This question has existed since the introduction of Linux Mint, and this page does not provide an answer. Not totally, at least.
So, what exactly is going on here?
I’ve been using Ubuntu for quite some time. I experiment with various Linux distributions, but I always return to Ubuntu, sooner or later. Also dabble in Linux Mint sometimes, largely for the purpose of writing articles about it. I must say that using Linux Mint has been a very good experience for me.
As a die-hard Ubuntu supporter, I finally switched back to Ubuntu from Linux Mint, but not before noticing that Linux Mint is better for beginners than Ubuntu.
It’s because Mint handles a few things better than Ubuntu out of the box. And when we’re talking about a new Linux beginner, this “by default” is crucial. Because a seasoned Linux user will figure it out. Beginners have difficulty with even the most basic of tasks.
I am convinced that I can give a fair comparison between Linux Mint and Ubuntu because I have tried both major Linux variants.
The comparison I’m making here is from the perspective of a newbie Linux desktop user who has recently migrated from Windows or is considering switching to Linux. For a seasoned user, though, it should still be a worthwhile read.
Why Linux Mint is Better Than Ubuntu for Linux Beginners
| Points | Linux Mint | Ubuntu |
| 1. Low memory usage in Cinnamon compared to GNOME | To make the experience faster, Linux Mint strives to remove what they believe is unneeded and also a slight advantage over Ubuntu in terms of memory utilization. | It is not removed |
| 2. Software Manager: it’s faster, more streamlined, and lighter. | The Software Manager in Linux Mint, on the other hand, is lighter and faster. | The Ubuntu Software Centre takes a long time to load, consumes a lot of resources, and is hard to interact with. |
| 3. More feature-rich software sources | You get the required features with Ubuntu, but Linux Mint takes a step further and adds capabilities like the ability to remove foreign packages, add missing keys, remove duplicate entries, and a few other options that Ubuntu lacks (considering Ubuntu 20.04). | As of now, you have all the necessary choices for managing repositories, reverting settings, and tweaking the software sources to your liking. |
| 4. Desklets, Applets, and Themes | I’m not implying that installing themes in Ubuntu is difficult. Linux Mint, on the other hand, does it better than Ubuntu. | Ubuntu, on the other hand, does not make installing themes as simple as it could be. You’ll need to hunt for a place to obtain and install the zipped theme file. |
| applets and desklets have their own section in Linux Mint’s Settings. An online library of indicator applets and desklets is also available (Windows likes desktop widgets in Linux). | This feature isn’t available in Ubuntu. | |
| 5. Codecs, Flash, and plenty of applications by default | Codecs aren’t pre-installed on Linux Mint (you do get the option to include it while installing it). However, if you use the Software Manager to look for codecs, it will at least show you the necessary alternatives straight immediately. | It’s not that media codecs can’t be installed on Ubuntu. Ubuntu, too, allows you to install codecs while installing the operating system. However, if you do not do so during installation, you will struggle. Ubuntu Restricted Extra is a package that contains the most commonly used media codecs, including Adobe Flash. |
| 6. A Wider Range of Desktop Options with Long-Term Support | Both Ubuntu and Linux Mint (which is, of course, based on Ubuntu) support five years of system upgrades. However, Canonical only provides 5-year system updates for Ubuntu’s GNOME edition. | Same |
| 7. The Snap Store is disabled by default in Linux Mint. | if you don’t want to use the Snap store, Linux Mint is a suitable choice because it prevents APT from installing Snaps. | And, with Ubuntu, you get to use it right away. |
| 8. Apps That Come Pre-Installed Are Fantastic! | The Linux Mint Apps That Come Pre-Installed Are Fantastic! | You can install the Time Shift backup/restore application on Ubuntu, but it is not built-in. |
HP Linux Imaging and Printing Drivers
The HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) drivers have been upgraded to version 3.22.2, which includes support for the most recent Linux Mint, elementary OS, and RHEL editions, as well as a slew of new HP printers.
Now Support Linux Mint 20.3 and elementary OS 6.1
HPLIP 3.22.2 arrives two and a half months after the release of HPLIP 3.21.12, which only added support for Fedora Linux 35, elementary OS 6, and MX Linux 21 distributions, to add support for more recent distributions such as Linux Mint 20.3, elementary OS 6.1, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.5.
This implies that if you install the latest HP Linux Imaging and Printing version, you can now use your HP printer or scanner device on any of these GNU/Linux distributions.
HPLIP 3.22.2 also includes support for the HP LaserJet Tank MFP family of printers, including the 1602a, 1602w, 1604w, 2602dn, 2602sdn, 2602dw, 2604sdw, 2603dw, 2603sdw, 2606dn, 2606sdn, 2606sdw, 2606dw, 2606dc, 1005, 1005w, and 1005nw models.
HP LaserJet Tank 1502a, HP LaserJet Tank 1502w, HP LaserJet Tank 1504w, HP LaserJet Tank 2502dw, HP LaserJet Tank 2502dn, HP LaserJet Tank 2504dw, HP LaserJet Tank 2503dw, HP LaserJet Tank 2506dw, HP LaserJet Tank 2506dn, HP LaserJet Tank 2506dn, HP LaserJet Tank
HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) 3.22.2 is now available for download from the company’s website. Select your chosen distribution from the drop-down list and download the automatic installer to install the updated version.
If you want to correctly install the HP Linux Imaging and Printing drivers on your GNU/Linux distribution, don’t hesitate to follow HP’s instructions.
Conclusions
Keep in mind that this is not an anti-Ubuntu rant. Ubuntu is one of my favorite operating systems. Cinnamon’s interface has never appealed to me. It’s simply too boring for me. On Ubuntu, I prefer the user interface.
However, everyone has their own set of preferences, and I only wanted to give you some reasons if you were considering using Linux Mint as your computer’s desktop operating system.
It’s just that for a complete newcomer to Linux, It appears to be a better option than Ubuntu. Because Cinnamon offers a Windows-like interface, it may be a consideration when deciding between Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Of course, in that scenario, you may want to investigate some Windows-like distributions.
