For desktop Linux, there are several popular distributions:
- Fedora, the Linux desktop version of the Red Hat series.
- Ubuntu is a widely popular and user-friendly desktop distribution based on Debian.
On the other hand, Linux Mint is a Linux based on Ubuntu with a similar style to the older Windows XP and has gained a large user base.
However, many people may not be aware that Linux Mint has a twin brother: LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition).
So, I will give you a brief introduction to LMDE.
Advantages of Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a desktop distribution based on Ubuntu. It offers three different versions with different desktop UI: Cinnamon, Xfce, and Mate.
Cinnamon is the primary supported version maintained by the Linux Mint team. While Ubuntu and Fedora use GNOME instead.
With many Linux distributions available, it is challenging to stand out without unique advantages.
Linux Mint has gained popularity for several main reasons:
Designed for desktop Linux
Unlike Ubuntu, which supports both desktop and server environments, Linux Mint's sole focus is on the Linux desktop.
So, Linux Mint comes with many user-friendly applications that are not found in other Linux distributions, making it easier to use.
Windows-like style
We are proud of Linux for its open-source, free, and customizable.
It's undeniable that a significant number of people still use Windows and are more accustomed to its style.
Ubuntu and Fedora, both using the GNOME desktop UI, have a style closer to macOS but not Windows, which can be challenging for many users from Windows.
In contrast, Cinnamon resembles Windows XP and Windows 7. Which makes it more user-friendly for Windows users.
Low Resources requirements
Compared to Ubuntu, Linux Mint with Cinnamon has lower hardware requirements. It only requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM, while Ubuntu requires at least 4 GB.
Since many people repurpose older machines for Linux installations. It's clear that a resource-friendly distribution is more popular.
Open-source and freedom
Linux Mint, based on Ubuntu, goes beyond just changing the UI. It is a community-driven distribution that adheres to the principles of open-source and freedom.
In contrast, Ubuntu, backed by a commercial company, has various commercial influences.
The Snap software store is not welcomed by the community because of its closed source. So Linux Mint disables Snap by default.
What is LMDE?
Linux Mint is well-known, but it actually has a twin brother: LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition).
Many people didn't know L, which is why I want to focus on it in this article and let everyone know about this alternative choice.
So, what is LMDE?
LMDE is Linux Mint built on Debian.
In short:
It is a Linux distribution developed and maintained by the Linux Mint team.
Its style closely resembles the official version of Cinnamon in Linux Mint (hence the "twin" reference).
It is built on Debian instead of Ubuntu, which Linux Mint is based on.
If you use LMDE, it may not be easy to distinguish it from Linux Mint based on its appearance alone. However, there are significant differences between them under the hood.
Built on Debian
The purpose of LMDE was to provide an alternative in case Ubuntu "disappeared" one day or faced certain restrictions (like Red Hat). To mitigate this, the Linux Mint team built LMDE on Debian.
Although built on a different base, the UI and experience of these two versions are very similar.
Cinnamon-only version
LMDE only offers the Cinnamon desktop UI and does not include Mate or Xfce.
Who is LMDE for?
Compared to Linux Mint, LMDE is more suitable for:
People who like Linux Mint or Debian but are not fond of Ubuntu.
People who prefer Debian but find its desktop environment less user-friendly.
People who are dedicated to open-source and freedom, and dislike being influenced by commercial factors.
If you belong to any of these groups, you might consider trying out LMDE. It is user-friendly, based on Debian, and fully open-source.
Disadvantages of LMDE
It is important to know that LMDE and Linux Mint appear very similar in appearance. But there are still some differences between them.
Using LMDE also comes with notable drawbacks that you need to overcome.
not as much ease of use as Linux Mint
Ubuntu gained popularity in the desktop Linux world because it invested a significant amount of effort in friendly.
Making it more friendly for Linux users.
While many programmers or Linux experts may not like Ubuntu, it's essential to remember that not everyone is a programmer. The usability of an operating system is important.
LMDE, based on Debian, strives to have a consistent style with Linux Mint, but without the support of Ubuntu, it especially reduces the ease of use.
There are some points of this:
Software installation may be inconvenient
No PPA software sources support
Upgrades may be slower
Debian tends to have older software versions and kernels.
Smaller user base, higher learning curve
As a beginner, whether you are using Linux Mint or Ubuntu, you will likely encounter many issues that have been shared by a large number of users. You can easily find solutions online as numerous people have provided them.
This is where usability shines. When you face a problem, you can Google it and find solutions effortlessly.
However, this is not the case with LMDE. Debian is primarily used in server environments rather than the desktop Linux. This means that if you encounter a problem, it may be challenging to find a solution through online searches.
For newcomers, resolving various Linux issues on their own can be quite difficult. Not everyone is a programmer, some tasks that consider simple, such as using the shell, can be challenging for ordinary users to learn.
Conclusion
If you are a Linux beginner, LMDE may not be the best fit for you. Ubuntu or Linux Mint, with their user-friendly approaches, are more suitable options.
However, if you are an experienced Linux user, LMDE, the twin brother of Linux Mint, might be a distribution worth considering and trying out.
Top comments (1)
I actually like the older and well maintained Debian packages more, especially for devices, as Ubuntu is built out of sid. But it depends on what your looking for.