Install Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu - Linux Mint Experience
Exploring Cinnamon: A Familiar Yet Modern Desktop Environment
If you find Ubuntu’s Unity desktop environment less than ideal, consider Cinnamon. This desktop environment, developed by the Linux Mint team, presents a compelling alternative.
Cinnamon aims to provide a more conventional desktop experience, reminiscent of the classic GNOME 2 layout. However, it’s built upon the foundations of the contemporary GNOME Shell.
Installation on Ubuntu
Despite originating with Linux Mint, Cinnamon is readily installable on Ubuntu systems. This allows users to experience its features without switching distributions.
A Fork of GNOME Shell
It’s important to note that Cinnamon isn’t directly based on GNOME 2. Instead, it represents a fork of GNOME Shell. This strategic decision enables Cinnamon to leverage current technologies.
By diverging from GNOME 2, Cinnamon avoids being constrained by older software and can continually evolve with modern desktop standards.
Future Plans for Linux Mint
The long-term vision is for Cinnamon to become the standard desktop environment for Linux Mint. This reflects the team’s commitment to providing a user-friendly and adaptable experience.
The development team believes Cinnamon strikes a balance between familiarity and innovation, making it an attractive option for both new and experienced Linux users.
Cinnamon, MGSE, and MATE: A Comparison
Linux Mint provides users with a selection of distinct desktop environments to choose from. Mint GNOME Shell Extensions (MGSE) represents a collection of extensions designed to customize the functionality of the GNOME Shell. Cinnamon, in essence, is developed upon MGSE, effectively superseding its core components.
Alongside these, Linux Mint also features the MATE desktop environment. MATE is derived from the older GNOME 2 desktop, offering a continuation of its established design principles.
Desktop Environment Philosophies
While MATE maintains a more traditional approach, Cinnamon adopts a more progressive stance. It doesn't, however, deviate as radically from established GNOME conventions as the standard GNOME Shell does.
Cinnamon aims to balance innovation with familiarity, providing a modern experience without completely abandoning the classic desktop paradigm.
- MGSE: Modifies existing GNOME Shell behavior.
- Cinnamon: Builds upon and replaces MGSE, offering a complete desktop experience.
- MATE: A fork of GNOME 2, preserving a classic desktop layout.
The choice between these environments often comes down to personal preference and desired workflow. Each offers a unique user experience within the Linux Mint ecosystem.
Cinnamon Installation Guide
The Cinnamon desktop environment isn't exclusive to Linux Mint. It can be readily installed on Ubuntu 11.10 and 12.04 systems through a dedicated personal package archive (PPA).
The initial step involves opening a terminal window and executing a specific command. This command integrates the Cinnamon PPA into your Ubuntu system’s software sources.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:merlwiz79/cinnamon-ppa
A prompt will appear; simply press Enter to proceed.
Following the addition of the PPA, it’s necessary to refresh the package lists. This ensures your system is aware of the newly available Cinnamon packages.
sudo apt-get update
With the package lists updated, you can now proceed with the installation of Cinnamon itself.
sudo apt-get install cinnamon cinnamon-session cinnamon-settings
During the installation process, you will be asked to confirm. Enter Y and press Enter to continue.
Alternative Installation Options
If you are utilizing a Linux distribution other than Ubuntu, resources are available to assist you. Instructions tailored to various distributions, as well as a link to the Cinnamon source code, can be found on the official Cinnamon download page.
This allows users on different platforms to benefit from the Cinnamon desktop experience.
Launching Cinnamon Desktop
The Cinnamon desktop environment is designed to function alongside your current Ubuntu installation, rather than replacing it. It introduces an additional choice at the login prompt.
A logout is necessary before you can begin utilizing Cinnamon.
Upon logging out, simply choose Cinnamon from the available desktop options at the login screen and proceed to log in again.
Exploring the Cinnamon Desktop Environment
The Cinnamon desktop environment features a single panel located at the screen's bottom edge. This design echoes the functionality found in the GNOME 2 desktop environment previously utilized by Linux Mint.
On the panel’s left side, a menu is present. This menu bears a greater resemblance to the conventional applications menu of Linux Mint than to the full-screen application view characteristic of GNOME Shell.
A key distinction from GNOME Shell is the inclusion of a traditional window list within the panel itself.
The right side of the panel houses icons for music control, network status, a clock, and a workspace switcher. The music applet is notably refined, enabling panel-based control of various music players.
Access to the Cinnamon Settings application is available through the main menu. However, the current range of configuration options is limited.
The developers at Linux Mint aim for Cinnamon to be highly customizable – a deliberate departure from GNOME 3. Currently, many of these advanced options are still under development.
Removing the Global Menu Feature
Following the installation, the Ubuntu global menu bar may remain visible at the screen's top edge. To eliminate this, execute the subsequent command in your terminal, and then complete a logout and login cycle:
sudo apt-get remove appmenu-gtk3 appmenu-gtk appmenu-qt
Should you desire to reinstate the global menu, simply substitute "remove" with "install" in the command below to reinstall the necessary packages:
sudo apt-get install appmenu-gtk3 appmenu-gtk appmenu-qt
As Cinnamon is a relatively recent development, some functionalities may not be fully polished. Nevertheless, it represents a remarkably contemporary interpretation of a conventional Linux desktop environment.
Both Cinnamon and Linux Mint are projects that warrant continued observation and are poised for further refinement.