Introduction
Linux Mint is a free and open-source operating system based on Ubuntu. The main purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant, and comfortable operating system that is both powerful and easy to use.
It is one of the most popular operating systems when it comes to desktop Linux distributions. If you are a Windows user and want to migrate to Linux, it is the best option to start with because it will give you a familiar start menu similar to the Windows operating system.
Editions, features, and system requirements of Linux Mint
Editions
- Cinnamon: The most popular Linux Mint operating system is Cinnamon, which was primarily developed for Linux Mint. It is slick and packed with loads of new features.
- MATE: It has a classic desktop environment, which is a continuation of GNOME 2. It has full features as compared to Cinnamon but runs faster and more stable than Cinnamon.
- Xcfe: : It is a very lightweight desktop environment and does not support many features as compared to Cinnamon and MATE.
Features
- It’s an open-source and free operating system.
- It is easy to use and provide multimedia support.
- All essential applications are pre-installed.
- Software Manager is faster and lighter.
- It does not require high specs to run smoothly.
System Requirements
System Requirements for Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE.
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
- 15 GB of hard-drive space (20 GB recommended)
- The screen of 1024×768 resolution
- Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installation media
32-bit and 64-bit architecture
Linux Mint 20 is available only in 64-bit, previous versions were available in both 32 and 64 bits. 32-bits provided compatibility with the older computers and nowadays most of the computers are coming with a 64-bit processor and it is also recommended to install the latest operating system on a 64-bit processor.
Download and burn the ISO image file to a DVD or USB flash drive
Visit the below website to download Linux Mint.
https://linuxmint.com/download.php
Linux Mint 20.3 “Una” is the latest version, but we will install 19.2 which we downloaded a few months back installation process to the latest version is also the same.
After downloading the Linux Mint ISO file, create a bootable media. Follow the below link to learn how to create a bootable media with Rufus.
https://easytechhub.com/create-bootable-usb-rufus/
Installation of Linux Mint
Restart the computer and boot from the installation media. Wait for a few seconds or choose to start with Linux Mint Cinnamon 64 bit.
You will be logged in automatically. Double click on the “Install Linux Mint” installer.
On the welcome screen page, choose English and click Continue.
Choose the English(US) keyboard layout and click Continue.
If you want to install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, Flash, MP3, and other media, select this option and click Continue.
If Linux Mint is the only operating system you are installing on this computer, then select “Erase disk and install Linux Mint” and click “Install Now.” Otherwise, select something else and create the partition.
The changes will be written to the disks. The partition will be formatted. Click on Continue.
Select your country’s location and click Continue.
Enter your name, the computer’s name, password, confirm password, and click Continue.
Wait a few minutes to complete the installation process.
Enter the password and hit enter to login.
Linux Mint Desktop.
Conclusion
Linux Mint is a free and open-source operating system based on Ubuntu. If you are a Windows user and want to migrate to Linux, it is the best option to start with because it will give you a familiar start menu similar to the Windows operating system.