Linux Mint 8 - Helena

Linux Mint is one of the surprise operating systems of the past year. Originally launched as a variant of Ubuntu with integrated media codecs, Linux Mint has now developed into one of the most user-friendly distributions on the market, complete with a custom desktop and menus, several unique configuration tools, a web-based package installation interface and a number of different editions.

I have a netbook and PC (picture right) which have the most recent version of Linux Mint (8 - Helena). After several frustrating years working with Windows and other add-ons that provided little to no security, I took the Linux plunge and have no regrets. The OS boots up and powers down quickly, there is no need for antivirus (nothing is perfect of course, so feel free to install your protection of choice) and most importantly, its FREE.

Designed primarily for home users, the out-of-the-box functionality of Mint is nothing short of amazing. Anything you could possibly want is already here. I had this system up and running from a bootable CD is about six minutes.

Linux Mint 9 - Isadora was released back in May and from what I have heard its a winner. Linux Mint 10, based on the upcoming Ubuntu 10.10 “Maverick Meerkat”, will be released in November this year under the codename “Julia”.

For now, go to http://www.linuxmint.com/start/helena/ and browse around. Take the OS for a test drive.....you can always download the system and boot from a flash drive or CD/DVD without having to load the system on your machine.