Mint 19 Powered

Jonni Bidwell has blended a  tasty selection of Minty wit  and knowledge, to help you  get the most from this  powerful distribution.

- Jonni Bidwell

Finally the wait is over. The latest version of one of the most popular Linux distros has landed, and it comes packing a new look, new tools and, following Mint’s acquisition by Microsoft, new owners.

Okay that last one was a lie, but it got your attention, and your attention is what this release deserves. Because it’s awesome. And just to be clear, Linux Mint is still independently developed and funded by donations, website advertisements and sponsorship.

Mint veterans will find much of what they loved is lovelier than ever, and newcomers will find an OS that’s powerful, easy to use and good looking. Using the solid base of Ubuntu 18.04, and all the new goodness there, Mint adds a layer of finesse that is at once modern and traditional. There are new versions of the Cinnamon and MATE desktops, a new backup tool, a fresh approach to updates and plenty more besides.

Then there are the little additions that make all the difference: a helpful welcome screen, Redshift (for reducing eyestrain) and a handy USB image writer. Behind the release there’s the same admirable commitment to the community, the same understanding that people don’t like to be told how to use their desktops, and the same desire to make a Linux flavour that anyone, be they newbie or hardened geek, can enjoy.

So let’s take a deep breath and inhale all manner of minty metaphors and spicy similes as we feast on this most delectable of Linux distros.

What’s All The Fuss?

It’s been a mere seven months since the last great Mint release, so what’s been freshly prepared this time around?