Linux Mint is committed to creating a modern and user-friendly Linux desktop distribution that is both stylish and functional.
The overall goal of Linux Mint is to innovate and constantly bring the best desktop solutions to its users, resulting in a fast release cycle that sees a new version of the distribution released every one to two months. All released versions are actively supported, and certain releases (such as Bianca or Cassandra) come with a Long Term Support guarantee.
For individuals, Linux Mint is an outstanding operating system that is sure to impress, especially if you're using an older system. With over 300 active Linux distributions on the market, the competition is fierce, but Linux Mint is confident in the quality of its desktop and the great innovations it can bring to the table.
Linux Mint offers two different versions of its distribution: a Light Edition and a Full Edition. The Light Edition is free of patented technologies, making it a suitable option for users living in countries where software patents are legally enforcable.
When it comes to proprietary drivers and software, Linux Mint maintains a stance on open-source technology. All work is released with corresponding source code, and while proprietary software is not boycotted, the distribution does not distribute proprietary drivers in a way that would violate GPL or ethical guidelines.
The latest release of Linux Mint is an alpha version that showcases the feasibility of the distribution easily switching base, along with potential improvements such as a Debian Testing base that could make the system faster and easier to maintain. While a Debian Testing base would not always be stable and could lack certain innovations and improvements, the Linux Mint team is dedicated to achieving the same level of polish regardless of the base distribution used.
Version 4.0 Alpha 023: N/A