One of the hallmark Linux distributions for new users that we've been very pleased with has been Linux Mint.  As I've said before, it's built on Ubuntu and is essentially "Ubuntu done right".  With the introduction of version 5, Linux Mint has upped its previous level of perfection (as though they had far to go) and created an even better distribution than before.  So what's new about this version of Mint?  Let's have a look.

As before, Linux Mint comes in a installable livecd format.  But when booting the livecd this time around, as compared to other versions, it's interesting to note that Linux Mint doesn't display a boot menu.  You have to hit a key to pause the automatic boot and reveal a four part boot menu.

Those four parts are "Start Linux Mint, Start Linux Mint in compatibility mode, Memory Test, and Boot from local drive.  Booting into the livecd itself is fairly quick and easy.  The part I found somewhat humorous about the initial boot screen was the mention of "Casper" while it was booting.  While likely not an intentional effort at humor, I found it funny none the less.

Boot times into the livecd are pretty typical, and while Mint 5 is pretty good at finding all your hardware, the livecd seems interested in "playing it safe", so to speak, with some settings.  Now once you're into the livecd and on the desktop, movement and program speed is good.  Overall, aside from feature improvements, it's the same quality experience as in Mint 4.

Now speaking of new features and feature improvements, there are a number that make this version more than worthwhile to upgrade to.  The first is improvements in the Mint Menu.  The first of the major improvements is the ability to uninstall applications right from the Mint Menu.  Just right click, select uninstall and away you go.  No having to dive into other programs to remove them.  The second is an updated configuration system that gives you more options to choose from for customizing and configuring the Mint Menu to meet your personal preferences.

Another improvement to Linux Mint is in the update system.  Most of the updates are in the backend of the program, but there are a few UI improvements to help make it easier to keep your system up to date.  There is also some great improvements to Mint Install to make installing specially packaged Mint applications a breeze.  And what's most interesting about Mint Install is that it installs not just from the Linux Mint software repository, but it also pulls from GetDeb.net and APT as well.

And not to be left out in the cold, the UI has undergone some really great improvements to enhance and improve the overall usability and performance of the system.  Some of these include better management of restricted drivers, wallpaper and desktop handling, more colors, and an overall better look and feel.

And speaking of performance, Mint 5 is fast.  Not earth shatteringly faster than Mint 4, but enough to be noticed.  And there's a lot more features I haven't even begun to mention.  To read the full list, just click here to read the release notes on all the new features.

Installation of the full system is dead on easy, just like before, and actually quicker than the install for Mint 4.  Now that difference may only be a few minutes, but it's noticeable.  Once the install is done, you can either continue to use the livecd, or you can boot into your newly installed system.

The first boot after install is surprisingly quick, considering all that the system has to do before it's ready to go for the first time.  After you login, you're given the typical enable root and fortunes setup, and then you're on your desktop again.  Once the desktop has fully appeared, you'll find yourself having to do a number of updates immediately.  That's really not all that bad.  Honestly, I'd be surprised if there weren't any.  Those updates simply mean that the developers have been working hard to ensure that your system is as up to date and secure as possible.

Also, right off the bat I was given the restricted drivers (ie proprietary drivers) control panel that would allow me to update and install all of the restricted drivers available for my system.  In this case there was only one, and that was for my video card.  

The overall amount of software included in Linux Mint is also impressive.  There's popular programs such as Firefox, Gimp, Thunderbird, Mplayer and Open Office, all the way down to embedded Gnome apps such as a dictionary, numerous system tools, and even a bunch of custom mint applications such as Mint Backup, and Mint Desktop.  Load times on all applications, with a few rare exceptions was very good.  Multimedia support is also good, although I didn't really see any improvements over version 4 in this area.

Another interesting thing I saw was that there are some rather unique desktop effects turned on by default, such as fading menus and windows.  Now obviously not all of the eyecandy applications are turned on when you get it, but you do have a few to start.   Now I didn't see any direct evidence of Compiz Fusion or Beryl being installed, however, EnvyNG is present, so I would have to assume that they are in there.

Overall though, I really like Linux Mint 5.  While it's got a few quirks, they're not enough to even really bother with and in short order you'll forget about or ignore them anyways.  I once again recommend Linux Mint for anyone who is looking to try out Mint, or is an experienced user and wants a no fuss desktop Linux distribution.  If you'd like to download it and check it out, you can get it from the Linux Mint download page.