The Linux Mint community has once again released a top-notch Linux desktop version: Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia. I’ve used more Linux distributions than most people, and Mint is my favorite desktop distribution.
My first preference is Ubuntu 22.04 Long Term Support (LTS) and Mint’s Linux kernel 5.15. It is a stable and reliable operating system for both new and experienced users. Since it’s also a Mint LTS, you can use it worry-free until April 2027.
Like all desktop Linux distributions, Virginia is not just a desktop operating system. It includes all the software you need. The distribution ships with LibreOffice 7.3.7 for office productivity, Thunderbird 115.16.0 for email and calendar, GIMP 2.10.30 for graphics editing, and Firefox 121.0.1 for web browsing.
Free App Store
But if you don’t like these default apps, don’t worry. It’s easy to install new software on Linux. Like a smartphone, you just go to the software store – in Mint it’s called Software Manager – find your program, download it and install it.
For example, if, like me, you prefer Chrome, all you have to do is search for “Web Browser,” and you’ll have three dozen web browsers to choose from. I found Chrome among a selection that included Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera and – a real throwback to the past – Mosaic. A minute later, I had found my happiness.
When I talk about software store, it is important to note that almost all of these apps are free. Software Manager also includes application reviews to help you make informed decisions about which program you want to use. For example, I’m not a Thunderbird fan. My favorite email program is GNOME Evolution. And, yes, it’s also free.
Linux apps are smaller than their macOS and Windows rivals
The refreshed Software Manager user interface also allows you to download and install Flatpak packaged applications. These are containerized applications that can run on any Linux distribution. Mint does not support Snap packaged apps by default, however. But it’s easy to add Snap support to Mint if you want to have access to Snap programs. I do it regularly.
If you don’t like Flatpak or Snap because their containerized applications take up more disk and memory space, that’s no problem. Software Manager makes it easy to see the difference between a conventional installation and a Flatpak installation. And don’t bother adding Snap support if you don’t want to.
The abundance of RAM and storage in modern computers means I never worry about running out of space. Linux apps tend to be smaller than their macOS and Windows rivals.
Create a bootable USB drive from your Nemo file manager
Linux Mint also comes with its own homebrew applications. The ones that I find the most interesting in this version are the following: Hypnotix, an IPTV tuner and viewer; Warpinator, a simple local network file sharing utility; and Bulky, an application for easily renaming multiple files and directories.
Hypnotix is a great way to stream videos to your Linux Mint-equipped PC. Screenshot by sjvn/ZDNET
Hypnotic now supports custom channels and favorite channels. Behind the scenes, it also comes with a handy yt-dlp update, which allows the software to better present YouTube videos. Warpinator’s new features allow you to manually connect to networked drives via IP or QR codes. However, I would be hesitant to sign in to an unknown device using a QR code. Finally, Bulky supports thumbnails, file drag and drop, and directory moves.
Although Linux Mint supports many Linux desktop environments, such as MATE and Xfce, its default environment — and my favorite — is Cinnamon. This version of the GNOME 2.0 environment is simple, clean and easy to use. I think it’s the best desktop environment out there.
Linux Mint 21.3 has the latest version of Cinnamon, Cinnamon 6.0. In this version, more optional features, called spices, allow you to do things such as create a bootable USB drive from its Nemo file manager.
Mint proofing my Dell
You can also use the Wayland display server. However, this protocol is optional. And unless you want to live on the wild side of Linux, I wouldn’t bother. Although Wayland has been in development for years, it’s not yet ready for prime time. In fact, Mint developers do not plan to use it before 2026.
Without Wayland, Cinnamon’s interface remains fast. I’ve already migrated my primary desktop computer – a 2020 Dell Precision 3451, with an Intel 8-core 3GHz i7-9700 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD – to Mint 21.3, and it works great. GOOD. Unlike Windows, where operating system “updates” almost always result in a drop in performance, every step you take with Linux Mint gets you a faster machine.
In fact, Linux Mint works on just about any computer. You can use it if your PC has 2 GB of RAM and 100 GB of storage, any graphics card, and a display that supports 1024×768 resolution. If you’re not sure you want to try Mint, you can pick up almost any computer at a second-hand store to try it. I recently described how to upgrade from Windows to Linux Mint 21.2, and the same methods will work with 21.3. Simply download the Linux Mint 21.3 image, and you will be up and running.
Linux Mint and Windows on the same machine, but not at the same time
If you want to run Linux Mint and Windows on the same machine, but not at the same time, Mint 21.3 has made this approach easier than ever. The new version of Mint fully supports Secure Boot and is more compatible than ever with a wide variety of BIOS and EFI implementations. I do not recommend beginners to try this method, as it is more reserved for seasoned users or people who are familiar with the vital systems of a computer.
There are literally hundreds of Linux desktops. I know this well because I have looked at many of them. But whether you’re a new Linux user or someone like me who’s been using the operating system since Linus Torvalds was a grad student, I think you’ll find everything you’ve come to expect in this latest Linux Mint update. of a versatile desktop computer.
Source: “ZDNet.com”