Linux Mint 21.3: Full review and comparison with Ubuntu
Introduction
Linux Mint 21.3 is the latest version of the popular Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. Released in January 2024, this new version offers a number of improvements and new features over its predecessor 21.2, including full support for SecureBoot, improved BIOS and EFI compatibility, and the ability to create custom channels on Hypnotix.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Linux Mint 21.3, highlighting its new features and comparing it to its more popular counterpart, Ubuntu. We will also evaluate key features, user experience, performance, support, and community to help you decide which Linux distribution is best for you.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What's new in Linux Mint 21.3
- Comparison with Ubuntu
- Key features
- User experience
- Performance and stability
- Support and community
- Conclusions
What's New in Linux Mint 21.3
Linux Mint 21.3 introduces several new features and improvements, including:
- Full support for SecureBoot: SecureBoot is a security feature that helps protect your system from booting unauthorized software. Linux Mint 21.3 now fully supports SecureBoot, making it more secure than ever.
- Improved BIOS and EFI compatibility: Linux Mint 21.3 is now more compatible with a wide variety of BIOS and EFIs, making it easier to install on a wider range of hardware.
- Custom Channels on Hypnotix: Hypnotix is a multimedia application included with Linux Mint that allows you to watch online videos. Linux Mint 21.3 adds the ability to create custom channels on Hypnotix, so you can watch your favorite content in one place.
- Other improvements: In addition to these new features, Linux Mint 21.3 also includes a number of other enhancements, including a new Mint-Y Dark theme, software updates and performance improvements.
Comparison with Ubuntu
Linux Mint and Ubuntu are two of the most popular Linux distributions, both based on Debian. However, there are some key differences between the two distributions.
Linux Mint is generally considered more user-friendly than Ubuntu, with a more intuitive desktop interface and a wide range of preinstalled software. It is also a lighter choice than Ubuntu, making it ideal for less powerful computers.
Ubuntu, on the other hand, has a larger community and better hardware support. It also offers a faster release cycle, with new versions released every six months.
Ultimately, the choice between Linux Mint and Ubuntu depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for a user-friendly and lightweight Linux distribution, Linux Mint is an excellent choice. If you need a distribution with a larger community and better hardware support, Ubuntu is a good option.
Key features
Linux Mint 21.3 offers a number of features that make it an excellent choice for home and business users. Some of the key features include:
- Cinnamon desktop interface: Cinnamon is an elegant and intuitive desktop interface that makes it easy to navigate the system.
- Wide rangeof preinstalled software: Linux Mint comes with a wide range of preinstalled software, including LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird and GIMP.
- Support for a wide range of media formats: Linux Mint supports a wide range of media formats, including audio, video and images.
- Security and stability: Linux Mint is a very secure and stable Linux distribution.
- Easy to use: Linux Mint is designed to be easy to use, even for less experienced Linux users.
User Experience.
The user experience of Linux Mint 21.3 is excellent. The Cinnamon desktop interface is elegant and intuitive, and the wide range of preinstalled software makes it easy to get started. Linux Mint is also very stable and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for users who are new to Linux.
Performance and stability
Linux Mint 21.3 is a very performant and stable Linux distribution. It boots quickly and is very responsive, even on less powerful hardware. Linux Mint is also very reliable and rarely crashes or has other problems.
Support and community
Linux Mint has a very active and supportive community. There are many forums and websites dedicated to Linux Mint, where you can get help and support for any questions you may have. Linux Mint also has excellent documentation, which is available online and as part of the installation.
Conclusions
Linux Mint 21.3 is an excellent Linux distribution, perfect for home and business users looking for an intuitive and effective user experience. If you are looking for a Linux distribution that is easy to use, stable and well supported, Linux Mint is an excellent choice.
Have you tried Linux Mint 21.3? What do you think of it? Leave a comment below and share your experience with other potential users!
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