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Linux Mint is one of the more popular distributions, with editions based on Ubuntu and Debian. With some of Ubuntu's recent controversial changes, particularly in the user interface, Linux Mint has become the go-to distribution for those looking for a well-supported and up-to-date, but more familiar Linux experience.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Common and popular light weight OS
Mate is a great light weight desktop environment that uses an up to date and forked Gnome 2 DE, with an old school feel that s current and very fast.
Mint first came out offering proprietary software with an ease of use (Graphics/WiFi/Codecs/Adobe etc. included out of the box). It has become a standard of a common sense approach.
Pro Familiar user interface
Mint is highly recommended for both users coming from Windows, as well as users coming from Ubuntu, but unhappy with Ubuntu's recent, rather dramatic interface changes. Mint provides an updated interface with a look and feel similar to Gnome 2, with an application menu reminiscent of the Windows 7 Start Menu, with categorization and search.
Pro Popular
Linux mint is currently the most hit page on DistroWatch. Because of its popularity, long term support is pretty guaranteed.
Pro Full multimedia support out of the box
Linux Mint focuses first on usability, and thus provides proprietary multimedia support out of the box. This makes it a good choice as a distro if you're installing it for a novice user that is unable to install full multimedia support themselves.
Pro Already functional out-of-the-box
Mint comes bundled with software for browsing the web, editing pictures, browsing files, watching videos and even a full office suite (LibreOffice). An average user can use Mint right away after a fresh install, using all the software that comes with the distribution to complete most of their daily tasks.
Cons
Con Security may be an issue
Linux Mint by default does not have auto updates turned on for things such as xorg or the kernel, thus leaving users with potentially insecure software.
Con LinuxMint tries to force people to use less powerful custom package management system
The custom package management system is slow, frustrating, and forces you to select and install one package at a time. Can't select a whole load of packages and then run the installations in one go.
Con Looks ugly
The default theme and wallpaper looks outdated and bland. Luckily that is easy to change in the settings.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con System update can lead the system to unstable
While a new installed system is stable, after an update, there is a slight chance of something not working.