What is Linux Mint? Who it is for
Linux Mint is built on Ubuntu. It uses Cinnamon as its desktop and apt and Flatpak for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Linux Mint at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: Cinnamon
- Software tools: apt and Flatpak
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the Mint graphical installer
Who Linux Mint suits
Linux Mint suits people moving from Windows who want a familiar, conservative desktop that rarely changes.
Strengths
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
- A layout Windows users recognise quickly, with a taskbar, a start-style menu and familiar window controls.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Linux Mint from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Linux Mint bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Linux Mint
- Ubuntu vs Linux Mint
- Debian vs Linux Mint
- Fedora vs Linux Mint
- Linux Mint vs Pop!_OS
- Linux Mint vs Zorin OS
- Linux Mint vs elementary OS
Installing software on Linux Mint
Linux Mint uses apt and Flatpak. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Linux Mint good for beginners?
Yes. Linux Mint is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Linux Mint use?
Linux Mint uses Cinnamon. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Linux Mint need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Linux Mint based on another distribution?
Linux Mint is built on Ubuntu.
How often is Linux Mint updated?
Linux Mint follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Linux Mint without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.