Expert Pvc to improve Sra AM BDM's Ultimate Series 100% INDEPENDENTDiscover more of our complete manuals on Readly today... Pr ir6 Complete AA The Complete Python | (220408 | Ubuntu & C++ Manual Manual = Became a jotoshop Elements WhatsApp Manual Manual = The Complete Nikon Manual Manual eeEverything you need to master Linux Mint ST ea Ret Se mend are able to enjoy a plethora of different distributions, each with their tes en ea ee ees Ode ea nee Tee act) that has been developed with exacting detail and care; and wrought Tee mec ee Linux Mint is feature packed and comes with a vast range of preinstalled appsand toolsto form one of the best desktop operating systems available today. With our help, you can learn how to install Mint, how to configure it and what the differences are between the Eee ea Rei oe a Cee Ty and appreciated Linux distribution and how it can easily become a Pence son iceThe Complete Linux Mint Manual @ EMER Licensees 8 What i Linux Mint? 40_rsoduction to the Cnnarnon Men 40" History of Linux Mine M2 Navigating ta Crna Deskezp 42. What Makes Mint Diteren? 4410 Things to Do After Instaling Linux Mint 14 The Mint Community Lilie rie 4&6 Introduction tothe MATE Mena 16 Diflerent versions of Mint 48 Navigating the MATE Desktop 419. Cinnamon Desktop Environment 50. 10 Things to Do After Installing Linux Mint MATE 20. MATE Desktop Environment 52_ Introduction to the Xfce Menu 21 Xfce Desktop Environment 54 Navigating the Xie Desktop 22_KOE Desktop Environment 556 10 Things to Do After Installing Linux Mint Xfce 23 Downloading the Mint ISO 538 Introduction to the KOE Menu 24 LMDE2 60 Navigating the KDE Desktop 62.10 Things to Do After Installing Linux Mint KDE 26 |Installing Linux Mint a 28 Transfer Mint to DVD or USB 30° Installing Vitualbox 66. Creating Users In Linux Mint 32 Testing Linux Mints Live Environment 68 Customising the Desktop 34 Installing Linux Mint on aPC 70 Adding to the Desktop 36 installing Linux Mint in Vitualbox 72_ Using Desklets DM imac Series) 2nd tonContents fag 74 Accessing Windows Shared Folders 136 Setting up Email with Thunderbird 76 Adding to the Panel 138 Running Windows Programs on Mint with Wine 78 Accessibility Options in Linux Mint 140 Installing a Windows program in Mint with Wine 80 Hot Corners 142 How to Create a POF in Linux Mint 82. Installing a New Panel 1144 How to Edit a POF in Linux Mint 84 Edit Notifications 146 Becoming Anonymous Online 86 Change Preferred Applications 8B Using and Installing Extensions 90 Change the Mint Login Window 92 Using the Mint Firewall 150 Basics of the Terminal 94 Add a Printer to Linux Mint 152 Creating a File Using the Terminal 96 How to Edit the Mint Menu 154 Creating and Removing Directories 156 Update Mint via the Terminal Erwinia ties 4158 Install Apps via the Terminal - Part 1 160 Install Apps via the Terminal - Part 2 4100 Default Linux Mint Apps 462 Fun Things ta do in the Terminal 1102 Introduction to the Software Manager 164 More Fun Things to do in the Terminal 104 Installing from the Software Manager 166 Creating Aliases in the Terminal 106 introduction to Synaptic Package Manager 4168 Creating Bash Scripts -Part 1 108 installing from Synaptic Package Manager 170 Creating Bash Scripts - Part 2 110 Dekstop Sharing 172 Creating Bash Scripts -Part 3 1192 Backing Up Linux Mint 174 Creating Bash Scripts - Part 4 144 Restoring from Backup 176 Creating Bash Scripts -Part 5 116 Backup Linux Mint in a Virtual Environment 178 Command Line Quick Reference 148 Exploring Libreaffice Writer 180 6 of Linux Mint Commands 120 Exploring LibreOffice Cale 122 Exploring Libreoffice impress @ 124 Exploring LibreOffice Drave 126 Watching Videos 184 Introduction to LM 128 Listening to Music 186 LMDE 2: Life on the Wild Side 130 Video Editing in Linux Mint 188 Linux Mint Projects 132 Using GIMP to Edit images 4190 Gaming on Mint 134 Bumming to CD and DVD 4192 Where to get Help for Linux Mint ubnosbationscom ms utinat seriesIntroduction to Linux Mint For years now, Linux has provedto be the last bastion of freedom in ‘an ever increasing world of wall-gardened operating systems. With Linux, youare at liberty to change the way it looks, have the scope to change the way it works and the free reign to decide what programs, Peete cdot ene caer eters) Lore a Vol elle US ee RL Sate eo eet Ued) havin DE Ieee eg et gs ens een eters Lele et Bern eh age CAN elt ete Mn rls ou emcee) oy of how ae user-friendly and stable Linux is. With Linux Mint Nee Cmdr sume eek eater iste te ENC yseaee eee ea ats nefarious side of the digital world. All of this can be done out of the box, without the need to install countless other programs; and, ean la A igace Kel ole ete (Eee So let’s get started with Linux Mint and freshen up your computer. Contents SM eS 20 MATE Desktop Environment SM esis Ae PAM id) Pde SP reels ks 22 _KDE Desktop Environment a ese PEM Te a eed 16 as red SM isu hase 19 Sey ironment.FE redone) What is Linux Mint? Oe nda net Megas er MCE Re a ots ee) ithas gone from strength to strength; and behind itis an active and helpful community. What Pama aero lara FROM FREEDOM CAME ELEGANCE ‘The old adage of ‘if a thing is worth doing, it's worth For many, Linux Mints the last bastion of non- doing welt cancertainly be applied to many different __commercialised Linux. An environment whereby they can distributions of Linuxbut there's one distro that ime _stllenjoythe pleasures of the desktop, without having and time again comes out shining above the others: to ollowthe trend of ving in atablet driven world. For Linux Mint. ‘others, Linux Mint has become the very best example of whata Linux desktop should be: fast, easy, pleasing ‘The short answer to ‘What's Linux Mint’issimply that tothe eye, useful and productive. Others stllsee Linux Linux Mint isa distribution of the Linux Kernel and Mint as the ideal desktop For Windows refugees or those its libraries. It comes with several different desktop ‘who are trying out Linux forthe First time and want an environments, each offering the user something ‘operating system that essentially works ‘out ofthe box’ slightly different in terms oF looks and how they work, and that plays anynumber of media ils from a variety andit comes bundled with aselection of productivity, __oF sources. Whatever the reason, we can be sure that vvideo and graphical apps. However, from the user's Linux Mint has evolved ito something more than just perspective, there'sa lot more behind this rather ‘another Linux distribution and thatits popularity has exceptional Linux distro. Fuelled its own style and usefulness. TD Lin Mint From freedom came elegance EDD 20 tne sees nieconWhat is Linux Mint? ‘To quote the Linux Mint ethos, the reasons for this distro’s success can be pinned down to: It works out of the box, with Full multimedia support and is extremely easy to use. It’s Free to obtain and open source. It’s community-driven. Users are encouraged to send Feedback to the project so that their ideas can be used toimprove Linux Mint. Based on Debian and Ubuntu, it provides about 30,000 packages and one of the best software managers. It's safe and reliable. Thanks to a conservative approach to software updates, a unique Update Manager and the robustness of ts Linux architecture, Linux Mint requires very little maintenance; there's ‘no regressions, no antivirus, no anti-spyware etc.Introduction to Linux Mint History of Linux Mint ATOUCH OF MINT Before we begin to get to grins with Linux Mint, i's worth spending a Few moments looking over how this distro started off and howiv’s changed overits eleven year history. ‘orn in 2006, Linux Minesthe brainchild of Clement Era Lefebyre, French developer who at the time was writing reviews and tutor for varousLinux ites, Aftera tie, he began to get flavour for what the communty wanted out ofa dito andas a result Linux Mint 1.0 Ade" was released in gust of 2006, ‘Based on Kubuntu Dapper, Linux Mint 1.0 Ada’ wast themoststabledstro ofthe time. However, mere ‘months ate, in Novernber 2006, Clem had shed development of Lux hint 20, codenamed “Barbara, 2.0 as based on Ubuntu 6.10, day Et, wes more stable and offered the user mary improvements ‘ver Canonical’ Ubuntu distibutions, From 2006 to 2007 Linux Mint 2.1 and 2.2 were released, building onthe growing user base and continually improving, One of Mint’ endearing factors was that tcame shipped with ullset of mutmediacodecsthat greatly improved Is reputation. n 2007 Linux Mint 3.0 “Cassancta" was released, the fst version to display the Mintogo, o PREEOB £2: forward afew years through versions 3.14, Sand 6 ad we come to Mint "Helena. LinuxMint had already attracted many former Windows uses primary due to the launch of Windows vst aewsears earl, though Windows 7 was avast improvernent veri predecessor, the Windows mutineers were already finding Mint abetterchoceED Linux Mint 12 "Lisa" was a significant release, asit was. the Fist version to sport the Desktop Environment IMATE, MATE, pronounced ma-tay and named after the South “American beverage Mate, is a fork fromthe popular GNOME 2 desizop that became popular dueto controversy over GNOME 3's new design and operation, ‘@ PEEP tot onthe heels of ine 12 came mint 13 *Maya" an LTS (Long Term Support version that’s sill sypportedto April 2017, Maya wasa saifcant release due tothe launch ofthe CGnnarnon Desktop Emironment Although MATE was now the default Ee, Ginnamon was developed speicall fr and by, Linux Mint. ED Linux Mine 15 “Olnia" arrived in 2013, based on Ubuntu 1304 and sporting choice of Desktop Environments Cinnamon and MATE were the defaults, MATE designed for older systems, whe Cinnamon for more powerful modem computers KDE and Xfce were also avaiable, covering a wealth of user proferences. ps Stilin 2013, toward the endothe yes, Linux Mint 16 "petra" was eased, bul on Ubuntu 13.10 Petvawas «considered by some reviewers atthe time a the perfect example ofa Linux distro, The blend of Desttop Environments, stability, Features and extras all combined ta Form said and dependable OS, ED Linux Mint 17 *Quiana” was released in May 2014. ANLTS, vesson, with support to Apri 2019 andbuit on Ubuntu 1404, Version 17 saw several releases over the next couple of years, with Mine 171 "Rebecca'and 172 "Rafaela’ in 2015 and 17.3 "Rose" in20%6. Incidental, rs Technica described 1733 as..the best Linux desktop dist ye’ FRYER) Tovardsthe end oF 2016 LinaxMint 18*Sarah was released, an LS version th supporto Apil2021 and bi From the Ubunty 16.04 base Following on From Sarah, whch ings us upto dat, we have LinwxMin 18.1 "Serena, nother excellent version andthe one wel be working on forthe est ofthis bookWhat Makes Mint Different? ‘There are countless distributions of Linux available, catering for a vast range of different user types, so why use Linux Mint over another distro? The competition for your attention is quite Tre Sa deol ied aa Bia Rem LU Ae akeoi (ee) FAVOURING MINT Ubuntu, forallits Linux for Human Beings ethos, decided some time ago to opt fora totally, and radical at the time, Desktop Environment. OF course, we are referring to the much maligned, Unity. t's uite remarkable really, just how much animosity canbe generated toward the visual interpretation of a few lines of code. Ina community that tolerates almost any eccentricity, Unity achieved such notoriety throughout the Linux population and was hated as muchas any offering from Microsoft. The ther versions from and related to Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu and so on, have kept their theme, and asa result have managed to retain their fan base. However, it was the core Ubuntu direction and its alleged Flagrant disregard For heeding the views and opinions of those using the software that Forced a number of stalwarts to jump ship. Many of the refugees of Ubuntu Found solace inthe Form of Linux Mint, which at the time was still operating with a classic GNOME 2 desktop environment; but the world was changing and the GNOME development team were taking things In one direction, whilst Ubuntu were taking its inanother. Mint, Finding itself between a rock and hard place, were loath to adopt either the true form of the newly released Gnome 3, an environment that caused just as much controversy as Unity had, or the Ubuntu implemented Unity. Instead the team employed an eclectic mix of desktops, a learned choice of environments For the user to opt for during installation. The Mint team were listening to the views and comments of those in the community and asa result they could offer the user a compromise. Looking at the previous releases of Linux Mint, from Linux Mint 12 "Lisa", based on Ubuntu Oneiric; to Mint 13 "Maya", based on the Precise Pangolin, we see Linux distribution that offers the advanced and casual user alike an experience that retains the classic look and feel of the desktop; without the commercialisation or look-alike branding that appears to have become the norm these days. In particular, we got to enjoy the pleasures of MATE and Ginnamon - considered as the true Linux users’ desktop environments. However, it’s not just the choice of Desktop Environment that makes Mint different. The layout of the Mint Menu for example, provides easy and logical access to the installed apps and What Makes Mint Different? ( om administration of the system. It's intuitive and for those who want amodern approach, it also includes asearch Function, ‘The Mint developers have also included some specialised tools: Mint Install, Mint Update, Mint Backup and Mint Upload. Allof these are designed to make tasks easier and create abetter user experience. Mint also includes media codecs out of the box, so you don't need to install them once the operating systems set up. You can also find Java runtime and Flash Player installed by default, along with productivity apps, media players such as VLC and even Gimp. Overall though, it's the Linux Mint community that makes this such a stand out and different distro. Within the Mint forums you can Find a helpfuland dedicated set of users, From all walks of life and at differing levels of skill and knowledge, ready and willing to help a new user. Sign up at www forums. {inuxmint.com, introduce yourself and get involved. It's these differences that make Linux Mint a great choice of Linux distro For beginners and advanced users too, 0m uesmi ) Introduction to Linux Mint The Mint Community A.Linux distro is only as good as the community that's behind it. Without the users offering ideas, their time, support and help to others, Linux as a whole wouldr't be where its today, SISO eM mane Eee hers WORKING TOGETHER There are many benefits to becoming 2 part ofthe Linux Mint community. Help is always at hand and ifyou're a keen developer ‘or you have some great ideas, you can share them with others. [DD tester ersnnatck atte nuit community (Once you're registered and logged in, you can browse homepage, Open up a browser and navigate to wavs the Community menu For ideas, Tutorials, Hardware and ~ommunitylinusmint.com; the lading page'swhere you canlagin Software, Users and Chat Room groups. Vou can even optto and quickly view some interesting static regarding Linux Mint dowload the current testing and bleeding edge ISOs for Linx Mint, where your Feedback would be invaluable | Welcome! aes Welcome tothe Linux Mint Community |Fyou clickon the green Register button, you are taken to 3 ‘The ideas group, for example, contains countless: page whereyou can enter your contact deta. This wil suggestions For improvements tothe core Linux Mint create an accountwithinthe Linux Mink communty section where system, as well as suggestion Fr the various Desktop Environment youre ableto contribute ideas reviews and tutorials and view versions. ideas ae bared on votes and scores, with he top compatiblity report suggestions going under developer review. sons tina Stes| 20 on(_ The Mint Commu v( ) ‘THE LINUX MINT FORUM Ifyou need to seek help with a particular aspect of Linux Mint, then the best place to starts with the Mint forums. In here you can find an active community of Fellow users, ready to help out. ‘The Linux Mint Forum can be found at wor Forums. wD ‘Depending on the question asked or the particular thread linwxmint.cm. you look to the right of the screen there ofthe section’ topic, you come into contact with Linux ‘areLoginand Register buttons, Clckthe Register button to create an Mint users from around the wold Dent be aa to ask anything, as, ‘account forthe Mint forum, where you are ableto stat asking the Forum Rules state “There are no such thngs.s stunid” questions" ‘questions and help others Iesalso generally accepted behaviour to thank someone Fo thei contibution, ‘The forum isbroken dawninto seven main categories: D> However, before you start to post anything it's recommend Important Notices, Main Eton Support, Debian dion that you view the ules Notices section under the Support, Personalise and Customise Linux Mint, Chat, Development Important Notices category. Within you can read te Forum Rules, and Languages Each ofthese categories are broken down Futherinta Guidelines and Policy thread. Read through this to make sure youre ‘sections, including Newbe Questions Notices and Artwork ‘ticking to the forum ules. Looking atthe Newbie Questions section, under the Main D> ‘The Chat category has an introduce Yourself section, which dion Support, you cansee the ttle‘ Gurus Once Were acts asa welcome to new users. You cansay hello tothe Newbies i's great placetostat onthe Forum. Inthissecton you _Lnux Mint community word here and perhaps to know some of ‘can ind bint and ip for new Linux Minusers, as wellas questions the regula contributors who you may meet occasional inthe Linux regarding the OS andthe forum sel. ine world knoblctionscon sons inne sais EIT7 ) Introduction to Linux Mint ) What You Need The system requirements for successfully installing Linux Mint on to a PC are surprisingly minimal, so even a computer that's several years old will happily run this distro. However, it’s Seine aes MINTY INGREDIENTS This is what you need to install and run Linux Mint as you're working through this book. You have several choices available, so take your time and see which works best for you. Beeb selene The minimumsystem requirements for Linx Mine 18.1 are 25 follows: ou root: RAM sieve Hard DriveSpace 963 (200 recommended) TESTU NE Youn install Linux Mint onto your Meritor 1024768 resolution compute via USE oF OVD. Wel look into each ate later on butif youre aeady familar with the process ‘or youre thinking of USB and just gathering the hardware you need, CObviouly the betterthe system youhave, thebetterthe experience thenyau're going toned aminimum 4CB USB Flashdrive to contain willbe, and quicker too, theLinux Mint 6.What You Need PGP eI V0 installation of Linx Mint Execs le goes without saying simply require a blank DVDR de really, thatan internet OF course, you alee needa DVD Wer drive beoce youcan transfer connection fvital for making sure that Linux Minti up to date oc bumthelSOimage tothe dsc. with the latest updates and patches, 25 well asthe instalation of Further software although you don't need aninternet connection touse Linux Mint youre sure to mss out on a woridof free ofeware available For this itr. —3 2 PUERCO “though Linux Mine can beinstaled ‘nto a Mac there's aschool of thought that recommends Mac owners use airtal elronment, suchas \tuabox or Parallels; and why not, macOSis already asplencié operating system. youre wanting to breathe new lie into an older Mac, rake sueitsan intel CPU madel and nt the PowerPC modes oD iccrmncatvoute method of teing and sing Unutros Unix rt woke Be ee ere tr There oe nary erent tua enonmentsopes tbl howe forthe bok yee sng taboo Grae Yun getthe as ersonftom tox or tua Dern rks vtinpicatonscom somsutinateseres QMIntroduction to Linux Mint Different Versions of Mint WHICH MINT? Over the coming pages we look at each of the versions available, First here's a quick introduction and reasons for there being such a variety. Une Mint offers the user acholce of five versions ofthe «stro: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, KDE and LMDE 2. Whilst that ‘may sound tle confusing forthe newcomes, essentially teacnof the versions available contains the same core Link structure and kemel the kernelisthe core of the operati system) that handlesalthe instructions between the software and hardware. Eachofthe versions are simpy diferent desktop cevironments, the Graphical User Interface (CU) than you use teinterac with the operating system (ith the exception oF LMDE2). Each ofthe desktop environments uses diferent apps for accessing or using the system, suchas the le ‘manager to browse the operating system flestrucure othe wayltlaunches other apps. gainthough, the core avaiable productivity, video and graphic suites arethesame, and Function inthe same way. Wihy bother then witha diferent desktop environment? Simply put 2's downto personal taste. Some uses prefer IMATE, ae MATE a For ofthe lassie GNOME2 erironment, isalittle more menu-centrc and performs wellon older computers. Others prefer Cinnamon, because sa more modem environment that works better on recenthardware and features some cutting edge desktop code. KOE sate heavier onthe syst resources but looks magnificent and ‘generally offers more effects and cutomisations Xfce, onthe otherhand, sa lghtwelght desktop envionment that works. reat on older hardware, LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edtion) 2s based on Debian instead oF Ubuntu, thatthe other versions use. l’sa cutting edge stro thats targeted at experienced Linuxusers who want totest and us the atest versions oF the apps avaliable. tcan, therefore, be quite unstable a imesandrequiesa lot more ‘ser administration to master’s availabe with Cinnamon and IMATE desktop environments. Inshort, Cinamonisthe Ragship desktop environment for LUnux Mint. MATEis more compatible with a wider variety of hardware. KDE uses more system resources but looks Fantastic Xfce salightweight DE Forlowresource systems, Finaly, DDE? is really for expertsonly Where Windows, for example, only offers one desktop environment workin, Linux offersmary. Linux Ming has therefore opted to give the usar awealth of choice, and we think that’s pretty decent of therCinnamon Desktop Environment Cinnamon Desktop Environment ADASH OF CINNAMON Cinnamon has mary benefits beyond its look and feel although they are important factors We've outtined afew Features tohelp youdecde IFitsthe DE foryou le performs excellentiyon more modem systems buts ok more stable than it usedto be and not quite the resource hog tonce \¥95. Therefore, don!tbe put off Cinnamon ifyoure using an alder computer ‘oistall and test LnuxMint on. Theres anew screensaver with he latest version of Cinnamon cn Lunux Mint 18.1. Background sideshows ae avalable and youre abeto sec the baer status without logging in and tere are media canto too, so youcanuseLnux Mints alukebox. vow bnouicationscom Youreable to line up your Panes ta the sides ofthe screen and the kconsand Pane features will automaticaly orentate themselves to the vertical plane. This makes the desktop easlerto customise and more productive for some users. Ccamamon features configurable Hot Corners, where each comer of the desitop can be clicked to perform a certain task, suchas display the Warispaces, Show all windaws or Run a Cornmand. The Hot Comersare an excellent way to switch between different views and help make the desktop amore efficient envionment.Introduction to Linux Mint MATE Desktop Environment BEST MATE [MATE isa simple to use and intuitive DE that’s Fast and stable. In comparison to Cinnamon itlooks litle antiquated but tha onthe surface. There's plenty to like with MATE. MATE sanexcellent desktop erwienment for older computers. wots beter with a larger number afhardware components than Cinnamon generaly does andi alo just ax capable of delivering 3 great ooking desktop alongwith advanced customisation Due to sight configurable nature, MATE canbe customised to a fine degree. There are plenty of optlons avaiable to users who ddemanda ite more from ther desktop erwronment, including Come Settings; here youre able to configure ll anne af desktop effects even a 30 desktop cube. 'sonly There are many different Panel options nd apps you can 2d. Some ae ust fr Fu, ike 2 par of eyeballs that follow your ‘mouse cursararaund: and others are more constructive, such 3 weather app /Athough you don't have qute the graphical feature set of Crmamon, you can stil erjaysuch features as customvseblenotifeatons Xed the excellenttext edo, Xplayer the mela player and many other superbXfce Desktop Environment Xfce Desktop Environment CHOLESTEROL FREE DESKTOP. Xfcestartedlife as the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) n 1996 Since then t’schangedname afew timesand snow simply Xfce with the nickname Cholesterol Free Desktop Environment. Xfce realyisa quick desktop and brings out the best in Linux a5. at operating syste n Fat, 2'staken ust this pain rom the top of the pageto installitonte anew computer, 120 words written and were using a brand new OS, Not bd a ust becouse’ quik and ightneighe doesnt mean Linx ine iceisitacomplete desktop operating system. As with the other environments on offer, you getthe latest Firefox, Lbreoice, VLC, Gimp, chat apps andeven a8 torrent cent. ibinpcatonscom There's als awealthof desktop and ensionmental customizations vaiable within Linux Min Xfce. You can Find the same excellent ‘desktop background on oer, ae wel asthe abltyo use your on images: you can even personalise the setup Further with extra options les surpsising how eraphicaly powerfulthe desitop, eventhough tis 'ssuch alghtweight envionment. The new kfce Windows Manager {atm} offers Window Snitching, Window Thurbrals Tih, Zocring anc acive desktop comersto snap windows into postionIntroduction to Linux Mint KDE Desktop Environment KOOL DESKTOP KDE was founded twenty years ago by Matthias Ettrich then student at Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen. t’san extraordinarily versatile environment and looks amazing whea used on modern systems. Linux hint 87 KDE use Plasma which the latest version and ConsstsoF some great features. The desktop ses quite demanding congjstem resource at tes, depending on wha’s being un and how much customisation youre using, but e's very impressive Widgets are one of KOE’ most impressive ations Wh ther you're able to aida dynamicand active app directly to the desktop Ever Fandied having an analogue clock on the desktop orhaw about a customisable comicstrip? These and countess more areavalable as Widgets. The only problem runing out oF desktop soace. Youre able to start typing tothe desktop to launch the KDE search Function. witht you can search For iles,Flders apas and even websites, Yaucan as customise the search options ta cover ‘everthing From calculator use to defining dictionary words, Die to KDE configurable nature, there are a huge range of desktop wallpapers and options avallable You can asa download mare wallpapers and other features drectly From within te desktop configuration uty 0,Downloading the Mint ISO ( ) Downloading the Mint ISO Nee eee re ler err nate cle en ea to actually get hold of the ISO for the particular Flavour you're interested in. In case you're Peer ene Cen ouees raga oc Ct i-rep Xe) go) B) GETTING MINTY Your adventure with Linux Mintisjust few clicks away. Frstthough youneed to check whether you need the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Simply put your PC was built after2010,then opt forthe 68-bit version. ERED set opening brouser and nating ovo lnuamit.comdownioad pho, Thsisthedownloed ares for the mainstream version of Lux Mine (228i aed GH covering Cenarion, MATE, xfer are KDE Hryou want LMOE?, thenyou ned © gp to naliuarioLanfdowoload_imde hp, where there ae 32 and 64 versions of Canon and MATE aaabl Inthe download section you can see some information regarding the version, how big the $0 Is and release notes (worth reading), Below is along lt of regional servers or mirrors that contain the SO. Locate ne nerest to you and click he Inkto begin the download. BZD ecererrmemirorstocationtoyn, the iter downloads When you ce one of he inks you are asked o open or svethe Fe. Ath stage, make sure the Save Fle ‘The hardest part ofthis section is deciding which ‘option s highlighted and clk the OK button to initiate the versiontaoptfor. Welllookalitle deeper into the dowload, When finished, the SO willbe in the Downloads Felder oF ferent desktops later on but for ease of use, we'e going to wsethe _ yourcomputer. Cinnamon 64-be version ofthe mainsteam Linux Min. Click the 320° ‘54 version Instobetaken tothe niror dawnload page. vuknobictionscon sons inate sees CERTAs we mentioned previously, LMDE is Linux Mint’s Debian Edition. It's a bleeding-edge distro using either Cinnamon or MATE as the desktop environment and as such it can be alittle unstable at times. HERE BE DRAGONS Wiilst ts certainly of interest running a cutting edge Linux distro, and the advantages of doing so are many, the main disadvantage is. that you may end up with avery dead OS should a new update break it LLM uses a Debian testing package base as opposed tothe stable Ubuntu package base thatthe other version of Linux Mint use This means thatthe operating system slightly Faster and all have me recent versions of appsand cade compared ta the maine Mint. This does mean, that things can go wrong from time to time though - 7 3. OF couse, as we've aeady sad, and t'sneeds ta be early mentioned, tht LMDE 2s for experienced usersonly when things do govrona with i and there's good chance as it’s using the testing package base, youneed tobe able to either Fixit yourself or startagain fom scratch orabackup MDE 2 has bath Cinnamon and MATE desktop enuronments valle, so youe stil geting the same great benefits From both versions You ago get new features Fr either environment beFore they've made tito the stable eions of Mit. Aste Mint stat, “Itsmore risky, but more exciting [AC LMDE ea more streamlined desktop thanthat of the mainctram LUnux Min, blistering fast and measures up against the previous desktop versions weve looked at LE probably as quck a the version of Linux Min, whichis pretty quick and youstithave all pe producthityand other core apos avaiableSHOULD YOU USE LMDE? IFits cutting edge, andi’ quick then why not use LMDE? instead ofthe other versions of Linux Mint? i's 3 good question soles and answerithere. LDEZis, by the LinuxMint teams ovm words, "targeted at experienced users” which meansthat although you probably have the ability to succesfully inetallit, update and use, should anything go wrong witht youllfind extremely dificult to Find any support orhelp on what may have gone wrong. Whilst t's aimedat the more advanced user, there are plenty oF ‘users who have the opinion that LMDE 2isastable and perfect. environment for the beginner to start ther Lnuxjourney with In some respects we agree with them. We've found LMDE2 tobe stable, even under avirtual machine, anda great distro to use on a daly bas. Tue, there may be rough edges tosmooth outFrom time totime but even after using LMDE 2or quite sometime, ‘we'venever hada broken package cause a majorsystemsssve. However forthe sake ofthe beginner and those using Linux Mint forthe Fist time, we'dsuggest the mainstream Min versions to start with, Once you've got the hang of Mint, where everything icandhowitallworks, and moce importantly how you'd back yourself out ofa hole should anything go wrong, we'd suggest you test LMDEZand see how itrunsonyour hardvare, From thispointon though, wellbe using Linux Mint 181 Ginnarnon edtion; but feel ree to use MATE, xfce, KDE oreven LMDE2 instead Linuxisallabout freedom of choice. EENate Beater eet Tene uaa Caer EA cas erat eae ceca Eom sei yuen nay Satis eedmi 0) Installing Linux Mint ) Transfer Mint to DVD or USB You need to transfer the downloaded Linux Mint ISO to either a DVD or a USB key before Eases eRe ok Keen ot cM SO WoC M en en nee Ua ea Olen ele ie el oka Lutes eo DVD BOOTABLE MEDIA We're using a Windows 10 PC here to transfer the ISO to a DVD. If you're using aversion of Windows From 7 onward the processis extremely easy ERPSERD Fist locate the soimage of Mint youve already ISTEP downloaded, Youcan usual find thisin the Disc mage. Depending on the speed ofthe PC, it may DDownloods folder of Windows 7, 8.1 and 1Ocomputers unless you take ew seconds before anything happens. Det wory too much, specied different lation when sing unlsst takes more than a minute in which eae it might be worth . {5 _Testartig your PC and trying again. With luck, the Windows Disc Image Bumer should launch, BETES Nectinsert recordable DvD dsc intoyourcomputer’s REESE Richtcickthe mintISO and fromthe menu select Burn optical crv. Aftera few seconds whe the discs Disc image. Depending onthe speed af te PC, tmay read Windows wll splay pop-up messege asking you whatto do take ew seconds before anything happens, Dorit worry too much withthe newly inserted dis; ignore this asyeuTre going tose the _unlessittakes more thana minute n whch casei might be worth builvin mage buring function. restarting your Cand trying again. with luck, te Windows Disc Image Bumer should launch, © Widows Disc lage Bummer x Discimagetfile fnunmint-181- Sve then Fle > Que. Reboot Linux Min and you should notice sgh hikein performance Security salvaysa concen inthis moder dal Gear esadvsable age. While LnuxrMin sa secure toalwaystryandimprove it. lek the Meru button and search for Firewall click the Frewall Configuration con and enter you password. nthe Firewall window, cickthe Satus slider to On,Introduction to the MATE Menu NALA ooo OUT ee cee Tae a eo ol EL ored Ure oka Uae a eu le eat a a aan at ee ream mae etek a eu el cede HELLO MA-TAY Thankfully you won't need to worry too much about Software Rendering with MATE however you can add the Virualbox ‘Additions CD as you did with Mint Cinnamon, ERESERD vet LinwxMint Grnamon, when youloginto MATE EEE) The Places section breaks downinto: Computer, Home you are be presented witha Welcome Screen. Aga Folder, Netwotk, Desktop and Tash. The Computer take a momenttobrowze through the New Features, land Home Folder options are the same asthe anesthat the Cinnarnon Documentation Forums and Aposicons youre feeling brave, click desktop offered. Network ill open any bookmarked and netiork fon the Drversicon todd haroware divers locations, Desktop the desktop Folder and Tashisthe recycle bin, The MATE mentisalitiediferenttothat of Cinamon SEES. Under Ssstom you can find the necessary toolsto butte functions in very muchthesame way. Clkitand configure MATE andthe core of Linux Mint 18.1. You you ansee thet splint three sections housing Places Sistem _canasodrop int @ Terminal session to enter commands lockthe and Applications; with Favourites leaing off tothe upper ht screen, Logout and Quitthe curren session.EE ‘The Applications sectionis split into two areas, one For Bea Despite MATE looking litle old fashioned compared the Roplication headings, sucha Graphs, Sound ne to.innamon, still has the came Menu elements to Video, Itemet and so enand the other to display the app contained The Search box works exacythe same, in that you can enter 2 within those headings. A before, hover over the Office headingand search string, suchas printers, and lists the relevant apps Clekon LbreOfice Writer to unenthe Minenitalled wordprocezecr. according tayour input. EE Ccking the Favourites button willreplace the EE IF youclose the Menu, by clicking anywhere on the Application section with your most wed and Fvcured desktop, then right-cickthe Menu button Fllawed by pps. By default yougetFrefox Thunderbird Mal RhythmboxMuse Edit Menu youeanconfigucethe contents the MATE Menu, Youcan Payer, Pidgin internet Messenger and numerous othe! 20D add orremove certain categories, add new tems and move current sectiorsupanddownthe ist of aalable cos. As with Cinnamon's Menu, fyou went a particular app HEED “Then, from within the right-click options of the Menu teappearin the Favourites section lacate iin the button selec Preferencestis time; you cn alter the Applicationssecton,riht-lckit and rom the context menu chaose nae, con and keyboard shertcut tolaunch the MATE Meru, This helps. Show ny Favourites. Thereare azo other options available thatare makesthe system far more perscnalsed enironmentfor the wer. Sel-expanatory and adthe app to various locations, or removeit from the system ve bsnotscationscom sors veins scrNavigating the MATE Desktop Ne ceed ed ae oe AONE MICU Tomo nse elie eras ae aa uur Mien ee uae teks Cee MCU keane et MATES FOREVER Aswith Cinnamon, MATE{s a great blend of style and performance. Whilst it lacks some of the bells and whistles of Cinnamon, it makes up with practicality and stability. FREER swith Gonamon,youcanstartexplocing the MATE EESEBM) The Panctat the bottom ofthe desktop conkains nek desktop by double-clicking on the Computer and your only the MATE Meruby default but ao qucklaunch Home iconsin the top left of the desktop. They take you tothe _nkst the fle manager, Caja, the Terminaland Firefox. tthe other ‘ame paceswe looked at earlier but youcan see tha Canisthe end the Panel. tothe right, youFind the Update Manager, ntwork/ MATE Fie manager. internet connection volume andtime and date «2007 ‘0 +9 iar ERPeePD 2201s aswell asnemo, with plntyof options — BESSA ght cicking the Pane givesyouanumber af options. 2xalable along thetop toolbar rightclick context ‘The ist Sjstam Manco, brings up the current ‘menus and shortcut laces. You cantogale between an icon based _infermation regarding the load on your computer's processor and navigation bar 0 text based, zoom and presen the iewediconsin cere, the amount of memory being used aswell asthe swap history varying szesand connect toremote andloclsharesand senvces. __andinformation about the bandwidth oad on the network