Whenever we talk about Linux, many users think of operating systems that are difficult to use, reserved only for expert users who can use terminal commands to make everything work. Luckily for years Linux has been offering distributions (i.e. customized operating systems) also suitable for less practical users and accustomed to the comforts of Windows, to the point of being able to take their place without too many regrets or sacrifices.
In this article we will introduce you to one of the most beautiful Linux distributions, among the easiest and "User-Friedly" to use so much that some prefer it to the more famous Ubuntu distribution: we are talking about Linux Mint .
We will show you what are the advantages of Linux Mint compared to other Linux distributions, how to try Linux Mint on Windows PC without losing any data, how to install Linux Mint in dual-boot and finally some suggestions on how to use it every day.
Linux Mint Guide
To get a closer look at this distribution, just read all the chapters that we have created for you below, so we can try all the advantages of Linux Mint even if we are fond of Windows and do not intend to change the operating system at the moment: like all distributions Modern Linux Linux Mint can be started from a USB stick or from CD, so as to test the functionality without touching the personal files and without overwriting the existing operating system.Advantages of Linux Mint
Compared to any other GNU / Linux distribution, Linux Mint has some advantages aimed at novice users and designed to simplify the management of this operating system:- It installs easily : the installation wizard allows you to immediately install Mint next to Windows in a simple and painless way, without touching your personal files and without damaging the Microsoft operating system.
- Excellent hardware compatibility : compared to other distributions we can find numerous packages on Mint for proprietary drivers and for new peripherals, so as to have greater compatibility with any type of peripheral or device connected to the PC.
- Excellent software compatibility : all the programs available for Ubuntu also run on Mint and can be downloaded from the dedicated store; we can also install programs via DEB packages.
- Excellent performance : Linux Mint runs very quickly on machines with minimum requirements suitable for Windows 7, starting in a few seconds and managing multiple programs simultaneously without slowing down (4 GB of RAM, an SSD drive and a dual-core processor are enough).
- Innovative interface : Mint differs from other distributions due to the presence of Cinnamon, a highly customizable and easy to use graphic environment, which closely resembles the comfort seen on the latest Windows.
- Dedicated programs : in addition to the basic programs integrated in each distribution, Mint offers unique programs that can manage system and app updates, PC security and connection to Wi-Fi and audio devices in a simplified way.
How to try Linux Mint
To try Linux Mint without installing it on the system, simply go to the official website of the distribution, press on the Download menu, open the latest version available and click on Cinnamon 64-bit . 32-bit versions and with other graphic environments (MATE and Xfce) are also available, but for the guide we advise you to download the version indicated a little while ago.
At the end of the download, get an empty 8GB USB stick or higher, connect it to your computer and download the free UNetbootin tool.
With it we can create the USB Live stick with which to try Mint, all we have to do is select the item Disk image, press the "..." button, indicate the ISO image of Mint, choose the USB stick in the Unit field and finally press OK .
If instead we prefer to create a Live DVD, just burn the ISO with any burning program, such as those seen in our guide How to Burn CDs and DVDs for free .
As soon as the key or DVD are ready, insert them into the computer on which to try Mint, restart and change the boot order, taking care to indicate the key created a little while ago. The main screen will start, where we will have to press Enter to confirm the entry Start Linux Mint .
After a few minutes we will have access to the actual interface of the operating system, from which it is possible to test compatibility with all the peripherals in our possession and test the included programs.
To start, just press on the bottom left of the start menu (with the Linux Mint icon) to open the programs and test the tools offered. From this screen we can also access the Windows person files, simply by pressing on the Computer key and selecting the hard disk or the SSD where the Microsoft operating system is present.
How to install Linux Mint in dual-boot
If we want to install Linux Mint, we advise you not to act "drastically" but to gradually try to use this system, installing it in dual-boot with Windows. With the term dual-boot we indicate the special way in which, at startup, we can choose whether to start Windows or Linux according to our needs.To install Linux Mint in this mode, go to the Live environment of the USB stick or Live DVD and double-click the Install Linux Mint icon, then select the Italian language from the installer.
We press on Next, we select the keyboard in use and then on Next, we put the check mark under Install third-party software for graphic devices and Wi-Fi, Flash, MP3 and other formats and click again on Next .
After these preliminary steps, the most important window of the installer will open, where we will have to put a check mark on the item Install Linux Mint next to Windows 10 .
Now all that remains is to press Next, confirm where necessary and wait for the disk to change, which will reduce the space available to Windows to make room for Linux Mint. At the end of the installation the computer will restart and we will be able to choose, from now on, whether to use Windows or Linux Mint.
NOTE: Alternatively, you can also download and install Debian-based Linux Mint and not Ubuntu.
Conclusions
After installing Linux Mint, we advise you to read many guides on how to best use a Linux distribution: the Web is full of documentation, wikis and forums where we can find help if difficulties arise.For our part, we advise you to read our guides on Linux directories: what are the main folders of each distribution and 10 errors to avoid if you use Linux to immediately learn the fundamentals of Linux, also useful when we use Linux Mint.
To discover other Linux distributions instead, we can read our in-depth Best Linux Distributions for all computers and needs .
