Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Why Mint is Better for New Users
Exploring Linux Distributions: Beyond Ubuntu
For those new to the world of Linux, Ubuntu is often the first distribution encountered. However, it’s important to recognize that Ubuntu isn't the sole option available within the Linux ecosystem.
Ubuntu’s default Unity desktop environment has historically sparked debate amongst experienced Linux users. Its design choices haven't always resonated with those accustomed to more conventional interfaces.
The Appeal of Linux Mint
A significant number of Linux enthusiasts favor a desktop experience that adheres to more established conventions. Linux Mint directly addresses this preference, providing a familiar and intuitive environment.
As Ubuntu increasingly concentrates its development efforts on mobile platforms like Ubuntu for phones, Linux Mint is poised to become an even more compelling alternative for desktop users.
It's not that Ubuntu is inherently flawed. Many individuals genuinely appreciate and enjoy the Unity desktop. However, newcomers to Linux may find the learning curve less steep with Linux Mint.
Generally, users will likely experience a smoother transition and quicker adaptation to the Linux operating system by initially exploring Linux Mint rather than Ubuntu.
Challenges Encountered with Ubuntu
Related: Mastering Ubuntu's Unity Desktop: Essential Insights
Initially, let's examine Ubuntu's Unity desktop environment. Both novice and experienced Linux users frequently encounter usability issues with this interface.
- The conventional File, Edit, and View menu structure is detached from individual windows and presented on the top panel, mirroring macOS. This deviates from the expectations of Windows users. Furthermore, this menu remains concealed until the mouse cursor reaches the top bar, causing unnecessary confusion.
- Window control buttons – close, minimize, and maximize – are positioned on the top-left corner of each window, unlike the top-right placement in Windows. This design choice aligns more closely with Mac OS X. A previous option to relocate these buttons to the right side is no longer functional.
- Unity incorporates a launcher, functioning as a dock, which displays application shortcuts and currently running programs. A traditional taskbar, preferred by some, is not available. The launcher is persistently located on the left side of the screen, lacking the flexibility to be repositioned to other edges as offered by Windows and macOS.
- The application launcher presents a degree of complexity. Instead of a straightforward pop-up menu with readily accessible shortcuts, it defaults to a full-screen search interface. Accessing a list of installed applications requires clicking the Ubuntu shortcut and then selecting the Applications view icon at the screen's bottom. Subsequently, users must click "See more results" to reveal a complete, alphabetized application list, devoid of categories or organizational features. The "dash" interface is most effective for searches, which may include Amazon search results. Additional options typically found in a "Start menu"-style interface are located within the indicator menus at the top-right corner.
It's understandable that a new user might find this interface perplexing. Indeed, even veteran Linux users – particularly those familiar with older desktop environments – may not consider it the most intuitive.
The Enhanced User Experience of Linux Mint
Related: A Comparison of 10 Highly Popular Linux Distributions
Linux Mint is distributed in two main editions. The first features the Cinnamon desktop environment, representing a contemporary interface. The second provides the MATE desktop, derived from the earlier GNOME 2 interface once prevalent in Ubuntu and other Linux systems.
Our preference generally leans towards Cinnamon, due to its integration of more recent technologies. However, this does not equate to the instability sometimes found in Ubuntu’s Unity. Cinnamon incorporates a familiar application launcher and settings manager, functioning as users intuitively expect. A standard taskbar is included, and its position can be adjusted to any screen edge.
Window control buttons are located where Windows users are accustomed to finding them. File, Edit, and View menus operate conventionally and are integrated within each window. For those familiar with Windows – or those who have not used Linux recently and favor traditional desktop layouts – Cinnamon presents an excellent choice.
The MATE desktop is also a viable option. It maintains a more conventional desktop experience – extending even to the foundational code – and Mint configures it to closely resemble Cinnamon in both appearance and functionality. A straightforward applications menu, a taskbar, and all essential elements are present.
Beyond the desktop interface, Mint offers additional benefits, including pre-installed multimedia codec support and the Flash browser plugin. This was the initial impetus for Linux Mint’s development. While this approach may not appeal to strict open-source advocates, it is often desirable for the average computer user.
Ubuntu has simplified this process as well, offering a single click during installation to include these supplementary components.
Linux Mint Shares a Foundation with Ubuntu
Related: Security Concerns Raised by Ubuntu Developers Regarding Linux Mint. Is the Criticism Valid?
Ubuntu boasts an extensive software repository, and numerous applications – including Valve’s Steam for Linux – officially designate Ubuntu as their primary supported Linux distribution. This represents a significant advantage for Ubuntu users.
However, Linux Mint is fundamentally very similar to Ubuntu. It leverages Ubuntu’s software repositories, granting access to the complete range of software available within Ubuntu. Furthermore, it utilizes the update system provided by Ubuntu, although differing philosophies regarding potentially risky updates have led to disagreements between the development teams.
Exploring other official Ubuntu derivatives featuring alternative desktop environments is also an option. Xubuntu, with its Xfce desktop, is arguably the most conventional choice. Yet, for a considerable number of users, the Cinnamon desktop strikes an appealing balance between modern features and a traditional user experience.
The MATE desktop, built upon the foundations of GNOME 2, may offer greater comfort and functionality compared to the Xfce desktop for many individuals, despite its age.
Linux Mint prioritizes delivering a refined desktop interface, whereas Canonical is actively pursuing the convergence of desktop and smartphone environments with its recent releases. While this strategy may yield benefits in the future, it has not yet fully materialized.
This assessment is not definitive. Experimenting with Ubuntu is encouraged, particularly if Mint doesn't fully align with your preferences. Consider exploring other Linux distributions as well! But avoid dismissing the Linux desktop solely based on a negative experience with Ubuntu’s Unity desktop, as it doesn't resonate with a large portion of the Linux community.