galen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 664 ✭✭✭


    http://linuxcritic.com/stories/43-Linux-Mint-8-Review-and-Commentary.html
    Linux Mint is an extremely popular Ubuntu based linux distribution that rivals it's predecessor when it comes to adoption rates. With the recent release of version 8, Linux Mint promises even more improvements.

    Founded by Clement Lefebvre, this Irish based distribution has taken the linux world by storm and turned into one of the most popular user friendly distributions on the market. Linux Mint has turned into such a popular system, in fact, that a lot of people wait for it to come out as opposed to adopting the latest Ubuntu release.
    With this new release, comes a new green based desktop that, as you can see, has been heavily customized. The welcome screen has the option to open a chat room, forums or contribute to the system in other ways and acts as a good introduction to the OS.

    mint1.png
    One of the most obvious changes, aside from the theme differences, between Ubuntu and Mint is the new menu that they have put in place. You can see it below:
    mint2.png
    Personally, I prefer this menu style over the existing Gnome default and find it both easy to navigate and well organized. Hovering over an option opens its submenu and all of the main apps are easily accessible. Of course, if this isn't for you, it can be removed and replaced with the Gnome defaults with minimal effort.
    Just like Ubuntu 9.10 brought about a revised software manager (see our Ubuntu 9.10 Review) so does Linux Mint. They have taken it one step further, however, by introducing voting and popularity to the software manager.
    You may also notice the addition of screenshots in the left corner as well. Take for instance this screenshot below which shows Google Earth being highlighted.
    mint4.png
    The voting mechanism is a nice addition as well and the integrated reviews can assist new users in deciding which package may best suit their needs.
    There is the addition of a number of custom applications as well such as MintUpload which is a file uploading application specifically designed for Linux Mint. You can see an example of it below:
    mint5.png
    Once configured, the upload manager allows for drag and drop uploading of files using a number of protocols.
    For those with children who use their machines, there is a handy application called MintNanny which allows you to block domains from being accessed. It's a simple application that we'd like to see enhanced down the road to allow for more functionality, but it is definitely better than nothing and is a great addition for parents.
    It is called Domain Blocker in the menu for those interested in checking it out:
    mint6.png

    Firefox comes installed with pretty much every plugin we could think of needing, which is a nice addition and not a common occurrence. Flash is almost never installed by default anymore so it's nice to see it has been integrated here.
    mint7.png
    You can get a full breakdown of the features in more detail from this page.
    Overall, we consider this the best Linux Mint release to date. The entire team have worked tirelessly to provide an exceptional system that takes into account the little things that make using it more convenient than before. With subtle additions like mintNanny and mintUpload, they have taken what could have been just another Ubuntu variant and made it their own.
    We couldn't be more happier with this release. The menu system is excellent, the software manager is outstanding and very well thought out and gives Mint the edge it needs to be the best and most convenient Linux distribution on the market today.
    It's no surprise that it's so well admired in the community.
    Pro's


    • Very user friendly
    • Has an easy option to block unwanted sites from ever being seen by little eyes.
    • Nicely structured software manager.
    • All Firefox plugins preinstalled.
    Con's

    • Software selection is a bit minimal in comparison to the Ubuntu software manager (they are of course all compatible but less are shown in the software manager on the mint side of things).
    Website: Linux Mint


    **Update: December 1, 2009**


    We've been linked to from the official Linux Mint blog and they've posted some additional comments in response to this review that you may find interesting. You can read the post here: http://www.linuxmint.com/blog/?p=1162


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