Do you have an old computer you'd like to bring back into service? You might want to install Linux on it. If all the stories you've heard about this open source operating system's user-unfriendliness make you pause, consider getting it in the Mint flavor. This article explains Mint's advantages and shows you how to install it on your computer system.
Lots of us have one of them...sitting in a corner, or down in the basement. You see it from time to time. It is just taking up space, not fulfilling its potential. I am talking, of course, about that old PC that you have lying around. Maybe you replaced it because it was too slow, or you suspected that it had a virus. Either way, for a while now, it has been a waste of space and components.
There is one way that you could restore that computer to its former glory. A method that allows you to make the most of your existing hardware. A method that, while it may take up some time, will not cost you a dime. I am talking about installing a distribution of Linux onto your system. In this case, Linux Mint. Of course before you install you will want a little bit of information on what you would be getting yourself into.
What is Linux?
Linux is a family of operating systems that are all based on the Linux kernel, originally written in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Many different types, sometimes called flavors, of Linux have been created by developers from all over the world. Each flavor brings something unique to the world of Linux, and is designed with a different set of users in mind.
What is Mint?
Mint is one of the more end-user friendly versions of Linux. It has a graphically appealing and straightforward interface. It is a great flavor for people who are new to the world of Linux. If you are just coming off of Windows, then you may find that Mint is very familiar in layout.
Mint also comes with a suite of tools called Mint Tools. The Mint Tools Include:
MintInstall: Lets you run .mint files, and lets you install any of the programs listed directly from the desktop. This saves you time, since you will not have to download them from the site.
MintUpdate: This is your update software. MintUpdate will give each of your updates a safety level, on a scale of 1 to 5. This number is based on both the stability of the update and and necessity of the update. You can either see updates, or leave them hidden.
MintUpload: An FTP client for all of your file upload needs. Has limits on time and storage space.
MintSpace: An upgraded version of the of MintUpload program, it gives the end user 1 GB of storage space, and the files can be stored for up to seven days.
MintWifi: Drivers for quite a few wlan gadgets and mintWifi.py. Gets you connected to the net without too much stress. Just be aware that not all setups will be supported. If you do not have one of the supported setups, you are going to be on your own for wireless connection.
MintNanny: This is a domain blocking tool that will keep your kids, or employees, from going places that they should not. Very basic parental control tools.
MintMake: A command line tool that will make your .mint files for your programs. That way you can run them on your computer.
