This particular blog entry is intended
for new users to Linux Mint. But some more experiences users might
find useful info here as well.
When a new user goes to download Linux
Mint for install on their computer (from website
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php),
they have a choice of 4 desktop environments; Cinnamon, Mate, KDE
and Xfce. Also they have to pick between version with a codecs or
without, and 64-bit vs 32-bit.
Confusing?
What's the difference?
Which one should you pick?
That's what I hope to explain in this
short blog entry.
So, what's the difference between
Cinnamon, Mate, KDE and Xfce?
The difference is that these are 4
different desktop environments. That's to say, they are 4 different
ways that Linux Mint looks on your screen, and behaves.
Think of it this way, if you have 4
different cars that are all the same make and model, but one is red
with a stereo, one is blue and has stick shift, one is yellow and no
AC, and one is black with a sun roof. Each is very different in their
look and features. But under the hood, they are are all the same. The
Linux Mint 'engine' (called the Kernel) are all the same for all
versions of 17.1. It's the appearance on the screen and a few of the
features that are different.
And just as all 4 cars can be driven
down the same road, all 4 desktop environments will run the same
software packages.
Here is a very short rundown of the
differences:
CINNAMON
The Cinnamon desktop environment is the
one I highly recommend for people who are new to Linux Mint. That is
assuming you are installing it on a laptop or workstation that is
less than 8 years old. If your hardware is more than 8 years old, I
suggest you check into the MATE environment (see bellow).
Cinnamon requires less actual memory
(RAM) than Mate, but it does require much more CPU and video
resources. On older hardware, this extra load can result in a very
slow system. Also, some older graphics cards can't handle Cinnamon at
all, and you will get a screen full of junk when you boot up. If that
is the case, I suggest you use another computer to download the Mate
version and install it.
The big advantage of Cinnamon is its
ability to do some animations (like the rotating cube demo), semi
transparent windows like the Terminal, and a very smooth opening and
closing of windows. As far as actual functionality, it does
everything that Mate does.
Most people pick Cinnamon. It just
looks cooler and does everything most people need.
Note: Be sure to read what I have to
say about Mate (bellow) before you pick this one.
MATE
Pronounced like 'Matt-Tay', this
desktop environment is primarily for older hardware which may have
issues with the slick graphics of Cinnamon. As far as actual
functionality, it does everything that Cinnamon does, only not as
pretty. If you are using a laptop or workstation that's older than 8
years old, I would recommend the MATE desktop environment for new
users.
Some people who do have newer hardware
pick Mate just out of personal preference. They prefer the simpler
look and feel of the environment. In such a case, it just comes down
to what you like.
“Isaac's Computer Tips” has a
wonderful YouTube video showing a side by side comparison between
Cinnamon and Mate.
Note: I myself have 3 very older systems,
and Mate is the version that I use on all 3.
MATE OEM
Do NOT install this version. This is a
very small, bare-bones version of MATE. It is intended to be used by
manufactures as a “pre-installed” version of Linux. Basically, it
can run an in-store demo to show off the systems speed and graphics.
It does NOT do much else.
KDE
KDE is a desktop environment is
designed for advanced users. It's more “Windows” like in
appearance than the others environments. The advantage of KDE is that
it gives the user many configuration options and extra widgets not
found in the other environments; allowing the user to customize their
system to their liking. However, many people new to Linux Mint would
probably find it very confusing, and a bit overwhelming. I would not
recommend it for new users. I recommend starting with Cinnamon or
Mate, and then graduating to KDE down the road, if you feel you
really need to.
Xfce
Like Mate, Xfce is primarily for older
hardware which many have issues with the demands of Cinnamon. It is
fast, easy, and simple. It is a very bare-bone, minimalist desktop
environment. It reminds me very much of Linux distros of years past.
However, it does NOT come with several key packages built-in that I
think many new users would expect. I would NOT recommend this for a
system you plan to use for entertainment or business work. However,
if you are looking for a very simple environment to learn about Linux
itself, this one can't be beet. If you are a student and learning
about the Linux OS, go for this one.
Versions of Linux Mint with “No
Codecs”
Basically, a codecs (pronounced like
'Code-Ex') is a software package that allows you to watch moves from
a DVD drive, play music CD-Roms, and watch some videos over the
Internet.
In some cases, businesses are legally
obligated to pay a fee to have this software on their corporate PCs.
If the PC is NOT a corporate PC, don't worry about it.
Most people just download the version
that has the codece.
If you still have questions about this,
I would recommend you read this short White Paper on the subject for
clarification.
32-bit vs. 64-bit
Most versions of Linux Mint come in
both a 32-bit and 64-bit version. This refers to the type of CPU you
have in your computer.
The rule of thumb here is this: almost
all modern day computers are 64-bit, so go with that version. If you
have one of the very rare systems that is 32-bit, it will give you an
error message when you try to install Linux Mint. In that case, use
another computer to download the 32-bit version and use that one.
Now that you have picked the version of
Linux Mint you want and have downloaded it, what to do next?
Go to one of the following websites
depending on which version you have picked. These are the Official
Linux Mint Users Guides for each version. Take some time to read it
over. The first time you install Linux Mint, it might be helpful to
also have this document on another PC or your cell phone in case you
need to refer to it during the processes.
CINNAMON:
MATE:
KDE & Xfce:
There is no offical guide from these
versions at this time. Use the one above for Cinnamon to install
theses.
Good luck, and see ya'll on-line :)
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