The Ultimate Linux Roundup – Round 1

Linux Mint 11 (64-bit)

Introduction:

Linux Mint, “the 4th most widely used operating system”, (according to the installer slideshow), is available in several versions (OEM, etc). I chose to use the standard one.

Review:

Linux Mint 11 is very easy to use. It’s perfect for people who are used to Microsoft Windows because it’s got something like a Start Menu. Unforunately it won’t allow me to take a screenshot while the menu is open, so I apologize for that. Linux Mint is similar to Ubuntu, in that it uses the same packages for the most part. That means that software is readily available. This time if recognized 212.9MB of disk space available, which makes sense. Linux Mint includes some good software like LibreOffice, GIMP, and VLC Media Player.

Unforunately, there is one major letdown on Linux Mint 11, and that’s the Linux Mint Custom Search. Provided by Google, it’s an ad-filled, annoying search. No big deal, right, just remove it? Not so fast, it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s a bit of a complicated procedure. While it’s understandable the developers of Linux Mint want some revenue, at least make it easy to get rid of or optional during installation. Another minor issue I see is that there is no startup/splash screen, so you’re staring at a blank screen for 45 seconds while it boots up, which could be confusing for people who are used to having something that indicates the computer isn’t dead.

Screenshots:

Linux Mint’s score:

Installation speed: 6/10

General speed: 8/10

Interface: 9/10

Useability: 8/10

Features: 9/10

Overall score: 8

Conclusion:

Linux Mint is a great operating system that just needs a few adjustments to be the “best”…

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