Clearly Ubuntu is a favourite here on the Tek, but it can be a bit off putting for noobs to Linux. Linux Mint, although based on Ubuntu, is consistently top of the list on "DistroWatch" (see Link) downloads, mainly because it's a more polished experience out of the box. However, it is also seen as a bit boring in it's appearance. Here is a possible solution to that "pipe and slippers" image:
Link: http://linuxmint-art.org/
Link: http://distrowatch.com/
I didn't mind XP when it came-out, so on face-value Mint 17.1 seems to appeal to my inner XP persona.
And yes, I am at that stage where the 'pipe, and slippers' descriptive is probably apt in my case lol.
Mint could easily take a note from Antergros' book, such that it could implement the numix icons/theme out of the box.
I have been using Linux Mint 17 with Cinnamon 2.0 on my laptop and I have been really liking it. I just use it for MS office and general web browsing. I am kind of a noob when it comes to Linux, but I have had zero problems so far.
Mint kde is pretty sexy. :) Its more about taking the time to customize than anything else.
Linux Mint doesn't get kernel upgrades by default and has an update manager that tries to scare people away from installing security updates. 'More polished out of the box' is something I don't understand. I've had multiple issues with Mint's installer while installing it on XP machines which is a real shame. Where as other Linux installers like Debian's work fine. Is Ubuntu and openSUSE (the ones recommended on TekLinux) "unpolished"? They don't seem it.
Mint and Ubuntu and pretty much the same on 'noob friendlyness'. I'm sure the TekSyndicate crew have good reasons why their TekLinux videos mostly focus on Ubuntu and OpenSUSE thus far.
Distrowatch's rankings are incredibly easy to play. Putting your distribution above another is as simple as getting that page a few extra hits. Distrowatch's rankings really do mean jack shit. I do not make my decision on distribution based on popularity.
Don't get me wrong, Mint has it's place. It looks baller with Cinnamon. If your 'noob' user can't understand Unity/Gnome than I'm sure they'd find Mint easier.
When was the last time you installed Mint? Think some of those issues have been addressed.
By default Mint doesn't upgrade it's kernel and by default it doesn't install all security updates automatically. It's insecure and may have compatibility issues if you hold onto the same version of the OS for a while:
I tried to install Mint 17 on my Thinkpad but at first the installer straight up refused to load, once I got the installer running it didn't recognize the partitions and suggest that I wipe the entire drive (I wanted to dual boot). I ended up wiping the drive as it suggested as I had an image of it backed up and once installed it worked ok.
Quote: "I have had zero problems so far."
That's why I use it. In terms of reliability, it's better than any of the other distros I've tried. I really like Cinnamon too.
17.1 my friend. I agree some of the things about 17 were questionable. Now how secure it is? Not a security expert.
It was 17.1, sorry. Tried it last month.
Proof:
I have had issues with dual booting but mostly been able to solve them. Whats the saying? Windows first then linux? Preferrably on a different ssd hdd. I havent run partitions for a long time.(At least windows wise) It always struck me as more hassle then its worth. I do know that some third party installers work and others dont. I had terrible issues with iso downloads getting corrupted around that time period. I used rufus to double check the iso download and install but that is coming from using windows for the iso downloads. It is stuff like that that will put people off of linux or a gui. Its getting better. I have the same issue with manjaro.
Here's a link to the merits of Linux Mint.
Link: http://www.howtogeek.com/208070/new-to-linux-dont-use-ubuntu-youll-probably-like-linux-mint-better/
You never know, you might like it!
The funny thing is isnt that the pot calling the kettle black?. That whole amazon spywarething staring me in the face. :)
Let me rebuttle these "issues":
The standard File/Edit/View menu is completely separated from each window and appears on the top bar, like a Mac. This is unusual for Windows users. Worse yet, the File/Edit/View menu is actually hidden until you move your mouse up to the bar, and then it appears. This is just unnecessarily confusing.
Personally I prefer them in the menu bar as it's a space saver but it's not for everyone, hence the option.
The window management buttons (close, minimize, and maximize) appear at the top-left side of each window instead of the top-right side. This is more like Mac OS X than Windows. There used to be a hidden option to move these buttons back to the right side, but it no longer works.
You can't move them in UNITY (in Gnome they are on the right by default) because in Unity when you maximize a program it's close buttons appear in the menu bar.
The Unity desktop features a sort of dock, known as a launcher, that displays shortcuts to your applications and to running applications. You can’t get a more traditional taskbar, if you prefer that, as you can on Windows.
It works the same as Windows 7 and 8's taskbar except it's pinned to the left as opposed to the bottom.
The application launcher is rather confusing. Rather than being an easy pop-up menu with a list of useful shortcuts, it’s a full-screen search interface by default. To actually view a list of installed applications, you have to click the Ubuntu shortcut and select the little Applications view icon at the bottom of the screen. You then need to click “See more results” next to your installed applications and you’ll get a full, alphabetized list of applications without any categories or other useful information. The so-called “dash” interface works best if you use it for search, and you’ll see Amazonsearch results if you do that. Other options you might expect to find in a “Start menu”-style menu appear in the indicator menus at the top-right corner of the screen.
Fair enough complaint. Although Lubuntu, Kbuntu, Xubuntu and other 'buntu use a more traditional start menu.
Like I said, I've tried Linux Mint multiple times and I've felt it's a fine experience. It isn't the most forward thinking desktop, as you implied by saying it looks like XP, but it runs fine and has a place. It just isn't for everyone and all the 'buntu guides that Tek Syndicate are making can be applied to Mint.
Really thats the whole secret. Just use what you like that works well for you.
