Linux Mint is a user-friendly and versatile Linux distribution known for its polished desktop environment and ease of use. It is based on Ubuntu and Debian and offers several desktop environment options. Its flexibility and the availability of a vast software repository make it adaptable to various applications and user preferences.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to install Linux Mint (Victoria) on your computer step by step.
Requirements for Installing Linux Mint 21.2
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended).
- Storage: 20GB or above.
- USB drive: 8 GB or above.
Ensure you have a backup of the important files while replacing your current OS with Linux Mint to prevent data loss.
Steps to Install Linux Mint 21.2 Cinnamon Edition on Windows/MacOS
The process of installing Linux Mint on Windows or any other OS comprises of four fundamental steps. This includes downloading the ISO file, making a bootable device with the ISO file, following the installation wizard, and finally post-installation setup.
To install Linux Mint 21.2 on your computer easily, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Download the Linux Mint ISO File
After backing up data, the first step of installing Linx Mint is to download Linux Mint ISO. There are four types of Linux Mint available – Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, and EDGE edition. Among them, Cinnamon is the most popular version of Linux Mint. It is slick, beautiful, and full of new features and primarily developed for beginners. So, click on the download button of Cinnamon.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
To create a bootable USB drive of the ISO file, use “Etcher” which is a free and open-source application. First, Install Etcher on Windows or MacOS. After installing, follow the steps:
- Open Etcher and select “Flash from File”.
- Select the ISO file from the location you’ve downloaded.
- Pug in your USB pen drive to the PC and click on Select target.
- Select your USB drive from the list shown.
- Finally, click on Flash to start flashing the ISO file into the USB drive.
After that, Etcher will flash the ISO file into your USB drive and make it bootable.
Step 3: Boot Linux Mint from USB Drive
To boot Linux Mint from the USB drive, at first plug the bootable USB drive into the PC where you want to install it. Then, Restart the PC. It will automatically launch the boot window like this.
To launch the setup window manually, restart your PC and press the BIOS key according to your device. F12 is the most common BIOS key, but ESC, F2, and F10 are alternatives for some devices. For macOS, hold down the COMMAND(⌘) + R keys immediately after turning the screen on.
Now, the installation window will appear on the screen. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu and select the first option “Start Linux Mint 21.2 Cinnamon 64-bit” and press ENTER.In a few seconds, the Linux Mint live environment will appear. There is an “Install Linux Mint” icon on the desktop. Double-click on it to start the installation procedure.
Step 4: Select Language
Select a language for the system and click on Continue.
Step 5: Select Keyboard Layout
Select the keyboard layout from the Keyboard Layout window according to your preference. Then click on Continue.
Step 6: Install Multimedia Codecs
Multimedia codecs are additional packages that handle different audio and video file formats. Users often need to install these codecs separately to enable playback of certain media formats. To install these, click on the checkbox “Install multimedia codecs” and click on Continue.
Step 7: Choose Installation Type
Two types of installation option appears here. Select “Erase disk and install Linux Mint” for a single installation. This is the easiest installation method that doesn’t require additional disk partitioning.
Click on Continue to confirm installing Linux Mint on the entire disk.
Step 8: Select Location
Select your location from the drop-down menu of the map screen. However, this information will be detected automatically if the computer is connected to the internet. Then, click on Continue.
Step 9: Set User Credentials
On this screen, type your name, computer name and a username. Then type and re-type a strong password. Finally, select “Require my password to log in”. Selecting this option will ask for the password every time you power on your PC. Click on Continue.
Now, installation will start. It may take a few minutes.
At the end of the installation, an “Installation Complete” prompt appears on the screen. Click on Restart Now in this prompt.
Step 10: Log in to Linux Mint
Type the password that was set during installation and press ENTER.
Now, you will see a welcome screen like this:
Uncheck the “Show this dialog at startup” to avoid this window from the next log-in. Then simply close the window by clicking the cross icon at the top right corner.
That’s it. You’ve successfully installed Linux Mint in your computer.
Features of Linux Mint
- User-friendly interfaces such as “Cinnamon” and “MATE”.
- Controllable Update Manager that enables a user to choose between different update levels (1-5) to balance stability and access to newer features.
- It is compatible with a wide range of hardware and software,
- Out-of-the-box support for a wide range of multimedia codecs and proprietary drivers.
- It offers long-term support (LTS) versions.
- It has a large community support with forums, tutorials, and documentation.
Conclusion
Installing Linux Mint is a seamless and user-friendly process, offering a robust and customizable operating system for beginners and advanced users alike. With its intuitive interface and diverse range of features, Linux Mint stands as a reliable choice, providing stability, security, and a vibrant community of support. However, follow the simple steps described above in this article to install Linux Mint in the easiest way. Feel free to comment below if you face any difficulties during installation.
People Also Ask
What are the available editions of Linux Mint to install?
There are four editions of Linux Mint available – Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, and EDGE edition. Among them, Cinnamon is the most popular version of Linux Mint. The MATE edition involves the continuation of GNOME 2. Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment. It doesn’t support as many features as Cinnamon or MATE, but it’s extremely stable and very light on resource usage. And finally, EDGE comes with a newer kernel to be able to support the latest hardware chipsets. If you cannot boot the regular editions, we recommend you try the “EDGE” instead.
Is Linux Mint a good version of Linux to install?
Of course, Linux Mint is a great version of Linux for both beginners and experts alike. Mint 21 is based on Ubuntu 22 and offers a user-friendly interface with a variety of customization. Linux Mint is also known for its stability, reliability, and security. It is one of the most popular Linux distributions and has been consistently ranked as the best Linux desktop for both beginners and experienced users.
Which edition is the best for Linux Mint installation?
Cinnamon is the default and most popular Linux Mint edition. However, if you prefer a lightweight operating system without compromising on important features, install the MATE edition. But If you want a fast and stable release, choose the Xfce edition. Although the best edition of Linux Mint specifically depends on your priorities, you should choose Cinnamon if you don’t have any major preference.
Can I install Linux Mint for server use?
No, Linux Mint does not have a server version. However, it is possible to use Linux Mint as a server, but it is recommended to use a headless system running Ubuntu server instead. You can use the Ubuntu server with Linux Mint, which is highly compatible with each other and it can be administered through a web browser using the ‘webmin’ tool.
How do I install Linux Mint without USB?
If you don’t have a USB drive, there are still a few ways to install Linux Mint on your computer. Here are some options:
- Install through LAN: You can set up a BOOTP + DHCP server and boot over the network via PXE.
- Use UNetbootin: You can create a frugal install onto your computer using UNetbootin.
- Install directly to the hard drive: You can install Linux Mint directly to the disk if you have a computer that has a DVD drive, you can use it to create a bootable Linux Mint DVD.
Which one is faster between Ubuntu and Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is faster than Ubuntu. While Ubuntu’s default flavor is best suitable for modern devices with high-end hardware, Linux Mint runs smoother on old equipment as well as a current machine. If you have a comparatively new machine, the difference between Ubuntu and Mint may not be that discernable. Mint may seem a little quicker in day-to-day use, but on older hardware, it will definitely feel faster, whereas Ubuntu appears to run slower the older machines.
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FUNDAMENTALS A Complete Guide for Beginners
You Best OS System In Markets But Apply Best Security Systems on Fire Wall And Anti Virus And Utility’s Like Windows 11.
Gennadiy V Strekozov
Hello Gennadiy V Strekozov,
You’re right, Linux Mint is one of the best OS in the market if security is your top concern. It already offers many security features and utilities built in. However, in some cases, Mint and Windows 11 can overperform each other if you install additional firewalls or security software. Thank you for your valuable opinion.