Linux Mint 7 (Gnome)
When I started my recent Linux distro review jihad back on ExtremeTech, one of the first ones I did was Linux Mint 6. I hadn’t been paying attention to Linux Mint’s development cycle or I probably would have waited because not too long after that review was done, Linux Mint 7 was released. And so here I am sitting down to do another LM review not long after the other one. Aaah well, that will teach me to pay more attention.
If you aren’t familiar with Linux Mint, it’s probably one of the best desktop Linux distributions available. It’s based on Ubuntu and it’s customized to provide a superior desktop experience with an absolute minimal amount of hassle for the user. I enjoyed looking at it in my last review and thought quite highly of it:
I like Linux Mint a lot. In some ways it’s what I wish Ubuntu itself had been. If I had to choose between the two of them, I would pick Linux Mint because it’s Ubuntu but better. While I noted a few things that could be improved, Linux Mint is definitely worth a download.
I really like the look and feel of Linux Mint. The artwork and the overall aesthetics of this distribution are very easy on the eyes. In an odd way it reminds me of Mac OS X without all the overbearing Apple glitter or the Apple tax. It’s slick.
And don’t just run it in Live CD mode either. Give it an install on your system. If I were in the market for an alternative to Windows, Linux Mint would definitely be at the top of my list. I still hear some people say “Linux still isn’t ready for the desktop” and stuff like that sometimes.
What’s New in Linux Mint 7
There’s actually quite a bit new in this release and here’s a sampling of what you’ll find when you install it:
Linux Kernel 2.6.28
Gnome 2.26
Ubiquity installer supports ext4 filesystem
Based on Ubuntu 9.04 (faster boot times, better wi-fi/3G connection switching, better notifications)
mintMenu (trash status, suggestions, keyboard shortcut)
mintInstall (featured apps, screenies downloads, better GUI)
mintUpdate (package sizes, no tray icon blinking, changelogs)
mintUpload (ad-free, graphical service manager, gui buffs, scp/sftp support)
mintWelcome (new popup welcome screen)
There’s more but that will give you an idea of some of the major changes in this release.
If you haven’t used Linux Mint before than mintMenu will be particularly appreciated. You can easily access all of the important places on your computer, your favorite apps (or all apps), utilities like the command line terminal, text editor, screen resolution, system monitor, etc. And you can also access your Control Center, Software Manager, Package Manager or logout/quit.
This release lets you see the status of your trash can and you can right-click it to empty it if you want. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to open the menu. Plus you’ll see suggestions when you use the Filter feature and no results are displayed. mintMenu is something that was already good and it just got even better in this release.
(18 votes, average: 4.39 out of 5)
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So you don’t lke blnkie-winkie-bouncie nags?? God for you! They drive me nuts!
Nice review on Mint 7, which is an exceptionally well done re-spin on Ubuntu. I do think it is as good an everyday Linux as there is out there, frankly.
One question tht a virutal machine does not touch: How does GRUB work with ext4? My impression from fedora 11 release notes is that GRUB is problematic with ext 4 and it requires an ext3 formatted /boot partition.
OK, if I could type I would have said “Good for you!” We’ll let God pick his on fights.
Hi Bill,
Yeah those bouncie things suck! Or flashing or whatever. Whoever thought those up should be smacked upside the head!
I’m not sure on the ext4 question. Hopefully Brian or someobody else will drop by and have a few thoughts about it.
Hi guys,
Maybe I can answer your ext4 question. I am running Linux Mint 7 on my pc. I have a separate / partition and a separate /home partition. Both partitions are formatted as ext4 filesystems. I do not use ext3 anymore.
GRUB has no problems booting the / partition on my desktop PC. I have been running Linux Mint 7 for several weeks now without issues.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Welcome to DLR! Thanks for chiming in on the ext4 thing, glad to hear it’s working well for you. That’s good for folks to know.
[...] pitched it this morning and they linked to my Linux Mint 7 review over on my new Desktop Linux Reviews blog. Thanks so much Linux Today guys! It made my day to see [...]
i have always said.. when is GNOME… not GNOMISH..!! when it is linuxmint….. im not one for using the Gnome desktop.. it just feels old.. however.. i have switched to linuxmint on one of my pc’s at home.. it just feels to right.. i still have a place for KDE.. especially KDE4 no matter what anyone else says.. but linuxmint is defenelty a very very good distro….
Welcome to DLR, Pete. Nice to have you with us.
And welcome to everybody else who shows up later on too so I don’t spam the thread with welcome messages.
Guys, just so you know there is a KDE version of Mint available as well that puts Kubuntu to shame.
http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_felicia_kde.php
This edition of Mint KDE is based on Ubuntu 8.10. The next release, based on 9.04, is due out any day now. It will be released with KDE 4.2.4 and Amarok 2.1.
G2D2, thanks for that tip. I’ll add that to my list of reviews to do when it comes out.
BTW, a big thanks to Linux Today for linking to this review. I appreciate it a lot. It’s great exposure for such a new blog.
And if you haven’t visited Linux Today, you should:
http://www.linuxtoday.com