Linux Mint is a free Linux operating system for desktop and laptop computers. It provides a graphical desktop for working with files, browsing the web and running applications, with tools for obtaining software, applying updates and restoring an earlier system state. Included applications such as LibreOffice and Firefox cover office work and web browsing, while software repositories supply additional programs.
Desktop editions and everyday work
The main Linux Mint editions offer three desktop environments:
- Cinnamon is primarily developed by Mint. Its application menu combines programs, favourites and shortcuts to places, with controls for the sidebar contents and search-field position.
- MATE follows a traditional desktop design derived from GNOME's earlier desktop environment.
- Xfce uses fewer resources than Cinnamon and offers fewer desktop features.
The package base is a separate choice from the desktop environment:
| Edition group | Package base | Driver management |
|---|---|---|
| Main Linux Mint editions | Ubuntu | Mint's Driver Manager uses Ubuntu's driver-selection backend to install applicable proprietary drivers. |
| Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) | Debian, without Ubuntu | Mint's Ubuntu-dependent Driver Manager is unavailable. |
LMDE aims to provide a similar Mint desktop experience using Debian's packages. All Linux Mint editions are free, including for commercial use.
LibreOffice provides tools for text documents, spreadsheets, slide presentations, drawings and databases. Its import and export options support exchanging work in Microsoft Office formats and PDF.
In Cinnamon, the Nemo file manager copies and moves files, with controls to pause and resume transfers. Its template manager supplies the documents offered through Create New Document, so a new file can begin with an existing template. Split panes let users work with separate file locations in the same window.
Finding and installing applications
Software Manager presents applications through search and categories such as office work, graphics and games. After choosing an application, the user installs its package through Software Manager to make it available on the Mint system. The catalog brings together two types of software supply:
| Package type | Where it comes from | How its sources are managed |
|---|---|---|
| Native distribution package | The configured repositories for Mint's Ubuntu or Debian package base | Software Sources manages native repositories and mirror choices. |
| Flatpak application | A Flatpak repository, whose maintainer may differ from the application's developer | Software Manager can list applications from multiple Flatpak repositories. |
Software Manager displays maintainer names for verified Flatpaks. Verification identifies publication by the original developer or an approved party, making the software supplier clearer. Unverified Flatpaks are hidden by default; users can opt to show them, and they retain an unverified label.
Application availability depends on the configured repositories and their maintainers. Third-party programs and services retain their own licensing terms even though the operating system is free.
Applying updates and recovering from kernel changes
Update Manager groups maintenance into three update types:
- Software updates apply bug fixes and changes to installed programs.
- Security updates patch vulnerabilities in installed software.
- Kernel updates change the operating system component responsible for hardware support.
It also supports updates for Flatpak applications. Its tray warning indicates when installed updates call for a restart.
Updates can cause regressions affecting networking, the desktop or booting. In the Ubuntu-based Mint editions, a kernel update installs a new kernel alongside earlier kernels, and the computer normally starts with the newest one. Retaining an earlier kernel makes this recovery sequence possible:
- Restart and select a previously working kernel from the boot menu.
- With that earlier kernel running, remove the problematic replacement through Update Manager's kernel controls.
- Restart again to continue using the retained kernel.
The currently running kernel cannot be removed. Proprietary drivers may also need rebuilding for a newly installed kernel before they work with it.
Restoring system snapshots and protecting personal files
Timeshift saves system files and settings as recovery points that can undo later changes. Users choose a snapshot destination, create snapshots manually or schedule them at intervals, and set how many to retain. Selecting a saved snapshot restores that system state; restoration from the running system requires a reboot to finish.
The snapshot method depends on the filesystem. The rsync method shares unchanged files between snapshots using hard links, reducing duplicate storage, while Btrfs uses the filesystem's own snapshot facilities with supported subvolume layouts. Retained snapshots need sufficient space on the chosen destination.
Timeshift excludes home-directory contents by default, including documents, photographs and music. Restoring the operating system therefore leaves those personal files outside the rollback. Users can include selected home-directory items, but included data can then be overwritten during restoration.
Linux Mint's separate Backup Tool saves and restores files in the home directory. It also saves the list of installed packages so they can be reinstalled later.
