The Linux Mint Newsletter - Issue 1

[clem]

Hi,

The first issue of the Linux Mint Newsletter is out:

http://www.linuxmint.com/wiki/index.php ... er_Issue_1

Happy reading,
Clem.

[ecd]

Hi Clem,

Just read the newsletter...REALLY interested in the new PC with Mint already on it. Hopefully with a wireless card that helps wi-fi out-of-the-box!

I really like Mint and it is THE first I've been able to use 'completely'...though the wi-fi side of things keeps me on my toes! Still, you've done a great job on this...really well done.

Looking forward to '3' already

Kind regards,
Pete

[Uncle Bob]

Very good and makes for an interesting read.

However, seeing as I'm new to Linux and slowly in the process of converting from Windows, I can still ask (stupid) questions. What is the story between Gnome and KDE and then also XFCE? How do they compare with one another, or what is the differences between them? Is it really a (big) issue?

[glas]

Good newsletter, no waffling, just to the point information.

Regarding Desktop Managers, I've first learnt Linux on KDE and it has always been my preferred Desktop Manager ... but Mint has taught me a new appreciation of Gnome!

For older machines Xfce makes sense simply because it's faster and more efficient.

Regarding selling computers with Linux pre-installed, we've been doing that for some time at our computer repair shop (Maesteg, Wales) on refurbished systems. Usually we install Vector Linux on the older machines because you can't beat it for speed and stability. But for boxes with a 800+ Mhz processor / 256+ RAM, I'm going to start installing Mint - because it is a very user-friendly and versatile operating system.

[glas]

Is it just my browser or is everybody seeing the General Announcements dated 1 week in the future?

[Alephcat]

I think you may be looking at the end date

[AlsaPhil]

Great newsletter, Clem
Great the bug list and good decision to take the time between LMint 2.2 and LMint 3.0

[npap]

Yes Phil,
It couldn't be done better.

Note: Look at the COMMUNITY post.

[JohnH]

To Uncle Bob,

This may not be the right part of the forum to discuss this; but no one took up your question so I'll give you a layman's answer.

One of the strengths of Linux is that you get to choose the desktop interface you want to get the computer to do what you want it to do. Imagine Windows with say, XP and XX and XW as options according to the way you like your menus set out, or the kinds of free utilities you want to use, and even the logic and "culture" you prefer. That is kind of like the difference between KDE, GNOME and XFCE. Each of these in general terms do the same as the other, but some might be logically set out in a way you find more appealing than the other. They all run Firefox and Open Office etc. it just the feel and style is different between them (amongst other things).

Be warned however: saying one is better than the other can lead the immature to silly flame wars (e.g. mine is bigger than yours; Toyota is better than Nissan etc).

Try them all and pick the one you like the most and use it.

Best regards
John

[npap]

Very good and makes for an interesting read.

However, seeing as I'm new to Linux and slowly in the process of converting from Windows, I can still ask (stupid) questions. What is the story between Gnome and KDE and then also XFCE? How do they compare with one another, or what is the differences between them? Is it really a (big) issue?

Hello Uncle Bob,
I used to be a KDE fan until Linux Mint made Gnome so attractive that I don't
miss it.
I did have KDE installed in BEA, but only to get some of the extra packages that it offers.
The good thing about the whole thing is that you can install KDE and XFCE on Linux Mint from Synaptic.

Regards, npap

[Uncle Bob]

Hi Guys, thanks for the answers. It makes sense now.

When I first had the choice between Gnome and KDE I did not know what to pick so I did the eenie, meenie, mynie, mo thing and selected gnome. besides, it's got a cool ring to it as in "...you little garden gnome..."

[clem]

I'm a KDE fan myself
If I chose Gnome for Linux Mint it's simply because I believed I could achieve a better desktop with it than with KDE.

I'm still looking forward to making a KDE release of Bianca though once the stable version is out

Clem

[npap]

Alright fellows,
KDE is OK but it depends on your 'gnome', pronounced gnomee in Greek, which means 'an opinion'

[nicolai]

I have seen a lot of flaming in the last few years. what is best and what is not.

Who cares? As long as it works!

Call is what you want.

For Linux to become ready for the average joe and jane "freedom" must be put aside (?). You have to make it simple, make it looky-looky and foolproof.

I use both windows and linux. Windows at work and linux at home.

It works for me that way.

Mint is on it's way to become that distro what has it all.

Thats awsome!!!

Nicolai

[Peakpc]

I like the idea of a DVD version with Gnome,KDE, and Xfce. That way every one can get along and we can move forward in promoting Linux.
Just a thought, how about an Xfce CD iso for older computers that don't do DVD?

[cool_gamer8119]

i am a KDE fan at heart... easier and looks more like windows...

Clem... i like the idea of different isos for different interfaces, like one for KDE one for Gnome and one for Xfce... (yes... i understand that it would take up more bandwidth on the internet but just a suggestion...)