The new Linux Mint is another positive step in what is already an excellent Linux desktop distribution.
Two and a half months after its release, the Windows 10 October 2018 Update finally recommends that “advanced users” can install it.
The new Linux distribution offers the traditional look of Mint's icons, menus, and indicators (WIMP). The default Cinnamon 4.0 desktop is faster and easier to use than ever. And if you prefer more modern desktop designs, Mint 19.1 has you covered.
Cinnamon 4.0 also includes a modern interface. With Mint, unlike other operating systems, you can choose which style best expresses you.
You can choose three panel zones (left, center, and right for horizontal panels; top, center, and bottom for vertical panels). Within each zone, you can choose the icon size or adjust it to fit the panel size or automatically reduce the largest icon size to fit the panel.
If Cinnamon doesn't work for you at all, Linux Mint 19.1 also provides the MATE and Xfce desktops.
If you opt for Cinnamon, however, the built-in Nemo file manager is much faster than in previous versions. Mint's developers claim it's "three times faster.".
Mint is also more secure than macOS and Windows ever dreamed of being. Sure, there are reports of security issues in Linux, but they are hard to come by. For example, for the latest Linux cryptominer to infect a Linux system, it requires an administrator to foolishly install malware or to maliciously use SSH secure logins. Sure, a Linux system can be compromised, but the user has to actually try to destroy their computer, unlike Windows systems that can be infected simply by opening a malicious email.
One reason is that while installing software in Mint with the Software Manager is incredibly simple, the programs are also controlled by Linux Mint. You can compile Linux programs from source.
You may not need to install many programs. As always, Mint comes with the latest versions of essential programs like Firefox 64 for your web browsing, LibreOffice 6.06, and Thunderbird 60.2.1 for your email.
Technically, Mint 19.1 runs on kernel 4.15.0.20. If you want to change that, the new Mint makes it easier than ever. The Update Manager updates all current kernels and reports their support status. The Update Manager also makes it easy to delete unused kernels.
If you want, you can also install kernels with the debugging symbols installed. Debian Linux, the foundation of Mint Linux, has removed these symbols. This makes it harder to fix application bugs. Adding the debugging symbol repositories can now be done with a click of the mouse in the “Software Sources” tool.
