30 November 2009, 10:55

Linux Mint 8 released

The Linux Mint 8 desktop. The Linux Mint development team have announced the release of Linux Mint version 8, code named "Helena". Linux Mint aims to be user friendly and to provide a more complete out-of-the-box experience by including support for DVD playback, Java, plug-ins and various media CODECs. It is also the fourth most popular distribution on DistroWatch.com behind Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE.

Linux Mint 8 is based on Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) and features version 2.6.31 of the Linux kernel, X.org 7.4 and the 2.28 GNOME desktop environment. In addition to "numerous bug fixes", the latest release includes support for OEM installs, a new Upload Manager for file uploads and Software Manager improvements, such as the ability to select multiple applications for installation and/or removal. The Update Manager allows users to select whether on not packages receive updates and, in preferences, users can also define their own menu buttons. For example, a "Music"button that points to a user's Music Directory.

The 8th release of Linux Mint is available in 'Main' or 'Universal' editions. The Main Edition includes all the plug-ins and proprietary software required to make it user friendly, fits on a CD and can be run as a LiveCD. The Universal Edition provides the same features as the Main Edition, but without including proprietary software, patented technologies or support for restricted formats. An extra menu choice in the Sound & Video menu allows users to launch the installation of missing codecs at their own discretion. The Universal edition is also available as a LiveDVD with built-in support for nearly 40 different languages.

More details about the release, including a full list of new features, can be found on the what's new page and in the release notes. A Linux Mint 8 Official User Guide PDF is also provided. Linux Mint 8 is available to download from the project's website. The developers note that a 64-bit edition of Linux Mint 8 is not yet available.