Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, and plenty of older PCs can't run Windows 11. If the laptop you use for quotes, plans and build paperwork falls into that gap, you don't have to bin it. Linux Mint is a free, open-source operating system that's a genuine alternative to Windows and macOS. It's user-friendly, highly customisable, and takes privacy and security seriously.
Here's what Linux Mint is, why it's worth considering, the catches, and how to install it.
What is Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is a free operating system based on Ubuntu Linux. It was built to be friendlier than other Linux versions, so people with no Linux experience can pick it up. Since its first release in 2006 it has become one of the most popular Linux distributions, especially with people leaving Windows and macOS.
Key Features of Linux Mint
- User-Friendly Interface: Linux Mint is known for its clean, simple, and easy-to-navigate interface. It closely resembles the look and feel of traditional operating systems like Windows, which makes the transition easier for new users.
- Pre-Installed Software: Linux Mint comes with a wide range of pre-installed software, including the LibreOffice suite, Firefox web browser, and multimedia tools, so you can get started right away without needing to download additional programs.
- Customisability: One of the standout features of Linux Mint is its customisability. Users can tweak almost every aspect of the operating system, from the desktop environment to the system settings, to suit their personal preferences.
- Security and Privacy: Linux Mint places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The OS receives regular updates, and the Linux Mint team is committed to protecting users' data and privacy.
Updates and Community Support
Linux Mint is actively maintained. Point releases come out roughly every six months, a new major version arrives about every two years, and each version gets security updates for five years. You decide when updates are installed, with no forced restarts in the middle of your work.
The community is one of Mint's greatest strengths, and it's where you'll find most of your help:
- The Linux Mint Forums: The official Linux Mint forums are a great place to start. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you can find detailed guides, troubleshooting tips, and support from other Linux Mint users.
- Reddit (r/linuxmint): The Linux Mint subreddit is an active community where users share tips, ask questions, and discuss the latest developments in the Linux Mint world.
- Linux Mint Documentation: The official documentation is comprehensive and user-friendly, offering step-by-step guides on installing and using Linux Mint.
- YouTube Channels: Channels like “LearnLinuxTV” and “The Linux Experiment” offer video tutorials that can help visual learners get the most out of Linux Mint.
Why You Should Consider Switching to Linux Mint
If you're tired of the cost, limits and frustrations of Windows and macOS, here's why Mint is worth a look.
Cost Savings: Free and Open-Source
Linux Mint is completely free to download, install and use, and most of the software for it is free too. No licences, no subscriptions.
Control Over Your Software
Windows and macOS come with bloatware, forced updates and features you never asked for. With Mint, you decide what to install and when to update, so your computer stays uncluttered and doesn't restart itself mid-quote.
Flexibility and Customization
You can change almost everything, from the desktop layout and themes to system settings, and install only the software you need.
Security and Privacy
Linux Mint is far less exposed to malware than Windows. It also doesn't track your activity or sell your data to third parties.
Performance on Older Hardware
Mint can breathe new life into older computers. If your PC can't run Windows 11, or your Mac no longer gets macOS updates, Mint is light enough to run well on that hardware without expensive upgrades. Installing a solid-state drive (SSD) or more RAM in an old machine helps even more.
Potential Drawbacks of Linux Mint
Learning Curve
If you're used to Windows or macOS, expect a learning curve. Installing software, updating and managing files all work a bit differently. Most people find it intuitive once they get the hang of it, and there's plenty of help out there, like this cheat sheet from GeeksforGeeks:
GeeksforGeeks
Software Compatibility
One of the main challenges with switching to Linux Mint is software compatibility. Some programs and applications that are standard on Windows or MacOS may not have direct equivalents in the Linux ecosystem. For example, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and certain proprietary software may not run natively on Linux. While there are often open-source alternatives (like GIMP for Adobe Photoshop or LibreOffice for Microsoft Office), these alternatives may not offer the exact same features or experience.
Gaming Limitations
If you’re a gamer, you might find Linux Mint’s gaming support to be limited compared to Windows. While Linux gaming has come a long way in recent years, thanks to platforms like Steam’s Proton and Lutris, some AAA games may not run as smoothly or at all on Linux. Additionally, game developers often prioritize Windows for game releases, meaning you might have to wait longer for Linux support or rely on third-party tools to get games running.
Hardware Compatibility
Most hardware works out of the box, but some printers, graphics cards and Wi-Fi adapters need extra drivers. We run a Brother MFC-J6930DW on Linux Mint. It printed fine straight away, but we had to download Brother's model-specific drivers and install them through the Terminal to get every feature working. If you're unsure about a device, search the Mint forums before you switch.
Brother Print Drivers
https://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadtop.aspx?c=au&lang=en&prod=mfcj6930dw_us_eu_as
Step 1. Download the tool.(linux-brprinter-installer-..-.gz)
The tool will be downloaded into the default "Download" directory.
(The directory location varies depending on your Linux distribution.)
e.g. /home/(LoginName)/Download
Step 2. Open a terminal window.
Step 3. Go to the directory you downloaded the file to in the last step. By using the cd command.
e.g. cd Downloads
Step 4. Enter this command to extract the downloaded file:
Command: gunzip linux-brprinter-installer-2.2.4-1.gz
e.g. gunzip linux-brprinter-installer-2.1.1-1.gz
Step 5. Get superuser authorization with the "su" command or "sudo su" command.
Step 6. Run the tool:
Command: bash linux-brprinter-installer-..- Brother machine name
e.g. bash linux-brprinter-installer-2.2.4-1 MFC-J6930DW
Step 7. The driver installation will start. Follow the installation screen directions.
When you see the message "Will you specify the DeviceURI ?",
For USB Users: Choose N(No)
For Network Users: Choose Y(Yes) and DeviceURI number.
The install process may take some time. Please wait until it is complete.
No Helpdesk to Call
Support is community-driven, not a professional helpdesk. If something goes wrong, you'll be searching forums, asking on Reddit or reading documentation. The community is quick to help, but it's not the same as having someone to ring.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
Current versions of Linux Mint need:
Minimum: a 64-bit processor, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB of disk space and a 1024x768 screen.
Recommended: 4 GB RAM and 100 GB of disk space.
You'll also need a USB stick (at least 4 GB) for the installer. Check the release notes on the Linux Mint website for the version you download.
Before you start, back up your data and check your computer meets the requirements above.
How to Install Linux Mint
Installing Linux Mint is straightforward, even if you're not particularly tech-savvy.
Preparing for Installation
- Back Up Your Data: If the computer already has an operating system, back up everything important first. The install is generally safe, but don't risk it.
- Choose the Right Version of Linux Mint: Linux Mint comes in several different editions, with the most popular being the Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce editions. Each edition has a different desktop environment, so choose the one that best fits your needs:
- Cinnamon: The flagship edition, offering a modern and full-featured desktop experience.
- MATE: A more traditional desktop environment, known for its speed and efficiency.
- Xfce: A lightweight edition, ideal for older hardware or users who prefer a simpler interface.
- Download the Linux Mint ISO: Visit the official Linux Mint website and download the ISO file for the edition you’ve chosen. The ISO file is a disk image that contains the entire Linux Mint operating system.
Creating a Bootable USB Disk
Once you’ve downloaded the Linux Mint ISO, the next step is to create a bootable USB disk. This will allow you to install Linux Mint on your computer.
- Tools Needed:
- A USB flash drive (at least 4GB in size)
- A computer with internet access
- Software to create the bootable USB (e.g., balenaEtcher)
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download and Install BalenaEtcher: BalenaEtcher is a free tool that simplifies the process of creating bootable USB disks. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Insert Your USB Drive: Plug the USB drive into your computer. Make sure it’s empty or that you’ve backed up any important files, as the process will erase all data on the drive.
- Open BalenaEtcher: Launch BalenaEtcher and select the Linux Mint ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Select Your USB Drive: Choose your USB drive from the list of available drives.
- Flash the Drive: Click the “Flash” button to start the process. BalenaEtcher will write the Linux Mint ISO to your USB drive, making it bootable.
- Safely Eject the USB Drive: Once the process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Installing Linux Mint
With your bootable USB drive ready, it’s time to install Linux Mint on your computer.
- Boot from the USB Drive:
- Insert the USB Drive: Plug the bootable USB drive into the computer where you want to install Linux Mint.
- Access the Boot Menu: Restart the computer and access the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F12, F2, ESC, or DEL, depending on your computer).
- Select the USB Drive: From the boot menu, select your USB drive to boot from it.
- Guided Installation Process:
- Welcome Screen: After booting from the USB drive, you’ll see the Linux Mint welcome screen. Here, you can choose to try Linux Mint without installing it or proceed directly to installation. If you’re ready to install, click “Install Linux Mint.”
- Language and Keyboard Layout: Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
- Preparing to Install: The installer will check if your system meets the requirements. It’s recommended to connect to the internet during installation to download updates and third-party software (e.g., codecs for media playback).
- Installation Type: You’ll be prompted to choose the installation type. You can install Linux Mint alongside your existing operating system (dual boot), erase the entire disk and install Linux Mint, or use advanced options for custom partitioning.
- Partitioning: If you choose a custom installation, you can create, resize, or delete partitions. Otherwise, the installer will handle this automatically.
- User Setup: Set up your user account by entering your name, computer name, username, and password. You can also choose whether to log in automatically or require a password.
- Begin Installation: Once everything is set, click “Install Now” to begin the installation. The process may take some time, depending on your hardware.
- Final Steps:
- Remove the USB Drive: After installation is complete, the system will prompt you to remove the USB drive and press Enter to reboot.
- First Boot: Your computer will now boot into Linux Mint for the first time.
Post-Installation Setup
After installing Linux Mint, there are a few essential steps to get your system up and running.
- Update the System: The first thing you should do is update your system to ensure you have the latest security patches and software updates. Open the Update Manager and install all available updates.
- Install Additional Software: Depending on your needs, you might want to install additional software. The Software Manager in Linux Mint makes it easy to browse and install a wide range of applications.
- Customize the Desktop Environment: Take some time to explore and customize your desktop environment. You can change the theme, wallpaper, and layout to make your Linux Mint experience uniquely yours.
Installing and Using Wine
The big worry for most people leaving Windows is their Windows-only software. That's where Wine comes in. Wine ("Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a free compatibility layer that translates Windows instructions so many Windows programs can run directly on Linux, without a virtual machine.
Wine isn't perfect and not every program will work, but it handles a lot of popular ones.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Wine
Installing Wine on Linux Mint is straightforward and can be done using the terminal or the Software Manager. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Install Wine via Terminal:
- Open the Terminal: You can open the terminal by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + T. - Add the WineHQ Repository: To get the latest version of Wine, add the official WineHQ repository by running the following commands:
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo mkdir -pm755 /etc/apt/keyrings
sudo wget -O /etc/apt/keyrings/winehq-archive.key https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/$(lsb_release -cs)/winehq-$(lsb_release -cs).sources
- Update Your Package List:
sudo apt update
- Install Wine: Install the latest stable version of Wine by running:
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable
- Verify the Installation: After the installation is complete, you can verify that Wine is installed by running:
wine --version
- This command should return the version of Wine installed on your system.
- Install Wine via Software Manager:
- Open Software Manager: You can find it in the main menu under "Administration."
- Search for Wine: Type "Wine" in the search bar and select the stable version.
- Install Wine: Click the "Install" button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Running Windows Applications with Wine
Once Wine is installed, you can start using it to run Windows applications.
- Download the Windows Application: Download the
.exefile for the Windows application you want to run. - Run the Installer with Wine: Navigate to the directory where the
.exefile is located, right-click on the file, and select "Open with Wine Windows Program Loader." This will start the installation process just like it would on a Windows PC. - Launch the Application: Once installed, you can run the application by double-clicking its icon or running it through Wine in the terminal.
Examples of Popular Windows Programs Compatible with Wine
Wine supports a wide range of Windows applications. Here are a few examples:
- Microsoft Office: Many users successfully run older versions of Microsoft Office (like Office 2010) using Wine.
- Adobe Photoshop: Certain versions of Adobe Photoshop work well with Wine, allowing you to continue using this popular software on Linux.
- Notepad++: This versatile text editor is a favorite among developers and runs smoothly under Wine.
Troubleshooting and Optimizing Wine Performance
While Wine is a powerful tool, you might encounter some issues depending on the application you’re trying to run. Here are some tips to help troubleshoot and optimize your experience:
- Check the AppDB: The Wine Application Database (AppDB) is a community-driven resource where users share their experiences running Windows software with Wine. Before installing an application, check the AppDB for compatibility ratings and any known issues.
- Install Winetricks: Winetricks is a helper script that makes it easier to install certain libraries and components required by some Windows applications. It can help resolve issues with application dependencies.
sudo apt install winetricks
Run in a Virtual Desktop: If you encounter graphical issues, try running the application in a virtual desktop by configuring Wine through winecfg and enabling the "Emulate a virtual desktop" option.
Getting the Most Out of Linux Mint
Recommended Software and Applications
Mint comes with most of the essentials pre-installed. Here are some extras worth adding:
- Web Browsers:
- Firefox: The default browser on Linux Mint, known for its speed and privacy features.
- Brave: A privacy-focused browser with built-in ad-blocking and tracking protection.
- Vivaldi: A highly customizable browser for power users.
- Mullvad: Privacy focussed browser integrates well with the Mullvad VPN
- Floorp: Yep, its based on Firefox by hardened - LINK
- Office Suite:
- LibreOffice: A full-featured office suite that’s compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
- OnlyOffice: An alternative office suite with better compatibility with Microsoft Office files.
- Multimedia:
- VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports almost every video and audio format.
- GIMP: An advanced image editor that serves as a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
- Audacity: A powerful audio editor for recording and editing sound.
- Productivity Tools:
- Thunderbird: A robust email client with calendar and task management features.
- Kdenlive: A video editor that offers a wide range of features for both beginners and professionals.
- Evolution: An email and calendar application that integrates well with GNOME desktop environments.
- System Utilities:
- Timeshift: A system restore utility that allows you to create and manage system snapshots. Very handy if you mess up a system setting then need to restore to your last safe backup.
- BleachBit: A system cleaner that helps you free up space by removing unnecessary files.
- Vorta: By Borgbase is a fantastic backup system for each PC especially when you consider they shout you 10GB free! I highly recommend this service. There are heaps of Youtube videos to help you get it up and running. The paid plans are far more affordable than Backblaze too.
Tips for Customization
A few ways to make Mint your own:
- Changing Themes: Linux Mint allows you to easily change the look and feel of your desktop. You can choose from a variety of themes for your window borders, icons, and controls. Simply go to "Themes" in the System Settings to explore and apply new themes.
- Installing Additional Desktop Environments: If you want to try a different desktop environment, you can install additional ones such as KDE Plasma or GNOME. This gives you the flexibility to choose the interface that best suits your workflow.
- Using Applets and Desklets: Applets are small applications that you can add to your panel (taskbar), such as a weather applet or a CPU monitor. Desklets are similar, but they sit on your desktop instead of the panel. You can add these from the “Applets” and “Desklets” options in the System Settings.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize keyboard shortcuts to improve your productivity. For example, you can set up shortcuts for launching applications, controlling media playback, or taking screenshots. Go to “Keyboard” in the System Settings to configure these.
- Creating Custom Scripts: If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can create custom scripts to automate repetitive tasks. For example, you could create a script to back up your files or launch a specific set of applications when you start your computer.
Is It Worth It?
If you're after an alternative to the cost and restrictions of Windows and macOS, Linux Mint is user-friendly, flexible and secure, and it can keep an older computer useful for years. Try it from the USB stick first without installing anything. If you like it, install it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Linux Mint really free?
- Yes, Linux Mint is completely free to download, install, and use. It’s open-source software, meaning it’s developed and maintained by a community of contributors.
- Can I install Linux Mint alongside Windows or MacOS?
- Yes, Linux Mint can be installed alongside your existing operating system in a dual-boot configuration, allowing you to choose which OS to use when you start your computer.
- Will my Windows software work on Linux Mint?
- Many Windows applications can run on Linux Mint using Wine, but not all software is compatible. For programs that don’t work, you may need to find a Linux alternative.
- Is Linux Mint safe from viruses?
- Linux Mint is less susceptible to viruses and malware compared to Windows, but no system is entirely immune. It’s still important to practice safe browsing and consider using antivirus software if needed.
- Can I customize Linux Mint?
- Yes, Linux Mint is highly customizable. You can change themes, desktop environments, and install a wide range of additional software to tailor the OS to your liking.
- What is the best version of Linux Mint for older computers?
- The Xfce edition of Linux Mint is the most lightweight and is recommended for older hardware, as it consumes fewer resources and runs more efficiently.
- Where can I find help if I run into problems?
- You can find help through the Linux Mint forums, the Linux Mint subreddit, official documentation, YouTube tutorials, and various community-written blogs.
Further Reading
Anthony Painter
