rene wrote: ⤴Tue Sep 03, 2019 10:44 pm
And specifically, because I am calling into question the definition of "a minimal Linux Mint distribution". See, yours doesn't make sense.
I do agree the definition of a minimal install may be different from a person to another. True a very plain install without DE has been mentioned, but that one may be a bit far fetched considering the Mint philosophy.
Let's talk then about an install of the basic but complete OS only, including desktop and basic tools such as editor, file manager, program manager, update manager, i.e. things that really are part of the OS.
It would not install other software such as Office, music and media player, Internet browser, or chatting for example.
Why? One reason is that many users have their own preferred program that may be different from the default install (for example Chrome rather than Firefox). Or may have no use for such a program (myself I never use chat or messenging or music player for example. I have never even opened GIMP, but I do use darktable and rawtherapee...)
Consider also that the Mint program manager is very well made and makes it easy even for the beginner to install whatever program he needs.
I think it really comes to differenciate what is an integral part of the OS, and what are the additional functions/programs provided by the distribution. This last part in my opinion should be optional, and I don't think this would go against the Mint philosophy.
DAMIEN1307 wrote: ⤴Tue Sep 03, 2019 10:29 pm
PS...just as a side note, the original OP 1st post mentioned that Peppermint 9 has this option, it is shown in their installer but Mark Greaves,
aka, "PCNetSpec", the Man who runs Peppermint OS has already stated in his own forums that this "feature" is not yet operational, clicking on it makes no difference on the installation of P9 and im supposing P10 either since i have both installed on other systems i own and operate and to date makes no difference. it still installs the entire OS.
I don't know about Peppermint. I do know (as I use it) that the Q4OS distribution has a very clever implementation that lets the user choose between
1- a really bare install
2- a full OS install but without additional programs
3- the complete distribution with Libre Office, media player, and all the rest.
And that works very well.