Recs.
Updated
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 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 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.
Pro Provides LTS (long term support) versions
Long Term Support versions are versions of software that are continuously updated for an extended period of time, even after newer versions are launched. LTS versions will typically get feature additions and enhancements for an extended period of time, then security updates up until its End of Life. An LTS release should typically be considered good for at least 5 years.
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 Easy installation and configuration
Linux Mint uses the same installer as Ubuntu. It is very easy to use for beginners, and also allows more advanced users to choose their own partitions. Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop is highly customizable and can be made to look however preferred.
Pro No Unity "ugliness", 2 choices for Gnome 2/3
Upon the initial release of Unity, being that it was buggy, there was a high percentage of Ubuntu users who were looking for something more stable. Mint responded 3 years ago with keeping Gnome 2 and 3 alive with the benefit of making all hardware/drivers/codecs/adobe/proprietary-stuff work out of the box. It is not perfect, but it offers a more traditional workflow DE than Unity. Gnome allows many widgets/gadgets/tweak-tool/extensions and more. To be fair Ubuntu-Gnome is awesome too, but not quite as easy as Mint for Windows users to make an out-of-the-box easy transition.
Pro Popular
Linux mint is currently the most hit page on DistroWatch. Because of its popularity, long term support is pretty guaranteed.
Pro Low learning curve to go from installation to advanced configuration
Mint is extremely easy to install, and with community support, easy to move onto adjusting the OS to meet your specific needs. The vast majority of instructions for undertaking configuration work and are easy to understand.
Pro 2016 hack listed here as a Con, was very quickly dealt with and is a non-issue over 4 years later
Pro Mint 20 will actively avoid the Snap landmine planted by Canonical in Ubuntu 20.04
Cons
Con Linux Mint 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. They've also blocked certain powerful features of synaptic, the default Ubuntu/Debian package management application.
Con Many proprietary (closed-source) packages
By default, Linux Mint includes almost all the proprietary packages just to improve the user experience.
Con Upgrade process between version can be painful
The Linux Mint team offers a method to upgrade the OS between versions but they tend to recommend clean installs, which isn't always suitable for everyone. However, following the upgrade process currently is less than straightforward and is easily capable of leaving your system in a confused state.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con Linux Mint 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 Heavy games lagging if played using wine
Heavy graphics games can be played only if you purchase via steam. Most of games have frame drop issue in wine. Please Google before you download and play.