Linux Mint Vs Ubuntu

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu

Yes. My friends. This is the biggest question after the release of linux mint. I love linux mint. But not much as ubuntu. And I am linux boy. Don’t use windows anymore. And Ubunut as my favorite. I have seen so many request made on web asking linux mint or ubuntu. And for them I say. Whatever you want.

Linux Mint and Ubuntu both are the most user-friendly or I can say newbie-friendly distros around. And pretty clear, Ubuntu is the most popular one. And Linux Mint is based on it (which in turn based on Debian). But there are real differences between the two.

And now the question might change. The real question is now which one is best for you. Linux mint has it’s own priorities and they are elegance and user-friendliness. On the other hand, ubuntu offeres you more advanced installation options. It includes an easy installation along side Windows (dual boot)

Let’s find out some differences between the two most popular distros. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu.

Background

Histroy says all. The great journey starts in 2004 when Mark Shuttleworth founded Canonical. And the first release was version 4.10. You know that version have thier own history. Ubuntu 4.10 means it released on October 2004. I liked the way they call the version. And the latest one all you know. Its Ubuntu 16.04.

Linux Mint comes after ubuntu in 2006. The distro is based on Ubuntu. But linux mint takes extra steps to remove obstacles for newcomers. One main distinction from most other linux distros is the inclusion of Flash and proprietary codecs out of the box. And the latest release linux mint 18 has changed a little bit. Now the users will have to download codecs during or after installation.

System Requirements

Ubuntu:

512MB RAM (2GB recommended)
5GB of disk space (25GB recommended)
1024 x 768 screen resolution

Linux Mint:

512MB Ram (1GB recommended)
9GB of disk space (20GB recommended)
800 x 600 screen resolution (1024 x 768 recommended)

Both need a DVD drive or USB port for installation. You can run ubuntu and linux mint live. I suggest you give it a try first.

Ubuntu and Linux Mint have similar system requirements. The biggest impact on resources comes from which desktop environment you choose and the software you install.

Note: You can download Linux Mint and Ubuntu from their official websites.

Linux mint vs Ubuntu

Now time for Installation

Linux Mint and Ubuntu both use the Ubiquity installer. No matter which one you start installing, you know how to install the other. But I’ll suggest you, if you are a windows user and want to switch first use Linux OS in virtual box or VMWare.

And one more thing, well there are lots. But for now only one. Ubuntu has a better support online than Linux mint. This is the biggest advantages of Ubuntu over Linux mint. Many times I didn’t get solution to Linux mint problem.

Linux Mint and Ubuntu both support UEFI. Linux Mint is not certified by Microsoft, so disable Secure Boot before attempting installation. With Ubuntu, you can leave Secure Boot enabled.

Interface

Ubuntu uses the Unity Interface. This is a GNOME based desktop environment comman only to Ubuntu. And its colour its pretty cool.

Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop is an alternative to GNOME 3. Cinnamon provides a familiar feel for people moving over from Windows or a Chromebook. Applications appear in the panel along the bottom, with a launcher menu in the bottom left and system icons on the right. Same like windows. But not much linux type for me.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: which one will you choose?

At last the question has answer. Which one will you choose depends on you. Ubuntu is the more well-known of the two distros, but Linux Mint is also one of the most popular out there. Both provide users with a great introduction to Linux. More Ubuntu related web content exists due to the size of its community, which is a big help when you’re starting off. But much of what applies to Ubuntu also applies to Mint.

So, the choice is yours. Which distro do you prefer? If you have experience with either one, you’re welcome to tell your story in the comments.