The Linux community and Linux users are at odds over the transition from GNOME 2 to GNOME 3 as the backbone desktop environment for the OS. Ubuntu's developers muddied the situation with its newcomer Unity desktop alternative. Given the situation, Linux Mint may offer the best solution if you need time to adjust to the radical changes in the GNOME 3 desktop.
I was an avowed Ubuntu user until its developers created and pushed the Unity desktop shell as the default approach that avoided GNOME 3. I really tried to use Unity, even though I did not like it. I eventually side-stepped it and used the GNOME shell. That, too, was a frustrating endeavor.
I gradually moved each of my desktops and laptops to Linux Mint 11, which is based on Ubuntu but has its own distinguishing characteristics. For one, it retains the GNOME 2 desktop environment. Last week Linux Mint 12 RC was released. Mint 12, while still a derivative of Ubuntu, offers a more satisfying transition to GNOME 3.
Linux Mint 12 eases you into GNOME 3 as the desktop but retains an alternative desktop called "MATE." In addition, Linux Mint 12 developers built in a few extensions that mimic the things users were complaining about in losing from GNOME 2.
For instance, Mint 12 developers designed a functioning panel that resembles the GNOME 2 panel. It works, unlike what the raw GNOME 3 gives you and what Ubuntu's Unity does not. You also get more functional access to virtual desktops.
The release candidate version of Linux Mint 12 is continuously updated through the Software Update feature. Each revision adds more refinements. I get the impression that the last installment of Mint 12RC will roll into the official Mint 12 version when it is time for the upgrade. Mint 11 will be supported for an extended time. Thus, users of either version will have ample time to maintain their computing comfort zone.
But like it or not, GNOME 3 is the new direction for the Linux OS. So this week we take a close look at both Mint versions. Newcomers to the Linux OS will find Mint 11 a handy starting point. More savvy Linux users will appreciate the tweaking in Mint 12 that makes GNOME 3 more usable and palatable.
Getting There
I was pleasantly pleased with the installation process for both Linux Mint 11 (dubbed "Katya") and 12 RC (code-named "Lisa"). Both involved downloading an ISO file and then burning a bootable CD or DVD from it. I was also surprised to discover that the Linux Mint 12 RC was a live version. That let me decide if I liked the GNOME 3 implementation without having to fully install it to the hard drive.
Depending on your existing computer configuration, the installation process gives you up to four options for both versions. My own gear has a variety of OS combinations and hardware. That led to different results. But more often than not, a straight installation worked more reliably. Data was left untouched, though apps were left on the drive that did not work until reinstalled.
For example, the installer detects what is present and offers several options. Install to the full hard drive is the surest option. But it wipes the hard drive and destroys all existing data. If you have Ubuntu installed, the Mint installer offers to replace it while saving your installed applications and data. A third option creates a partition to install Mint next to an existing OS and set up a dual boot menu. The fourth option lets you manually configure the partitioning process.
Downsize or Not
Another very useful option with both Mint 11 and Mint 12 RC versions is the choice of form factor. Linux Mint offers a full installation version that includes a complete set of codecs in the ISO file. This download only fits on a DVD.
A no-codecs version lets you comfortably squeeze the installation files onto a CD. Other than shortening both the download and install times, you do not miss a thing with the no-codecs version.
A window appears when you run Linux Mint giving you quick access to user documentation and other useful information. Here you also get the option to download and install the full set of codecs that were not present in the CD version.
stone veneer Bathmate
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
