Linux Mint#Debian-based edition

Linux Mint began in 2006 with a beta release, 1.0, code-named 'Ada',{{cite web|url=https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=3|title=Linux Mint 1.0 beta "Ada" - Main Edition|website=Linux Mint|access-date=2020-08-30|archive-date=2020-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929033708/https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=3|url-status=live}} based on Kubuntu and using its KDE interface. Linux Mint 2.0 'Barbara' was the first version to use Ubuntu as its codebase and its GNOME interface. It had few users until the release of Linux Mint 3.0, 'Cassandra'.{{cite web|url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=56 |title=Happy birthday LinuxMint! |date=August 27, 2007 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |access-date=June 2, 2013 |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727224507/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=56 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://linuxmint.com/oldreleases.php |title=Linux Mint Releases |access-date=July 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715190200/http://www.linuxmint.com/oldreleases.php |archive-date=July 15, 2014}} Linux Mint 2.0 was based on Ubuntu 6.10,{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} using Ubuntu's package repositories and using it as a codebase. It then followed its own codebase, building each release from the previous one, but continuing to use the package repositories of the latest Ubuntu release. This made the two systems' bases almost identical, guaranteeing full compatibility between them, rather than requiring Mint to be a fork.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

Initially, there were two Linux Mint releases per year, timed to be approximately one month after Ubuntu releases (which in turn are about one month after GNOME releases and two months after X Window System releases). In 2008, Linux Mint adopted the same release cycle as Ubuntu and dropped its minor version number before releasing version 5 'Elyssa', and every fourth release was labeled a LTS version,{{Cite web |date=9 January 2008 |title=Full focus on Linux Mint 5 – The Linux Mint Blog |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512140040/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=130 |archive-date=2022-05-12 |access-date=2022-03-25 |language=en-US}} indicating that it was supported (with updates) for longer than traditional releases.{{Cite web |title=All Versions - Linux Mint |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/download_all.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629014836/https://linuxmint.com/download_all.php |archive-date=2020-06-29 |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=www.linuxmint.com}} The same year, in an effort to increase compatibility between the two systems, Linux Mint decided to abandon its codebase and starting with Linux Mint 6 'Felicia' each release was based completely on the latest Ubuntu release, built directly from it, and made available approximately one month after the corresponding Ubuntu release (usually in May or November).{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

In 2010, Linux Mint released Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). Unlike the other Ubuntu-based editions (Ubuntu Mint), LMDE was originally a rolling release based directly on Debian and not tied to Ubuntu packages or its release schedule. It was announced on May 27, 2015, that the Linux Mint team would no longer support the original rolling release version of LMDE after January 1, 2016.{{cite web|url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2832|title=LMDE 1 will reach EOL on January 1st 2016|date=May 27, 2015|first=Clement|last=Lefèbvre|work=The Linux Mint Blog|access-date=September 21, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905121518/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2832|url-status=live}} LMDE 2 'Betsy' was a long-term support release based on Debian Jessie.{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxmint.com/download_all.php |title=Releases |work=Linux Mint|access-date=2015-09-21|archive-date=2015-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919041001/http://www.linuxmint.com/download_all.php |url-status=live }} When LMDE 2 was released, it was announced that all LMDE users would be automatically upgraded to new versions of MintTools software and new desktop environments before they were released into the main edition of Linux Mint.{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=April 10, 2015 |title=LMDE 2 "Betsy" Cinnamon released! |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409191334/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808 |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |access-date=September 21, 2015 |work=The Linux Mint Blog}}

In 2014 the successor to 17 Qiana was announced to be 17.1 Rebecca; the development team said that from a technical point of view Linux Mint was no longer tied to the Ubuntu schedule, so it could be released at any time, although the six-month cycle provided rhythm, leading to a late November 2014 target.

On February 20, 2016, the Linux Mint website was breached by unknown hackers who briefly replaced download links for a version of Linux Mint with a modified version containing malware. The hackers also breached the database of the website's user forum.{{cite news|title=Linux Mint hit by malware infection on its website, forum after hack attack|url=https://arstechnica.com/security/2016/02/linux-mint-hit-by-malware-infection-on-its-website-and-forum-after-hack-attack/|access-date=22 February 2016|work=Ars Technica|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223003836/http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/02/linux-mint-hit-by-malware-infection-on-its-website-and-forum-after-hack-attack/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Linux Mint website hacked, ISO downloads replaced with backdoored operating system|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3035682/security/hackers-planted-a-backdoor-inside-a-compromised-version-of-linux-mint.html|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=February 22, 2016|archive-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222103119/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3035682/security/hackers-planted-a-backdoor-inside-a-compromised-version-of-linux-mint.html|url-status=live}} Linux Mint immediately took its server offline and implemented enhanced security configurations for their website and forum.{{cite web|url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3007|title=Monthly News – February 2016|website=The Linux Mint Blog|date=March 2016 |access-date=2019-10-15|archive-date=2019-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109030119/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3007|url-status=live}}

Beginning with the release of Linux Mint 18 (Sarah), the OEM version,{{efn|the OEM version was for manufacturers to use to pre-install Linux Mint onto devices.{{cite web|url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2626 |title=Linux Mint 17 "Qiana" Cinnamon released! |first=Clement |last=Lefèbvre |work=The Linux Mint Blog |date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001161716/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2626 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2627 |title=Linux Mint 17 "Qiana" MATE released! |first=Clement |last=Lefèbvre |work=The Linux Mint Blog |date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |quote=Manufacturers can pre-install Linux Mint on their computers using the OEM installation images. |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531170833/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2627 |url-status=live }} This functionality is now available in the Live-ISO boot menu{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}}} and the No Codecs version{{efn|Also called 'Light' version.
This version was for magazines, companies, and distributors in the United States, Japan, and countries where the legislation allows patents to apply to software and distribution of restricted technologies may require the acquisition of third-party licences.
Users now have the option of whether or not to install multimedia codecs, now downloaded from the internet, additionally, multimedia codecs can also be installed via a link on the Mint Welcome Screen any time after installation. {{citation needed|date=October 2024}}}} was discontinued in order to reduce the number of ISO images that needed to be maintained.{{cite web|url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3026 |title=Monthly News - April 2016 |first=Clement |last=Lefèbvre |work=The Linux Mint Blog|language=en-us|access-date=2016-08-15|archive-date=2016-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529230527/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3026 |url-status=live }}

Starting with Linux Mint 20, only 64-bit architecture is supported.{{cite web|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linux-Mint-No-More-32-Bit|title=Linux Mint 20 Doing Away With 32-Bit Support|author=Michael Larabel|date=31 March 2020|website=Phoronix|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027023858/https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linux-Mint-No-More-32-Bit|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2019/07/linux-mint-drops-32-bit-iso|title=Linux Mint Confirms It's Dropping 32-bit Releases|author=Joey Sneddon|date=3 July 2019|website=OMG! Ubuntu!|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020151904/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2019/07/linux-mint-drops-32-bit-iso|url-status=live}} This is because Canonical decided to drop 32-bit support from Ubuntu 20.04, which is the base from which Linux Mint 20 is derived.{{cite web|url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3766|title=Monthly News - June 2019|author=Clem|date=2 July 2019|website=The Linux Mint Blog|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024224200/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3766|url-status=live}} The Debian-based LMDE continues to support 32-bit processors.

Linux Mint primarily uses free and open-source software. Before version 18, some proprietary software, such as device drivers, Adobe Flash Player and codecs for MP3 and DVD-Video playback, were bundled with the OS.{{cite web |title=FAQ |url=https://linuxmint.com/faq.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215735/https://linuxmint.com/faq.php |archive-date=2016-03-09 |access-date=2016-03-09 |website=Linux Mint}}{{cite web |last=Vaughan-Nichols |first=Steven |date=January 6, 2012 |title=Fedora, Mint, openSUSE, Ubuntu: Which Linux desktop is for you? |url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222979/Fedora_Mint_openSUSE_Ubuntu_Which_Linux_desktop_is_for_you_?pageNumber=4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606032613/https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222979/Fedora_Mint_openSUSE_Ubuntu_Which_Linux_desktop_is_for_you_?pageNumber=4 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2012 |website=Computerworld}}{{cite web |title=Linux Mint |url=http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=mint |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115011353/http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=mint |archive-date=2016-11-15 |website=DistroWatch.com}} Starting with version 18, the installer provides an option to install third-party, proprietary software.

Linux Mint comes bundled with a wide range of application software, including LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, HexChat, Pidgin, Transmission, and VLC media player. Additional programs can be downloaded using the package manager, adding a PPA, or adding a source to the sources file in the /etc/apt/ directory. Linux Mint allows networking ports to be closed using its firewall, with customized port selection available. The default Linux Mint desktop environments, Cinnamon and MATE, support many languages.{{cite web |title=MATE Desktop Environment localization |url=https://www.transifex.com/projects/p/MATE/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515230916/https://www.transifex.com/projects/p/MATE/ |archive-date=2013-05-15 |access-date=2012-07-17 |website=Transifex}}{{cite web |title=Cinnamon 1.4 released |url=http://cinnamon.linuxmint.com/?p=182 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315185832/http://cinnamon.linuxmint.com/?p=182 |archive-date=2012-03-15 |access-date=2012-07-17 |website=Cinnamon}} Linux Mint can also run many programs designed for Microsoft Windows (such as Microsoft Office), using the Wine compatibility layer.

Linux Mint is available with a number of desktop environments to choose from, including the default Cinnamon desktop, MATE and Xfce. Other desktop environments can be installed via APT, Synaptic, or via the custom Mint Software Manager.

Linux Mint implements Mandatory Access Control with AppArmor to enhance security by default, and restricts the default network-facing processes.

Linux Mint actively develops software for its operating system. Most of the development is done in Python and the source code is available on GitHub.{{cite web |title=Linux Mint FSO |url=https://www.fsonews.com/why-linux-mint-is-an-excellent-gateway-to-the-linux-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326175001/https://www.fsonews.com/why-linux-mint-is-an-excellent-gateway-to-the-linux-world/ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=FSO}}{{cite web |title=Linux Mint repository |url=https://www.github.com/linuxmint |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412091326/http://github.com/linuxmint |archive-date=2010-04-12 |access-date=2010-05-12 |website=GitHub}}

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File:Linux Mint 22.1 mintupdate.png

File:Mintinstall.png

The Cinnamon desktop environment is a fork of GNOME Shell with Mint Gnome Shell Extensions (MGSE) on top. It was released as an add-on for Linux Mint 12 and has been available as a default desktop environment since Linux Mint 13.{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=2012-01-02 |title=Introducing Cinnamon |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1910 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316115018/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1910 |archive-date=2015-03-16 |access-date=2012-01-10 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}}

Hypnotix is the IPTV software developed by the Mint team. The first prototype was released in 2020 following positive reaction to the announcement of the team that it could develop an IPTV application.{{Cite web |title=Monthly News – October 2020 |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3978}}

• Software Manager (mintInstall): Designed to install software from the Ubuntu and Linux Mint software repositories, as well as Launchpad PPAs. Since Linux Mint 18.3, the Software Manager has also been able to install software from Flatpak remotes, and is configured with Flathub by default.{{cite web |title=Monthly News – October 2017 |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129131119/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3418 |archive-date=2018-01-29 |access-date=2018-01-24 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en-US}} It features an interface heavily inspired by GNOME Software, and is built upon GTK3.{{cite web |title=Monthly News – July 2017 |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3322 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221032048/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3322 |archive-date=2017-12-21 |access-date=2018-01-24 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en-US}}
• Update Manager (mintUpdate): Designed to prevent inexperienced users from installing updates that are unnecessary or require a certain level of knowledge to configure properly. Updates can be set to notify users (as is normal), be listed but not notify, or be hidden by default. In addition to including updates specifically for the Linux Mint distribution, the development team tests all package-wide updates. In newer versions of the operating system, this safety level mechanism is largely deactivated in favor of system snapshots created by the Timeshift tool.
• Main Menu (mintMenu): Created for the MATE desktop environment. It is a menu of options including filtering, installation, and removal of software, system and places links, favourites, session management, editable items, custom places and many configuration options.
• Backup Tool (mintBackup): Enables the user to back up and restore data. Data can be backed up before a fresh install of a newer release, and then restored.
• Upload Manager (mintUpload): Defines upload services for FTP, SFTP and SCP servers. Services are then available in the system tray and provide zones where they may be automatically uploaded to their corresponding destinations. As of Linux Mint 18.3, this software is no longer installed by default but is still available in the Linux Mint software repositories.{{cite web |title=New features in Linux Mint 18.3 Cinnamon |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_sylvia_cinnamon_whatsnew.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115130849/https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_sylvia_cinnamon_whatsnew.php |archive-date=2017-11-15 |access-date=2018-01-24 |website=Linux Mint}}
• Domain Blocker (mintNanny): A basic domain blocking parental control tool introduced with v6. Enables the user to manually add domains to be blocked system-wide. As of Linux Mint 18.3, this software is no longer installed by default but is still available in the Linux Mint software repositories.
• Desktop Settings (mintDesktop): A tool for configuration of the desktop.
• Welcome Screen (mintWelcome): Introduced in Linux Mint 7, an application that starts on the first login of any new account. It provides links to the Linux Mint website, user guide, and community website. It also gives a user some first steps such as choosing a desktop color, installing updates and drivers, and making system snapshots.
• USB Image Writer/USB Stick Formatter (mintStick): A tool for writing an image onto a USB drive or formatting a USB stick.
• System Reports (mintReport): Introduced in Linux Mint 18.3, the purpose of System Reports is to allow the user to view and manage automatically generated application crash reports. This application can also suggest users to take actions on their system such as installing drivers or taking system snapshots.

Linux Mint has multiple editions based on Ubuntu, with various desktop environments available. It also has a Debian-based edition.{{cite web |title=Download LMDE |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910004952/https://www.linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php |archive-date=10 September 2010 |accessdate=10 May 2016 |publisher=linuxmint.com}}

As of Linux Mint 13, there are two main editions developed by the core development team and using Ubuntu as a base. One includes Linux Mint's own Cinnamon as the desktop environment while the other uses MATE. There is also a version with the Xfce desktop environment by default. Since the release of version 19 (Tara) in June 2018, the three editions are released simultaneously.{{cite web |date=2018-06-29 |title=Linux Mint 19 "Tara" Xfce released! – The Linux Mint Blog |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3599 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819231441/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3599 |archive-date=2020-08-19 |accessdate=2022-03-15 |publisher=Blog.linuxmint.com}}

Beginning with the release of Linux Mint 19, the KDE edition was officially discontinued; however, the KDE 17.x and 18.x releases were supported until 2019 and 2021, respectively.

In addition to its regular ISO images, Linux Mint sometimes provides an "edge" ISO image for its latest release. This image ships with newer components such as the kernel to be able to support the most modern hardware chipsets and devices.{{cite web |title=Edge ISO Images |url=https://linuxmint-user-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/edge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009041834/https://linuxmint-user-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/edge.html |archive-date=2021-10-09 |access-date=2021-12-22}} As of Linux Mint 22 series, there are no edge editions and instead use the latest HWE kernel series if available.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-01 |title=Monthly News - March 2024 |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420013757/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4660 |archive-date=2024-04-20 |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}}

File:Cinnamon on LMDE Demonstration.webm

The Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) uses Debian Stable as the software source base rather than Ubuntu.{{cite web |title=LMDE Information |url=http://www.linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125024532/https://linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=December 24, 2015 |publisher=Linux Mint}} LMDE was originally based directly on Debian's Testing branch, but it was designed to provide the same functionality and look and feel as the Ubuntu-based editions.{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=March 2, 2014 |title=Linux Mint Debian 201403 released! |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2577 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130222858/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2577 |archive-date=November 30, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |work=The Linux Mint Blog}} LMDE has its own package repositories.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=March 24, 2014 |title=Linux Mint Debian Edition 201403 |url=http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20140324#feature |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227190936/http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20140324#feature |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |access-date=December 27, 2014 |website=Distrowatch.com}}

The original LMDE (now often referred to as LMDE 1) had a semi-rolling release development model, which periodically introduced 'Update Packs' (tested snapshots of Debian Testing). Installing an Update Pack allowed the user to keep LMDE 1 current without having to reinstall the system every six months, as with standard Mint.{{cite web |title=Upgrade from LMDE 1 to LMDE 2 |url=http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815060245/http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2013 |archive-date=2015-08-15 |access-date=2015-08-08 |work=Linux Mint Community}} LMDE 2 (named Betsy) was released in 2015{{cite web |last1=Lefèbvre |first1=Clement |date=April 10, 2015 |title=LMDE 2 "Betsy" Cinnamon released! |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409191334/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808 |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en}} and was based on Debian Jessie. It received automatic updates to the latest versions of MintTools and the installed desktop environment before they were released into the main Mint edition. LMDE 2 was available with both the MATE and Cinnamon desktop environments. Unlike the Debian version it was based on, LMDE 2 remained based on sysvinit but with a 'functional logind' from systemd.{{cite web |last1=Lefèbvre |first1=Clement |date=April 10, 2015 |title=LMDE 2 'Betsy' Cinnamon released! |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808#comment-116426 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409191334/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2808 |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Lefèbvre |first1=Clement |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Monthly News – April 2015 |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2825#comment-117169 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603163618/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2825 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en}}File:Lmde2.png

LMDE 3 (named Cindy) completed the switch from sysvinit to systemd.{{Cite web |title=LMDE 3 'Cindy' Cinnamon – BETA Release |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3629 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901093721/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3629 |archive-date=2018-09-01 |access-date=2024-09-24}} It was based on Debian Stretch and was released in 2018,{{cite web |title=LMDE 3 'Cindy' Cinnamon released! |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3633 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405214328/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3633 |archive-date=2020-04-05 |access-date=2018-08-31 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en-US}} shipping as a single edition with Cinnamon. The latest version of LMDE, version 6 (Faye), based on Debian Bookworm,{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 13, 2023 |title=LMDE 6 'Faye' – BETA Release |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4562 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230914041737/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4562 |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}} was released in 2023.{{Cite web |first= |date=2023-09-27 |title=LMDE 6 'Faye' released! |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4570 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927113211/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4570 |archive-date=2023-09-27 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}}

File:LM 18 Cinnamon Bootup Live CD.png

Individual users and companies using the operating system act as donors,{{cite web |title=Donations |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/donors.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830195857/https://www.linuxmint.com/donors.php |archive-date=2020-08-30 |access-date=2020-08-30 |website=Linux Mint}} sponsors,{{cite web |title=Sponsors |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/sponsors.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830195934/https://www.linuxmint.com/sponsors.php |archive-date=2020-08-30 |access-date=2020-08-30 |website=Linux Mint}} and partners{{cite web |title=Partners |url=https://linuxmint.com/partners.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309203027/https://linuxmint.com/partners.php |archive-date=2016-03-09 |access-date=2016-03-09 |website=Linux Mint}} of the distribution. Linux Mint relies on user feedback to make decisions and orient its development. The official blog often features discussions where users are asked to voice their opinion about the latest features or decisions implemented for upcoming releases. Ideas can be submitted, commented upon and rated by users via the Linux Mint Community Website.{{cite web |year=2010 |title=Idea module |url=http://community.linuxmint.com/idea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713212934/http://community.linuxmint.com/idea |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2010 |website=Linux Mint Community}}

The community of Linux Mint users use Launchpad to participate in the translation of the operating system and in reporting bugs.{{cite web |year=2010 |title=Linux Mint on Launchpad |url=https://launchpad.net/linuxmint |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828174025/https://launchpad.net/linuxmint |archive-date=August 28, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2010 |website=Launchpad.net}}

Most development is done in Python{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} and organized online using GitHub.{{cite web |title=Requirements — Linux Mint Developer Guide documentation |url=https://linuxmint-developer-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/requirements.html#knowing-how-to-use-git |website=linuxmint-developer-guide.readthedocs.io |publisher=Linux Mint |access-date=March 3, 2025 |date=2017}}

Linux Mint does not set fixed release dates, instead publishing new versions "when ready". This approach allows for early releases if ahead of schedule or delays if critical bugs are found.{{cite web |last=Jelic |first=Ivan |date=June 10, 2009 |title=Linux Mint 7 'Gloria' |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/335915/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302054750/http://lwn.net/Articles/335915/ |archive-date=March 2, 2013 |access-date=June 2, 2013 |website=LWN.net}} Announcements and updates are posted on the Linux Mint blog.{{cite web |title=News from the Mint Team |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824201850/http://blog.linuxmint.com/ |archive-date=2011-08-24 |access-date=2010-11-05 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}}

Every version of Linux Mint is given a version number and code-named with a feminine first name ending in 'a' and beginning with a letter of the alphabet that increased with every major revision. Version 18 broke from the pattern with the name 'Sarah'.{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Linux Mint 18 codenamed 'Sarah' |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2975 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110045842/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2975 |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2016 |website=The Linux Mint Blog}}

In 2014, with the release of Linux Mint 17,{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=May 31, 2014 |title=Linux Mint 17 'Qiana' Cinnamon released! |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001161716/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2626 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2014 |work=The Linux Mint Blog}} the team adopted a new release strategy, with all future versions planned to use an LTS version of Ubuntu as a base, until 2016.{{cite web |date=24 June 2014 |title=Mint 17 is the perfect place for Linux-ers to wait out Ubuntu uncertainty |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/mint-17-the-perfect-place-for-linux-ers-to-wait-out-ubuntu-uncertainty/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829010306/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/mint-17-the-perfect-place-for-linux-ers-to-wait-out-ubuntu-uncertainty/ |archive-date=29 August 2014 |access-date=14 June 2017 |work=Ars Technica}}{{cite web |last=Lefèbvre |first=Clement |date=November 29, 2014 |title=Linux Mint 17.1 'Rebecca' Cinnamon released! |url=http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2714 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117085350/http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2714 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |work=The Linux Mint Blog}}

In 2016,{{Cite web |title=Linux Mint XApps: Present and Future |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linux-mint-xapps-present-future-adeolu-oluade-bl3pe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615153951/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linux-mint-xapps-present-future-adeolu-oluade-bl3pe |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=LinkedIn |language=en}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2024}} the Linux Mint team released the X-Apps,{{Cite web |title=New features in Linux Mint 18 Cinnamon |url=https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_sarah_cinnamon_whatsnew.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409034851/https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_sarah_cinnamon_whatsnew.php |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |access-date=17 April 2017 |website=Linux Mint}} a collection of applications that aims to work across different GTK-based desktop environments such as but not limited to Cinnamon, Budgie, Unity, MATE, and XFCE; most of these applications have a traditional user interface (UI), for example, using a menu bar instead of a header-bar.{{cite web |last=Stahie |first=Silviu |date=28 January 2016 |title=Linux Mint Is Getting Its Own Apps Starting with the 18.x Branch |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/linux-mint-is-getting-its-own-apps-starting-with-the-18-x-branch-499564.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427214616/https://news.softpedia.com/news/linux-mint-is-getting-its-own-apps-starting-with-the-18-x-branch-499564.shtml |archive-date=27 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2017 |website=Softpedia}}{{cite web |last=Nestor |first=Marius |date=3 February 2016 |title=Linux Mint Devs Showcase the First Two X-Apps for Linux Mint 18 "Sarah" |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/linux-mint-devs-showcase-the-first-two-x-apps-for-linux-mint-18-sarah-499863.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428151208/https://news.softpedia.com/news/linux-mint-devs-showcase-the-first-two-x-apps-for-linux-mint-18-sarah-499863.shtml |archive-date=28 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2017 |website=Softpedia}} According to the team, the integration of many applications as tied to specific environments and that was the case of a growing number of GNOME applications.

{{As of|2024|post=,}} the Linux Mint team is in the process of transitioning development for X-Apps applications from being part of the Linux Mint development process to being a completely independent project.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Monthly News – April 2024 |url=https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4675 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618000649/https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4675 |archive-date=2024-06-18 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=The Linux Mint Blog |language=en}} Most of them are forks of GNOME Core Applications.

In a 2012 online poll at Lifehacker, Linux Mint was voted the second best Linux distribution, after Ubuntu, with almost 16% of the votes.{{cite web |last=Noyes |first=Katherine |title=Which Linux Distro Is Fairest of Them All? Ubuntu, Survey Says |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/254516/which_linux_distro_is_fairest_of_them_all_ubuntu_survey_says.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008231930/http://www.pcworld.com/article/254516/which_linux_distro_is_fairest_of_them_all_ubuntu_survey_says.html |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=July 8, 2012 |work=PCWorld}} In October 2012 (Issue 162), Linux Format named Linux Mint the best distro for 2012.{{cite web |title=Best distro 2012 |url=http://www.linuxformat.com/archives?issue=162 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907235800/http://linuxformat.com/archives?issue=162 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=October 8, 2015 |website=Linux Format}} In May 2013, David Hayward of TechRadar praised Linux Mint for focusing on desktop users.{{cite web |last=Hayward |first=David |date=May 12, 2013 |title=How Mint became one of the most popular Linux distros |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/how-mighty-mint-became-one-of-the-most-popular-linux-distros-1146584 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131091118/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/how-mighty-mint-became-one-of-the-most-popular-linux-distros-1146584 |archive-date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=April 29, 2019 |website=TechRadar}} In July 2013 (Issue 128), Linux User & Developer gave Linux Mint 15 "Olivia" a score of 5/5, stating "We haven't found a single problem with the distro... we're more than satisfied with the smooth, user-friendly experience that Linux Mint 15, and Cinnamon 1.8, provides for it to be our main distro for at least another 6 months".{{Cite news |last=Zwetsloot |first=Rob |date=July 2013 |title=The Ultimate Linux Mint |url=http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/features/linux-mint-15-interview-html5-arch-and-the-mintbox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707072344/http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/features/linux-mint-15-interview-html5-arch-and-the-mintbox |archive-date=2013-07-07 |access-date=2013-07-05 |newspaper=Linux User and Developer |publisher=Imagine Publishing |location=Bournemouth, United Kingdom |pages=20–23 |issue=128}}

In 2016, reviews of Linux Mint 18 "Sarah" were somewhat mixed, with several that were quite favorable{{cite web |author=Gayan |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Linux Mint 18 Cinnamon Review: They Did it Again! |url=http://www.hecticgeek.com/2016/07/linux-mint-18-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712023755/http://www.hecticgeek.com/2016/07/linux-mint-18-review |archive-date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |website=Hecticgeek.com}}{{cite web |last=Gilbertson |first=Scott |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Mint 18 review: "Just works" Linux doesn't get any better than this |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/08/mint-18-review-just-works-linux-doesnt-get-any-better-than-this/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805190545/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/08/mint-18-review-just-works-linux-doesnt-get-any-better-than-this/ |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |website=Ars Technica}}{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Christine |date=July 25, 2016 |title=Our First Look at Linux Mint 18 Cinnamon |url=http://fossforce.com/2016/07/first-look-linux-mint-18-cinnamon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810082745/http://fossforce.com/2016/07/first-look-linux-mint-18-cinnamon/ |archive-date=August 10, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |website=Fossforce.com}}{{cite web |last=Newell |first=Gary |date=July 17, 2016 |title=An Everyday Linux User Review Of Linux Mint 18 - Back To Its Very Best |url=http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2016/07/an-everyday-linux-user-review-of-linux.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802014506/http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2016/07/an-everyday-linux-user-review-of-linux.html |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |website=Everyday Linux User.com}} and others critical of several specific new problems, with multiple reviews complaining about the lack of multimedia/codec support by default.{{cite web |author=Dedoimedo |date=July 6, 2016 |title=Mint 18 - Forgetting Sarah Linux |url=http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/linux-mint-sarah.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710192733/http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/linux-mint-sarah.html |archive-date=July 10, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |website=Dedoimedo.com}}{{cite web |author=DarkDuck |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Linux Mint 18 Cinnamon: pity, pity, pity |url=http://linuxblog.darkduck.com/2016/07/linux-mint-18-cinnamon-pity-pity-pity.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801182606/http://linuxblog.darkduck.com/2016/07/linux-mint-18-cinnamon-pity-pity-pity.html |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |website=Linux notes from DarkDuck}} Multimedia codecs that had previously been included in the standard Mint distribution were no longer included in "Sarah", but could be loaded with a graphical application that one Ars Technica reviewer said should be obvious for new users.

ZDNet Contributing Editor Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, reviewing Linux Mint 19 and LM 19.1 in the articles "The Linux Mint desktop continues to lead the rest" in July 2018{{cite web |last=Vaughan-Nichols |first=Steven J. |date=July 2, 2018 |title=The Linux Mint desktop continues to lead the rest |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-linux-mint-desktop-continues-to-lead-the-rest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803074916/https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-linux-mint-desktop-continues-to-lead-the-rest/ |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |website=ZDNet}} and "The better-than-ever Linux desktop" in December 2018,{{cite web |last=Vaughan-Nichols |first=Steven J. |date=December 20, 2018 |title=Linux Mint 19.1: The better-than-ever Linux desktop |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-mint-19-1-the-better-than-ever-linux-desktop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304034919/https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-mint-19-1-the-better-than-ever-linux-desktop/ |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |website=ZDNet}} noted Mint's quality, stability, security and user-friendliness compared to other popular distributions. ZDNet's review of Linux Mint 19.2 said: "After looking at many Linux desktops year in and out, Linux Mint is the best of the breed. It's easy to learn (even if you've never used Linux before), powerful, and with its traditional windows, icons, menus, and pointers (WIMP) interface, it's simple to use."{{cite web |last=Vaughan-Nichols |first=Steven J. |date=August 2, 2019 |title=New long-term support version of Linux Mint desktop released |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-long-term-support-version-of-linux-mint-desktop-released/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809024944/https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-long-term-support-version-of-linux-mint-desktop-released/ |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |website=ZDNet}}

In 2024, Linux Mint 22 was released which received mostly positive reviews. Steven Vaughan-Nichol, senior contributing editor at ZD Net praised Mint's propensity to remain the same in terms of functionality.{{Cite web |title=I've tried a zillion desktop distros - it doesn't get any better than Linux Mint 22 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-tried-a-zillion-desktop-distros-it-doesnt-get-any-better-than-linux-mint-22/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=ZDNET |language=en}} The Register points to the fact that unverified Flatpak packages are now off by default and users need to explicitly enable the option to make them visible. This move has reduced the number of packages in Flathub.{{Cite web |title=Linux Mint 22 'Wilma' still the Bedrock choice for moving off Windows|first=Liam|last=Proven|date=29 July 2024|url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/07/29/linus_mint_22_wilma/ |publisher=The Register}}

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