Linux Mint 16 Improves Cinnamon Desktop

Linux Mint 16 Improves Cinnamon Desktop

by Sean Michael Kerner

Linux Mint 16 Introduces Cinnamon 2.0

The Linux Mint 16 distribution includes the latest evolution of the Cinnamon desktop, providing a streamlined set of menus and options for users.

Nemo File Manager Gets Cleaned Up

A core component of the Cinnamon desktop environment is the Nemo file manager system, which enables users to easily find and manipulate folders and files.

User Settings Now Consolidated

Linux Mint 16 now includes an improved user applet that makes settings more accessible, directly from the main desktop interface.

Linux Mint Experience Gains Sound Effects

Linux Mint 16 introduces new sound-effects options for Cinnamon users for different desktop operations, including opening and closing windows.

USB Image Writer Application Lands in Petra

One of the most popular ways for users to test out new Linux distributions is with bootable USB sticks. Linux Mint is now making it easier for users to format and write Linux distribution images to USB with a pair of new applications.

Linux Mint Includes Its Own Backup System

Among the many ways that Linux Mint further differentiates itself from Ubuntu Linux is with some of its homegrown tools, including mintBackup. The mintBackup tool enables users to back up and restore files as well as applications.

MintNanny Blocks Domains

Another of Linux Mint’s homegrown applications is the mintNanny domain blocker, which enables users to block any domain they choose.

Firefox: The Default Web Browser in Linux Mint

Linux Mint 16 includes Firefox as its default open-source Web browser, though users can also choose to download other browsers, as well.

LibreOffice Provides Office Suite Functionality

The open-source LibreOffice suite of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications is a core component of the Linux Mint 16 desktop.

View Images on Linux Mint 16 With gThumb

A plethora of image-viewing applications are available for Linux. Linux Mint 16 includes the gThumb image viewer as one of its choices.

Linux Mint 16 Improves Software Manager

While Linux Mint 16 includes many commonly used software applications as part of its default installation, the mintInstall software manager enables users to now more easily find and install other software.

MATE Provides another Linux Desktop Option for Linux Mint

In addition to the Cinnamon desktop, Linux Mint 16 offers users the option to use the MATE desktop environment. MATE is a fork of the GNOME 2 desktop and retains the concept of “places” as a menu item for users to find local and network items.

Linux 3.11 is at the Heart of Linux Mint 16

The Linux 3.11 kernel that was first released by Linux creator Linus Torvalds in September is the core foundation of the Linux Mint 16 release.