Linux Mint 8
The recent release of a major new version of Ubuntu means that it’s time for new versions of various remastered distros. This time around it’s Linux Mint 8. Linux Mint, as you may already know from previous releases, takes Ubuntu to another level by slicking it up with tools, multimedia codecs and more.
Before I get into the meat of this review, please note that I’ve expanded the review template to incorporate additional details and changed the structure slightly.
Please let me know what you think of the new format and if you’d like to see other things added to the reviews. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
As usual, there’s quite a bit of new stuff in this release and here’s some of what you’ll find. Be sure to review the What’s New page on the Linux Mint 8 site for more info and screenshots.
Linux Kernel 2.6.31
Gnome 2.28
Ubuntu 9.10 Improvements (boot sequence, notifications, etc.)
Menu Improvements
Software Manager Improvements
Update Manager Improvements
Two New Applications: Upload Manager and File Uploader
Menu Improvements
Your Places are now configurable. You can now add additional choices and they will appear in the Places menu. You can also disable or enable any button in the System or Places menus. And you now have a “lock screen” button on the System menu.
I’m sure that some users will appreciate the ability to add more choices to the Places menu and will use it; it didn’t do much for me though as I’ve never felt the need to add any choices to the defaults. But it’s nice that the option is there for those who want it.
Software Manager Improvements
Software Manager now has screenshots in the bottom left corner of the application. It’s also now possible to see more reviews and information about an application.
There’s no need to refresh Software Manager now, as you’ll be notified when stuff is available via Update Manager. Software Manager is also now aware of the APT status of applications. And you can now mark multiple applications for installation or removal.
I like the screenshots a lot and it’s always interesting to see what other people have to say about an application. Helpful information and constructive feedback from other users can help save users from wasting their time downloading a lame application.
And I definitely enjoyed not having to manually refresh Software Manager. Anything that automates updates, installation/removal, etc. is a big plus to me. The less time I have to spend keeping track of software, the better.
Update Manager Improvements
You can change the columns shown in the list of updates and you can resize Update Manager. You’ll also see download progress information since Update Manager uses Synaptic to track updates. You can also add other repositories in Software Sources.
Two New Applications: Upload Manager and File Uploader
The tool formerly called mintUpload has been split into two applications: Upload Manager and File Uploader. The Upload Manager lets you add services using FTP, SFTP and SCP.
Once you’ve added your services you can then launch the File Uploader and your upload services will appear in your system tray. Click the ones you want and you can then upload files by dragging and dropping files.
The Live CD version of the Linux Mint 8 desktop.
(26 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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Good detail on the install vs. running requirements. Most folks would have never caught that.
Speaking of rolling your own. I noticed over at the Susestudio.com site that if you choose openSuse 11.1 Gnome, you get a very similar desktop to Mint with the menu on the bottom etc… I just wonder if there is some cross collaboration going on there or something?
Interesting that you find Chrome to be a better browser. I’ve found that with a few tweaks (found here http://www.tuxradar.com/content/make-linux-faster-and-lighter) that Firefox smokes Chrome on Mint 8. Chrome is noticeably slower loading pages…plus I don’t care much for its interface. I think Firefox is the way to go for the installed browser with Chrome available through the Software Manager.
hmm Very nice post and pic thx…
I just said again over on the ExtremeTech site that Mint remains my choice for first-time Linux people. It really does “just work”, at least on my hardware. (System 76 laptop. Same experience with Asus laptop) This the best Gnome implementation and until KDE 4.3.2 came along I had called it the single best Linux desktop. (Not that I am an authority on such things!)
Mas, I am not sure Mint and Suse collaborate. The Suse “slab” came earlier. Looks to me as though Clement saw it and decided to go it one better. And he did. But we ought to let a Mint person tell us if you are right.
Jim, your new format is good, thank you for that. If anything is missing it is an assessment of wireless capability, but I understand the virtual machine problem. Still, with more and more laptops being sold it is a concern. And easy wireless remains a question, though if Mint uses Network Manager it will not be a problem.
Codecs? Well there is this question of legality for Americans. It seems to me Linux needs some solution other than the “across the pond” dodge. Distros concerned about the legal exposure n the U.S. do not install them by default. Silly situation? Yup, but so it is.
Linux Mint is a great distro for beginners. Of course as stated before the legality of some codecs in the U.S. is always a concern.
It really sucks in the U.S. because of government stupidity but that’s another story. 
I’m not really a fan of the Mint menu setup but it is great for someone coming from the Windows environment. They get the superiority of Gnome with the familiarity of MS Windows. The only problem I have with Linux Mint is the way it handles software updates and software installs. Mint doesn’t really go for the newest software updates and is kind of conservative in that regard like Debian. That is just find and dandy and not a bad thing. Just don’t update using something like Synaptic. Just use their tools and there should be no problems. I use Ubuntu on my computer and my wife using Linux Mint and Windows XP.(She is hooked on hidden object games and uses XP for that)We do have Mint in the house. Overall Linux Mint 8 is a very nice re-spin and deserves the score it got.
Linux Mint is one of three distributions that ought to be on the short list of consideration for those who want a plug it in and it works kind of experience with very simple management. Mint is one; SimplyMEPIS and PCLinuxOS are the other two. A few others come close.
What, no Superman DVD this time? What about the classic Led Zeppelin with the “chainsaw” guitar, “Whole Lotta Love”? :-)
The lack of Chrome Browser is a Pro, not a Con, as the Chrome Browser is absolutely and undeniably a 5th rate browser, and nowhere near ready for use. It does not render websites correctly, is nowhere near fast, and crashes constantly. Firefox 3.7 Pre-Alpha is a better browser.
“In Mint Synaptic is crippled. It shows all the software updates but the Select All Updates button is greyed out.”
Apparently someone doesnt read much. That button has been removed because upgrading outside of “Mint Update” (ie using apt-get upgrade or synaptic) can cause problems with Mint. You can still use it to install any and all applications that are available in your selected repositories, you just cannot use it to upgrade. Use Mint Update and you will have a much more stable system.
I have Chrome on my Mint 8 install, but I always revert back to Swiftfox (a custom version of Firefox geared towards specific proc. families!). If you haven’t tried Swiftfox, then give it a spin, I wish it was the default browser personally!
All in all though, Mint 8 is GREAT! Can’t wait until Mint 10 though, that will be the LTS for Mint.