For those seeking alternatives beyond mainstream operating systems, Ubuntu and Linux Mint stand as two of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distros available today. From techies building specialized Linux rigs to students looking for an affordable computing solution – Ubuntu and Mint meet a range of needs.
But between Ubuntu offering 15 variations tailored from IoT devices to cloud servers, and Mint coming in multiple desktop-focused editions, the choice between these feature-packed distros can get overwhelming!
As an avid Linux user since the late 1990s and creator of various Linux-based systems over the years, allow me to guide you through a detailed yet friendly comparison of Ubuntu vs Mint across various parameters.
We have a lot to unpack between Canonical‘s open-source darling Ubuntu powering everything from laptops to the ISS space station and plucky upstart Mint beloved by convinced Windows switchers. So brew yourself a steaming mug of Bulletproof Coffee or black tea, settle into a comfy sofa-cave and let‘s indulge our inner penguin!
What Are Ubuntu and Linux Mint? A Quick Intro
Before diving into technical differences, first some context on what these popular Linux distros actually are under the hood and what sets them apart from closed-source operating systems.
Ubuntu arose in 2004 from the efforts of South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth and his company Canonical, along with community open-source developers. The core of Ubuntu is derived from Debian Linux, integrating components like the apt package manager and deb software format. It runs on top of a typical Linux kernel and GNU environment.
Two key differentiating aspects of Ubuntu that shaped its fame are:
- Ease of use and polish focused explicitly on the desktop computing experience rather than servers.
- Firm support timeline from Canonical with certain LTS or Long Term Support releases guaranteed security and system maintenance updates for 3 to 5 years.
Over subsequent major releases, Ubuntu has become versatile enough to power smartphones like the bq Aquaris, embedded systems like the Raspberry Pi micro-computer, and high-performance clusters scaling to thousand of servers where reliability is critical.
As of 2022, Ubuntu usage in public cloud infrastructure amounts for 7% coverage according to the Cloud Market statistics from W3Techs. Today Ubuntu remains under active development, with the recent 22.04 LTS "Jammy Jellyfish" release arriving April 2022.
Linux Mint traces its origins to France, created in 2006 by software developers Clement Lefebvre and Pierre-Yves, built upon components imported primarily from Ubuntu. Thus at its core, Linux Mint relies on an Ubuntu base with elements such as dpkg/APT for software installation management inherited from the Debian roots both share.
What sets Linux Mint apart is the focus on providing an easy switch from Windows environments, going a step beyond Ubuntu‘s friendly interface. The default Cinnamon desktop layout mimics the Windows UX many are already familiar with. Combined with its own software manager fork called Mint Software Manager, the distro gained traction among new Linux converts.
Responsibility for Linux Mint development belongs to the community under Clement Lefebvre‘s supervision. Ongoing funding relies on sponsorships and donations rather than any major corporate steward like Canonical sponsoring Ubuntu. However this grassroots approach has cultivated a loyal user base who cherish Mint‘s distinctly community-driven accessible edge.
With no enterprise support ambitions, Mint remains laser focused on the home and SMB area rather than penetrating data centers like Ubuntu. Release cycles happen annually or biannually with version upgrades landing more frequent security updates on software & kernels. Latest stable release is Mint 21 “Vanessa” from June 2022.
Now that you know how Ubuntu vs Mint came into existence and just what they represent in the Linux landscape, let us move on to some key factors differentiating these friendly distros from each other.
Desktop Interface Showdown: Ubuntu Unity vs Linux Mint Cinnamon
The similarities between Ubuntu and Linux Mint stem from shared upstream components starting from Debian and the Linux kernel itself. Yet when it comes to the all-important user interface and desktop environment (DE), some clear differences emerge:
||Ubuntu|Linux Mint|
|–|–|–|
|Default Desktop|GNOME Unity|Cinnamon|
|Design Philosophy|Evolved ideas from Mac OS X aim for simplicity via keyboard shortcuts & search|Follows Windows paradigm with start menu, system tray etc|
|Theme Customization|Highly flexible theming available through GNOME extensions, Unity Tweak Tool|Mint Tools app provides slick customization options for Cinnamon theme, icons, fonts etc|
|UI Complexity|Has steeper learning curve for new users less familiar with standard Linux desktops|Extremely intuitive keeping Windows switchers in mind|
What the above comparison table highlights is Linux Mint striving to provide familiar Windows-like user experience while Ubuntu‘s Unity DE leans closer to Mac OS concepts. Let‘s explore how this plays out when actually using the two Linux distros:
Booting into Ubuntu 22.04 LTS you are greeted by the customary Linux login screen post which the traditional GNOME Shell base layered with Unity theme pops into view. What immediately strikes you is the Dock running along the left edge housing launchers for frequently accessed apps like Firefox and Rhythmbox music player.
Taking cues from Apple‘s Mac OS playbook, a searchable Dash brings up results from across local apps, files, system settings and online sources. Keyboard shortcuts play a prominent role with native apps contours following suite for ease of navigation. The learning curve feels reminiscent of getting oriented with Macs minus some polish. But mat the benefit of added customization abilities courtesy the open source code.
Linux Mint 21 boots straight into the Cinnamon DE, and you notice the bottom Panel sporting quick launch icons, open windows peeking out and a system tray for managing WiFi, sound volume other settings. The Windows XP-esque Mint Menu kicks off nested categories of applications, preferences, system admin tools etc. Very reassuring and easy to get going compared to Unity‘s initial unfamiliarity.
Behind the two contrasting approaches lies deeper design considerations around the best interface for the Linux experience. As principle UX engineer for Ubuntu Oren Horev explains regarding Unity‘s vision:
"We are trying to keep the UI simple and coherent by standardizing across applications and cleaning up visual clutter"
Mint founder Clement Lefebvre weighs in on the motivation behind Cinnamon replicating the Windows flow:
"We deliberately shaped Cinnamon to fit users switching from a Windows environment. Custom applets, desklets and themes allow personalization too."
So while Ubuntu tries streamlining classic Linux DE complexity, Mint strives to ease migration from known Windows territory. Both succeed reasonably at respective goals.
Yet when it comes to customization flexibility, power users may discover Ubuntu more limiting. Cinnamon supports extent theming via the custom Mint Tools configuration options. Between interface defaults however, Mint does edge out as more instantly familiar and newbie friendly.
Verdict: Linux Mint wins for continuity from Windows systems while Ubuntu better suits Mac switchers. For easy personalization – Mint, for uniformity – Ubuntu.
Software Packages Face-Off : apt vs mintInstall
At the heart of any operating system lies its software ecosystem. Beyond the actual desktop environment, what really enables your productivity is the ready availability of diverse applications handling your daily workflow needs.
Both Ubuntu and Linux Mint offer extensive software support, with access to most open-source Linux apps developed across the past two decades. Thanks to their shared Debian/APT foundations, over 65,000 packages compose the Ubuntu main repository and by extension a majority aussi appear for Mint.
Yet subtle differences arise in how you access these programs, stemming from the different default package managers:
||Ubuntu|Linux Mint|
|–|–|–|
|Package Management System|apt / dpkg|mintInstall (forked from apt)|
|GUI Software Manager|Snap Store|Mint Software Manager|
|Core Philosophy|Provide latest upstream software versions as official Canonical Snap packages |Reuse Ubuntu/Debian software repos with focus of stability & localization|
|Notable Apps Installed|
- Firefox browser
- Thunderbird email
- Libre Office suite
|
- Firefox browser
- Thunderbird email
- Libre Office suite
|
Unboxing a fresh release of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, accessing new apps is just a few clicks via Launcher > Show Applications > Snap Store icon. The sleek Snap store slides open showcasing featured snaps divided by categories like Photography, Music, Productivity etc alongside highlighted professional software products from the likes of Spotify, Slack and JetBrains.
Thanks to most new apps targeting distribution through official Ubuntu snap format, you have quick access to latest upstream releases. Desktop integration feels tighter than old Debian packages. Downsides of Snaps include relatively larger storage footprint and performance overhead for sandboxing.
On Linux Mint 21, you have the elegantly designed Mint Software Manager greeting you under Menu > Administration listing hundreds of curated apps divided by topic plus sets like Editors Picks. The familiar graphical look evokes Windows app store nostalgia while easily finding your desired software.
Underlying apt management retains Debian stability focus so certain apps reflect older versions versus Ubuntu Snap cutting edge. Performance feels snappier given lower overhead from app containerization missing here. Trade-off is security hardening aspect of sandboxed Snap apps.
Verdict: Ubuntu Snap store offers newer bleeding edge software while Linux Mint provides smoother legacy application experience. Mint wins on lightweight performance while Ubuntu leads on security.
Hardware Support: Ubuntu Shines on Dated Systems
While desktop environments and software access take spotlight when comparing Linux distros UX, another vital metric is actually hardware support. After all your ability to deploy either OS depends firstly on meeting minimum system requirements.
Here Ubuntu pulls clear lead catering even legacy 32-bit x86 machines while Mint demands relatively newer 64-bit hardware:
| Ubuntu Desktop | Linux Mint 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Oldest CPU Architecture | i686 | x86_64 |
| Minimum RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Minimum Disk Space | 10 GB | 20 GB SSD recommended |
| Graphics Card | Integrated Intel/AMD | OpenGL 3D acceleration capable |
The above configuration table indicates Ubuntu‘s superior ability to revive dated old hardware lying around. Thanks to community spins providing lightweight options like Lubuntu and Xubuntu building on alternative desktops like LXDE and Xfce. Linux Mint lacks equivalent resurrection variants.
Moreover development focus on Internet of Things and embedded devices ensures smooth functioning even on single board PCs like the iconic Raspberry Pi which can run official Ubuntu server and even desktop editions. Contrastingly Linux Mint remains incompatible with such hardware constraints imposed by unconventional ARM architectures.
Thus for users trying to breathe new life into an aging home office PC or setting up a compact home server, Ubuntu desktop or server delivers the goods while Mint fails fitting into such frugal hardware environments.
Verdict: Ubiquitous Ubuntu wins hands down for revitalizing and repurposing obsolete equipment.
Business & Enterprise Adoption: Where do Mint and Ubuntu fit in?
While consumer desktops, open community software and legacy hardware support represent one facet of Linux distro comparison, how the operating systems cater to commercial environments also requires consideration:
||Ubuntu|Linux Mint|
|–|–|–|
|Commercial Backing | Canonical providing enterprise support and services around Ubuntu |Community driven open source project |
|Server & Cloud presence|7% of Public cloud infrastructure runs on Ubuntu. AWS, Azure and Google Cloud offer official Ubuntu images | Very minimal data center and server presence|
|Notable Enterprise Users | IBM, Dell, Lenovo, HP and other OEMs offer certified Ubuntu business PCs. Large orgs use Ubuntu servers.| Typically used in smaller businesses familiar with Windows environments|
As the above table indicates, Ubuntu enjoys strong penetration across public cloud platforms like AWS and Azure where developers deploy Ubuntu Server for hosting containers and microservices. Tech giants like IBM also rely on customized Ubuntu firmware to power enterprise hardware lines.
Canonical as the commercial entity steering Ubuntu development offers various premium services aimed at large organizations and regulated industries seeking supported enterprise-grade LTS releases with strict change control, security response SLAs etc.
By comparison, Linux Mint fits best for smaller firms where sysadmins prefer the familiar Cinnamon interface with Microsoft AD integration for acknowledging existing Windows skillsets. Large corporates are less likely to adopt community versions lacking dedicated organizational support systems.
For well funded startups however interested in leveraging cutting edge open source technologies as a cloud-native platform, Ubuntu hybrid cloud solutions present a compelling value. And Canonical‘s OpenStack contributions powering managed private cloud enhances its enterprise credibility.
Verdict: Canonical‘s commercial direction firmly establishes Ubuntu among both cloud-based and on-premise business environments in ways Linux Mint cannot emulate without a corporate backer.
The Final Call: Which Distro Comes Out on Top?
We‘ve compared Ubuntu vs Mint across the spectrums of desktop usability, software packaging, hardware versatility and enterprise adoption. Where does the balance tilt in final analysis?
For loyal Windows converts primed to plunge into Linux but wanting reassurance of familiar interfaces, Linux Mint delivers a smoother transition while benefiting from strong Debian foundations too. Customization options and lightweight optimizations for old PCs gives it an edge among budget consumers too.
However, for Mac and mobile operating system switchers willing to handle steeper initial learning curves, Ubuntu‘s consistent Unity shell integration across form factors like mobile/tablet/TV combined with Canonical‘s commercial services makes a compelling case among enthusiasts preferring cutting edge upstream releases.
Developers wanting to tap Ubuntu‘s software ecosystem flexibility across IoT boards, devices, laptops, clouds and workstations are unlikely to resist the siren call of such diverse deployment possibilities too!
Ultimately between Ubuntu offering something for everyone everywhere and Mint specializing for Windows refugees – your preferred workflow dictates what fits best! So which camp do you belong to? Let the Linux journey continue…
