Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a friendly and easy-to-use type of computer system made by people who love technology. It started in 2006 and is built using something called Ubuntu. Many people like it because it works well right away and is simple to use, like turning on a computer and it just works.

Linux Mint comes with many helpful programs that anyone can use for free. The main way it looks and feels is called Cinnamon, which was made by the Linux Mint team. There are also other options like MATE and Xfce if you prefer something different. There is even a version called Linux Mint Debian Edition that uses another system named Debian.

You can use Linux Mint on computers that have a certain kind of processing power, known as x86-64 systems. Whether you are a student, a hobbyist, or just someone who wants a different kind of computer experience, Linux Mint offers a welcoming place to explore.

History

Linux Mint started in 2006 with a test version called 1.0, named 'Ada'. It was built using Kubuntu and its KDE interface. The next version, Linux Mint 2.0 'Barbara', switched to using Ubuntu and its GNOME interface. It didn’t have many users until version 3.0, 'Cassandra'.

In 2008, Linux Mint changed its release schedule to match Ubuntu. Every fourth release was a long-term support version, meaning it got updates for longer. Starting with Linux Mint 6 'Felicia', each version was built directly from the latest Ubuntu release.

In 2010, Linux Mint introduced Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE), which was based on Debian instead of Ubuntu. In 2016, the Linux Mint website was briefly changed by hackers who added harmful software to download links. Linux Mint quickly fixed the problem and made their website safer.

From Linux Mint 18 (Sarah) onward, the special versions for manufacturers and the version without extra media files were stopped. Starting with Linux Mint 20, only 64-bit versions are available because Ubuntu stopped supporting 32-bit systems. The Debian-based LMDE also stopped supporting 32-bit processors from version 7.

Features

Linux Mint uses free and open-source software. Before version 18, it included some special software like device drivers and codecs for playing music and videos. Now, you can choose to add this special software when you first set up the computer.

Linux Mint comes with many helpful programs like LibreOffice for writing and Firefox for the internet. You can also add more programs using the tools inside Linux Mint. It has special settings to keep your computer safe and works with many different languages. You can even use some programs made for Microsoft Windows with a helper tool called Wine.

Linux Mint offers different ways to make your computer look and feel, called desktop environments. The main one is called Cinnamon, but there are others like MATE and Xfce to choose from too. The team that makes Linux Mint also creates extra tools to help you manage and keep your computer running smoothly.

Editions

Linux Mint has several versions based on Ubuntu, with different desktop environments available. It also has a version based on Debian.

As of Linux Mint 22.2, there are three main versions made by the core team using Ubuntu. One uses Linux Mint's own Cinnamon, the second uses MATE, and the third uses Xfce. Since version 19, these three versions are released at the same time.

The KDE version was stopped after Linux Mint 19, but older versions were supported until 2021.

Linux Mint also sometimes offers a special version with newer parts to work with the latest hardware. However, for the Linux Mint 22 series, this special version is no longer provided separately.

The Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) uses Debian Stable instead of Ubuntu. LMDE was made to feel like the Ubuntu-based versions. It has its own package repositories.

The original LMDE changed over time with updates called 'Update Packs'. LMDE 2, called Betsy, came out in 2015 and was based on Debian Jessie. LMDE 3, called Cindy, switched to use systemd and was based on Debian Stretch. The newest version, LMDE 7 (Gigi), came out on October 14, 2025, and is based on Debian Trixie. It only works on amd64 systems now.

Development

Linux Mint is made possible by people and companies who support it. Users help shape the system by sharing their ideas and feedback through the official blog and the Linux Mint Community Website.

The Linux Mint community uses Launchpad to help translate the operating system and report problems. Most of the work is done using Python, C, and Javascript, organized online with GitHub.

Releases

Linux Mint does not follow a strict schedule for new versions; instead, it releases them when they are ready. This means releases can happen earlier or later depending on how things go.

Each version of Linux Mint has a number and a special name, which is a feminine first name ending in 'a'. These names follow a pattern, starting with a letter and moving through the alphabet with each major update.

In 2014, with the release of Linux Mint 17, the team changed their plan. From then on until 2016, all new versions used a long-term support version of Ubuntu as a base.

X-Apps

In 2016, the Linux Mint team introduced the X-Apps, a group of programs designed to work well with various desktop styles, including Cinnamon, Budgie, Unity, MATE, and Xfce. These programs have a classic look, often using a menu bar instead of a modern header-bar. The team created X-Apps because many programs were closely linked to specific desktop styles, especially a growing number of GNOME programs.

As of 2024, the Linux Mint team is moving the development of X-Apps from being part of Linux Mint to a separate, independent project. Most of these programs are forks of basic GNOME applications.

Reception

Linux Mint has been very popular among people who use computers. In 2012, many people chose it as one of the best types of Linux. A magazine called Linux Format even named it the best for that year.

Over time, people have said good things about how easy Linux Mint is to use, especially for those new to Linux. In 2018, a writer from ZDNet said Linux Mint was the best because it is simple, powerful, and easy to learn. Even in 2024, people still liked Linux Mint because it stays the same and works well.

Release history