Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera”
was released on December 20, 2022, a full 14 days after the beta
appeared. The popular Ubuntu-based distribution’s intuitive desktop
environments make it especially popular among newcomers to Linux.
Linux Mint 21.1 code name
“Vera”, brings several interface changes including a cleaner desktop with more
vibrant colors. Vera also sees the arrival of more controls in the update,
driver, and software managers. New system sounds, ISO tools, and mouse pointers
round out this update to the popular Linux distribution.
Let’s see what new Linux
Mint 21.1 has in its store for users.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is one of the
most successful distributions based on Ubuntu. And with the number of Ubuntu
derivatives out there, that’s saying something. Linux Mint must be doing a lot
of things right—at least, according to its passionate user base.
Linux Mint is focused on
desktops and laptops. It provides customized desktop environments with a choice
of Cinnamon, Xfce, and Mate. It has the Snap store disabled by default;
a move first made in Linux Mint 20.
Linux Mint doesn’t have a
server version. Its purpose is to provide a simple, intuitive, attractive
desktop Linux experience for its users, especially newcomers to the Linux
world. The Linux Mint team want a mac or Windows user to be comfortable with
Linux Mint within a short time.
Linux kernel
The release will continue
to use the Linux 5.15 LTS kernel under the hood, based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
A Refreshed User Interface
When you first boot into the desktop, you should quickly notice the new look of the cursor. It features the new Bibata theme by default.
The cursor icon theme
inventory has new options like Yaru, Breeze, and GoogleDot along with the
traditional DMZ theme.
Users will also find a unique
set of app icon themes to choose from in addition to the traditional Mint-X,
Mint-Y, and Mint-Legacy themes. This includes Papirus, Breeze, Numix, and Yaru.
Another interesting thing
you may notice is the default accent color isn’t the traditional green anymore,
and that’s because the desktop theme is now switched to Aqua. The accent color
library offers more vibrant colors and gives the desktop a clean and attractive
look.
For those who want the
legacy look back, there exists a “Mint-Y-Legacy” option in the theme
options.
Moreover, the Computer, Home, Networks, and Trash icons previously visible on the desktop are removed by default and can be accessed in the file manager. The Home folder icon is displayed on the panel instead. If you want to return the old arrangement, you can do so by heading to the system preferences.
Cleaner Desktop
The desktop has been
purged. The “home”, “computer”, “trash”, and “network” icons have been removed.
Clicking the folder icon
pinned to the panel opens your “home” directory in the Nemo file browser, so it
is still only one click away. Counter-intuitively, its tooltip reads “Files”,
but it gives you a fast way to get to Nemo and your “home” directory all in
one.
The “computer”, “trash”,
and “network” locations are available through the “Go” menu in Nemo or by
searching in the start menu.
Files that you copy or
save to “~/Desktop” still show up on the desktop, as do mounted devices.
There’s the usual
selection of new background wallpapers. You’ve got access to the generic Linux
Mint wallpapers, the backgrounds from the Linux Mint 21 Vanessa release, and
the new Vera-specific backgrounds.
It’s a stunning collection
of images by skilled photographers. Whoever curated these backgrounds did a
great job too.
There’s a new “Show
Desktop” button at the extreme right-hand end of the panel. It hides all open
windows, clearing the desktop with a single mouse click.
It’s practically
invisible, but it’s there. Point at it, and you’ll see its tooltip.
A Modern Mouse Pointer
The default mouse pointer
has changed. Linux Mint 21.1 uses “Bibata Modern Classic”, which has a gently
rounded shape without a tail.
A Modern Mouse Pointer
With all of these cosmetic
tweaks, what looks good is subjective. If you don’t like the defaults, you can change
them in a flash to something more agreeable to you.
New System Sounds
The system sounds have
been updated. As before, the volume can be adjusted, and individual sounds can
be switched on and off if they’re too distracting.
A Liberated Driver Manager
The Driver Manager
application has been changed to run in user mode. This means it’ll run without
the need for a password.
It searches your computer
for drivers that are installed and in use, then lists them. It’ll also identify
missing drivers and offer to install them.
Our test machine didn’t
require any additional drivers, but it’s nice to know that you’ve got a helping
hand if your computer does need them.
Enhanced Update Manager
A similar amount of
assistance and hand-holding is available in the Update Manager. It makes what
can become a complicated task very easy. You can select the packages that you
want to update, and exclude those you’re not interested in at this time.
Significantly,
support for updating flatpaks has been added.
More Control in Software Manager
If a flatpack is available for an application, the Software Manager let’s you choose
between installing a DEB “System Package” or a flatpack.
It’s not the
flashiest software store application, but it looks good and works well. You can
find what you want quickly from a huge choice of software, and you get a choice
of install types, too. I’ll take that over eye candy any day.
New USB Tools
As you’d expect USB Image Writer tool lets you select
an ISO image and the USB stick you want to write the image to. It
also has a “Verify” button which lets you verify the authenticity of the
ISO image before you burn it, which is convenient.
The USB Stick Formatter
tool formats USB sticks for you. You can pick a USB stick, set its device name,
and choose a file system. There are four file systems supported:
FAT32
exFAT
NTFS
ext4
Other improvements
The code which lets you
remove applications from the main menu was reviewed and password prompts were
removed in situations where administrative permissions weren’t required.
Removing a Flatpak will no
longer require a password to be entered. Same goes for simple shortcuts and
local applications (i.e. applications which aren’t installed system-wide).
Synaptic and the Update
Manager will now also ask pkexec to remember your password so you won’t have to
enter it every single time if you perform multiple operations.
Following the upstream
deprecation of apt-key, the Software Sources received changes to rework the way
it handles PPA keys.
When a PPA is added its
key is now only accepted for the PPA itself, not globally for all APT Sources.
Continuous integration for
all Linux Mint projects moved from Circle CI to Github Actions. This gives the
development team greater control over docker.
Documentation was written
and added to the User Guide to cover the following topics:
How to reset a forgotten password
How to have Bluetooth disabled at boot
How to make a Windows live USB stick or a
multiboot USB stick
Summary of changes
eRacks/LGRAM
First point release of Linux Mint 21, based
on Ubuntu 22.04.1 release
Linux Kernel 5.15 LTS
Cinnamon 5.6.4 desktop
Xfce 4.16 desktop
MATE 1.26 desktop
Friendly driver manager
Cleaner default desktop view with fewer
icons
Default theme changes to “Mint-Y-Aqua” from
the green-based icons
New cursor theme: Bibata (one of the best
cursor themes in Linux)
A bunch of stunning wallpapers
And an array of bug fixes
Including these, there are
lot of new features in this new release. Start using new Linux Mint 21.1 to get
the full experiences.
To get the Linux Mint 21.1
on your system, simply upgrade the existing Linux Minx 20.x or do a clean
install.
Upgrading to Linux Mint 21.1
Upgrading
to Linux Mint 21.1 is simple. Long-time users of the distro will be familiar
with the steps needed to do so:
Use the Timeshift app
to make a system snapshot
Update
any/all Cinnamon spices/applets/themes
Open Update
Manager and install any updates
Select the
“Upgrade” option in the ‘Edit’ menu of Update Manager
Hit Install
Once
all updates are downloaded, unpacked, and installed it’s advised to restart the
computer. A reboot ensures all changes take effect, and that the system comes
back-up functioning as intended by Linux Mint’s developers.
As
mentioned, Linux Mint 21.1 includes a number of visual changes and new artwork.
Anyone who makes the upgrade but doesn’t like the new folder icons or aqua
color accents can revert to Linux Mint’s older look using the Welcome app
available in the applications menu.
Before upgrading or clean
install, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. The system
requirements are as follows.
System requirements:
2GB RAM (4GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
20GB of disk space (100GB recommended).
1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows
with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen).
Conclusion
If your system doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, or you need clean pre-installed new system, you can always get one from eRacks Systems store as pre-configured with Linux Mint 21.1.
Linux Mint is undoubtedly one of the best beginner-friendly and tough competitors of the most famous Ubuntu Linux. One of the reasons can be credited to its upstream codebase. Since Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distro, it uses the codebase of the latest Ubuntu long term support version.
Linux Mint 20
After ending 2019 with the release of Linux Mint 19.3, the Linux Mint team is ready to roll out its first version with long-term support in 2020. As already revealed in their monthly blog, the upcoming Linux Mint 20 will be based on the next Ubuntu 20.4 LTS. So, in this article, I’m going to discuss everything about the new changes and release date of Mint 20.
Interesting Fact About Linux Mint Codename
Most of the Linux distros follow a particular pattern to give a codename for each version — for instance, Ubuntu uses a two-word adjective and animal name. Likewise, Linux Mint titles every release a female codename alphabetically. Therefore, starting with the Mint 1 “Ada” and the latest Mint 19.3 “Tricia,” and this is Linux Mint 20, codename Ulyana.
New features in Linux Mint 20 Cinnamon
Linux Mint 20 is a long-term support release which will be supported until 2025. It comes with updated software and brings refinements and many new features to make your desktop on a gaming desk be more comfortable experience.
Monitor frequency adjustment
Frequency modification of monitors is a long-sought demand by the Mint community. Consequently, Mint 20 now includes monitor frequency adjustment. This means you will be able to choose the frequency in the Cinnamon 4.6 display settings.
Linux-Mint-20-—-Monitor-display-setting
Fractional Scaling
Linux Mint 20 ships the Cinnamon 4.6 desktop environment that introduces fractional scaling. Hence, instead of either 100% (normal mode) or 200% (HiDPI mode) scaling for all monitors, you can now configure the scale value between 100% and 200% for each monitor independently. If you use high-resolution displays, it’ll be a big relief for you to have a better scaling option.
NVIDIA Optimus
Linux Mint 20 features improved support for NVIDIA Optimus.
The NVIDIA Prime applet now shows your GPU renderer and you can select which card to switch to straight from its menu.
nvidia
The NVIDIA “On-Demand” profile is also now fully supported. When you run in that mode, it is your Intel card which renders the session and a menu option is available to let you offload a particular application to your NVIDIA card.
nvidia-cinnamon
Select an application in the menu, right-click and select “Run with NVIDIA GPU”. It’s that simple.
Mint-Y Theme
“Themes” applet is one of the unique features of Linux Mint that allows you to choose or install new themes and icons. In addition to that, Linux Mint 20 introduced two new colors, Pink and Aqua, in the default Mint-Y theme.
Furthermore, the Mint-Y theme now has a brighter color than before. Here’s a comparison of some of the old colors (on the left) with some of the new ones (on the right):
Linux-Mint-20-—-New-color-In-Mint-Y-theme
From the command-line, two new commands are available to offload to GLX or to Vulkan:
nvidia-optimus-offload-glx
nvidia-optimus-offload-vulkan
To boost compatibility and make it easier to boot Linux Mint 20 in live mode without NVIDIA drivers, “nomodeset” was also added to the “Compatibility Mode”.
Warpinator
The star of the show in Linux Mint 20 is a new application called Warpinator.
10 years ago, Linux Mint 6 featured a tool called “Giver” which could share files across the local network. Without any server or configuration, computers would automatically see each other’s and you could simply drag and drop files from one to another. When the Giver project was discontinued it had to be removed from Linux Mint and we’ve been missing that functionality ever since.
warpinator1
Warpinator is a reimplementation of Giver. Server configuration (FTP, NFS, Samba) is overkill for casual file transfers between two computers, and it’s a real pity to use external media (Internet services, USB sticks, external HDDs) just to share files when there’s a local network which could do just that.
With Warpinator, Linux Mint 20 brings back easy file sharing across the local network.
The main window shows you the computers on the local network which are also running Warpinator:
warpinator
By clicking on a computer, you can see more information about it and exchange files with it:
No more USB sticks or external drive are needed just to send a file.
Other Enhancements In Linux Mint 20
Smooth Multi-monitor support
Use of middle-click button in Cinnamon’s keyboard applet
Better looking system tray
A new user interface for Gdebi tool
Linux Mint 20 Release Date And ISO Download
The Mint team has now officially released a new long-term Linux Mint 20 that will be supported until 2025. ISO images of any of the three Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce edition are available to download from the official download page.
For further details, see Mint’s Snap documentation. You can read more on Mint’s arguments against Snap, and Ubuntu’s attempt to make peace with Mint and decide for yourself if you want to use Snap on Mint.
Of course, the usual selection of Linux desktop programs come ready to run. These include Firefox 77 for web browsing; LibreOffice 6.4.2 for your office needs; and Thunderbird 68.7 for email.
Overall, Mint remains a pleasure to use. I really wish Mint included Snap. Most desktop program developers agree that it, and its rival Flatpak, are the future for Linux desktop apps.
Looking ahead, Linux Mint 20 will receive security updates until 2025. Until 2022, future versions of Linux Mint will use the same package base. This means it will be trivial to upgrade to the next few versions.
If you’re new to Mint and want to give it a try, check out my How to install Linux Mint on your Windows PC article. It’s easy to do whether you want to wipe out Windows, run it with Windows, or just give it a trial run using a USB stick with persistent storage.
Beside all, get the Linux Mint 20 pre-installed and ready to run with eracks systems.
The latest Linux Mint release, 19.3, codenamed ‘Tricia’, is now available on eRacks Desktop and Laptop systems.
Simply select the ‘Linux Mint 19 latest’ choice from the OS dropdown, and we’ll get it done for you.
If you want the slightly older 19.2 release, or any other custom installation, just let us know in the “Notes” field, and we’ll do it.
Also, FYI, Linux Mint is mostly a Desktop system, but we’ll be happy to install it on any system you choose – just let us know and we’ll do a custom quote for you. (Or, again, just put it in the “Notes” field when you place your order).
Based on Ubuntu 16.04, which was made available in April, this release of Mint is based on the LTS release of Ubuntu, rather than following the twice-yearly updates – and will have only incremental changes and updates over the next 2 years – thus being more stable and predictable, and avoiding any potential instabilities introduced by the biannual Ubuntu upgrades.
So Mint 18 should now be available in all the eRacks product dropdowns – if you don’t see it on the model you want, please contact us and we’ll fix it or give you a custom quote with Mint 18.
As always, contact us at info@eracks.com for any inquiries or questions regarding the Mint 18 release, or any of our products, and what release we recommend for you and your unique needs.
With the recent release of Mint 17.3, eRacks now offers this new operating system on servers, desktops, and laptops. Just select it from the drop-down menu when customizing your computer.
This latest Linux Mint release is now available on most or all eRacks systems.
eRacks today announced the latest release of a new operating system-Linux Mint 17 “Qiana” which is now in the OS dropdowns on all the systems
Either the Cinnamon or Mate editions, or KDE, XFCE, Debian (LMDE) are also available.
Most or all of our dropdown Operating System choices have been updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, please ask us by email: http://eracks.com/contact_us and we will add it or give you a custom live quote.
Want to eat a healthy diet? Nutritionist Susannah Lawson explains why it’s important to make the right food choices and suggest some easy ideas for healthy eating. Try out phenq.
You may have heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. But what does it mean – and is it true? Perhaps more importantly, what should you eat to feel and become healthier?
Your body is made from the nutrients you consume – proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, vitamins, minerals and water. These nutrients help your body renew itself naturally – for example, your skin renews itself in 21 days and your bones can repair themselves in six weeks. In five years, you will be an almost completely new person!
However, if you don’t eat healthy food with the right nutrients, your cells won’t reproduce as well or as accurately. Not eating enough of these key nutrients can cause a variety of symptoms – from premature ageing and dull, dry skin, to anxiety and depression; or frequent infections and digestive issues to poor memory and low energy.
The good news is that by taking some simple steps to have a healthy diet, you can help look after your body – and feel and function better than ever. These are the best weight loss pills | firstpost.
1. Balance your nutrients
Why?
You need a mix of the following nutrients to keep everything working well:
protein (eg meat, fish, soya, dairy products, nuts/seeds) to build and repair body tissues
carbohydrate for energy (slow-releasing and wholegrain sources are best for sustained energy)
vitamins and minerals (vegetables and fruit to keep everything functioning)
How?
Help to maintain an ideal balance of these important nutrients by seeing your plate made up of this simple ratio: 25% protein; 25% slow-release carbs; and 50% vegetables, salad and fruit. Try out the latest phenq pills.
To help you get started, here are some healthy meal ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs, wholegrain toast, tomatoes, and avocado
Cream/cottage cheese, oat cakes, watercress, and pear
Plain yoghurt, low-sugar granola with chopped apple and berries
Lunch
Prawn mayonnaise jacket potato and green salad
Smoked salmon wholemeal bagel, with rocket and avocado
Chicken breast, roast sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, and red cabbage
Grilled steak, New potatoes, grilled mushrooms, and tomatoes
Baked salmon and wholegrain pasta with spinach, broccoli, and pesto
Halloumi kebab with brown rice, roast peppers, and courgettes
TOP TIP: If you’re a fan of food boxes, double check this ratio applies to the meals provided and top up the veg if necessary.
2. Refuel regularly
Why?
The meal ideas above provide a good balance of nutrients and ‘fuel’ to keep you full of energy throughout the day. Breakfast is particularly important – as the name suggests, you ‘break’ the night ‘fast’, which could mean 12 hours without food. You couldn’t drive your car without fuel in the tank, so don’t try to run your body on empty.
How?
Try to eat three balanced meals a day (see point 1). If you experience a dip in energy, have a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon too.
Aim to choose healthier, nutrient-rich options such as an apple and chunk of cheese or a handful of unsalted nuts rather than biscuits, sweets or crisps. Check out these exipure reviews.
3. Not all fats are scary!
Why?
Believing all fat is bad or makes you fat is a myth. Yes, fried or processed fatty foods aren’t good for you. But essential fats – found in nuts, seeds and oily fish (eg salmon, mackerel, anchovies or sardines) – help to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression, eczema and arthritis. So, try to eat more!
How?
As long as you are not allergic, enjoy a handful of natural unsalted nuts or seeds daily (they make a great protein-rich snack or topping for cereal or salads). And aim to eat oily fish three times a week.
4. Stay hydrated
Why?
Your body is more than 60% water, so drinking water regularly will hydrate you and help you run more efficiently. Beware of drinking too much tea or coffee because they contain caffeine, which can be dehydrating as well as addictive.
How?
If you feel tired, drinking a glass of water can give you a lift. Also try putting a glass by your bed and drink it first thing, carry a water bottle with you or put it on your desk so it’s always close at hand, dilute fruit juices 50/50 with water and opt for herbal or fruit teas. This way you can quickly build up to the recommended 6-8 glasses a day.
5. Need a top up?
Why?
Even the best diet in the world is unlikely to give you all the nutrients you need, especially when you’re busy or during periods of ill health or stress. So, think about taking some supplements.
How?
During the summer months, we can naturally absorb Vitamin D via our skin from the sun. But to help support our immune systems during the dark winter months, every adult is now recommended to top up their Vitamin D levels. Take 25mcg of the D3 variety daily, from October to April.
During periods where you feel lacklustre or low in energy, a high quality daily multivitamin and mineral can also give you a boost.
Plus, if you don’t like oily fish, consider supplementing omega 3 essential fats.
6. Limit toxins
Why?
As important as getting the nutrients you need, is reducing the substances that can harm or deplete you. These include artificial food additives, processed fats and pesticides and too much alcohol, sugar and stimulants such as caffeine.
How?
Where possible, avoid processed foods and those made with refined ‘white’ flour or sugar (the refining process removes the beneficial nutrients). Easy wins are to swap in brown rice for white rice, and wholegrain for white bread.
Aim to steam, grill, bake or steam-fry your food rather than deep fry.
To help limit your intake of alcohol, consider only drinking moderate amounts (1-2 glasses) at the weekend, and intersperse each drink with a glass of water.