If you use or keep up with all things Linux you’re no doubt aware that the Linux Mint 19.1 “Tessa” beta dropped last week. Linux Mint 19.1 is a long term support release which will be supported until 2023. It comes with updated software and brings refinements and many new features to make your desktop even more comfortable to use. Mint 19.1 is also built upon the solid Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Long Term Support) base. The ‘Cinnamon’, ‘XFCE’ and ‘Mate’ desktop edition variants were released for testing in anticipation for a Christmas general release.

I’ve been a long time fan and user of the ‘Cinnamon Edition‘ of their desktop having switched once the Gnome project went from the Gnome 2 desktop to the Gnome 3 “tablet like” interface. I’m old, I’ve been a full time Linux as-a-desktop user since 1996, a Linux Server SysAdmin professionally since 2000 – I like boring, functional, get out of my way desktops. I don’t want tiles jumping out at me, scrolling by or having to wade through 3 levels of UI to open the app or utility I need. The Cinnamon desktop to me has always maintained a healthy balance between professional workstation functionality of old on top of modern core codebase and visual appeal. The initial Mint 19 release has been solid as anticipated, and this 19.1 point release just further optimizes and polishes an already great Linux desktop. A few of the reasons I’m loving Linux Mint 19.1 Cinnamon so much already….

Note: For those that may comment with “Mint is for n00bs”, “use a real distro”, etc, etc… I’ve used them all the past few decades, I administrate 1000’s of linux servers of many flavors and actually ~do work~ on my personal computers, I require a Linux workstation distro that just works, not a noodle station.

The new panel – Thank you ! I’ve been hoping for a more modern’ish, slightly larger panel for awhile – again, I’m old, so bigger ~is~ better. 🙂

“Cinnamon 4.0 ships with a brand new panel layout and thus with a new workflow. With a click of a button you’ll be able to switch back and forth between old and new and choose whichever default look pleases you the most.

The new panel ships with a window list with app grouping and window preview, a feature which has become the norm in other major desktop operating systems, whether it’s in the form of a dock (in Mac OS), a panel (in Windows) or a sidebar (in Ubuntu).

The panel looks more modern but it’s also much more configurable than before.”

Next is Nemo, the underlying file manager.

“Nemo is three times faster than before. Its code was reviewed and optimized and the result is impressive. The file manager is lightning fast, it feels extremely light and browsing directories is a breeze. It’s never been that fast before and it’s immediately noticeable.”

Having been testing 19.1 on my work laptop the past 2 weeks, I can attest to Nemo feeling much, much more responsive if you ever drill way down deep in to directories, awesome refinement.

Another really slick refinement – it’s so much easier to remove older kernels, a new button was added to make it easier to remove unused kernels. While this wasn’t a huge deal breaking issue for most, this clearer, simplified dialog UI just further makes the desktop a joy.

If you love Linux Mint ‘Cinnamon’ desktop edition, I have absolutely no doubt you’re going to be thrilled with the latest refresh – give it a spin !