Hi! I have just installed

[ornulf]

Linux Mint to my laptop. Mint because the Ubuntu installation locked up at the "who are you?" page every time I tried to install it .

Without knowing anything, I now have LM Isadora xfce before me. Should I install a newer version and Mate before I go on?
If yes, will I have to format (install from beginning ) to make the changes?

Is there an easy way to get rid of all the passwords to get into Linux?

nice evening
ornulf

[oobetimer]

Should I install a newer version and Mate before I go on?

No

http://www.linuxmint.com/oldreleases.php

Is there an easy way to get rid of all the passwords to get into Linux?

A bad idea ..

[ornulf]

OK .

[kc1di]

Linux Mint to my laptop. Mint because the Ubuntu installation locked up at the "who are you?" page every time I tried to install it .

Without knowing anything, I now have LM Isadora xfce before me. Should I install a newer version and Mate before I go on?
If yes, will I have to format (install from beginning ) to make the changes?

Is there an easy way to get rid of all the passwords to get into Linux?

nice evening
ornulf

give us a little more information about your laptop , what model, brand video card etc and we will see if we can get you up to Mint 13. which is the new Long term support version.
Welcome to Mint Bye the way!
And I agree with the other poster doing away with the login password a very bad Idea in linux or any OS for that matter.
poor security risk!

[mastablasta]

And I agree with the other poster doing away with the login password a very bad Idea in linux or any OS for that matter.
poor security risk!

I am not sure exactly what original poster wanted here, but i have no password on startup since i is a desktop and only one user on it. if this is desired i am sure it's an easy thing to do. Passwords for admin access remain. They are there to protect the user from malware (virus can't launch if it doens't know your password ).

if i had a laptop that i would use as portable maschine i would also encrpy at least home on it. and i would also leave the login password on.