One of the most popular Linux distributions, Linux Mint’s latest version 20.3 will launch soon. Before the release, the developers published the beta versions of the operating system to test and fix the bugs as well as satisfy Mint-lovers’ curiosity about the new version.
The beta is based on the Ubuntu 20.04.03 LTS
While the final version of Linux Mint 20.3 was announced to be based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTSFocal Rossa, Linux Mint 20.3 beta version is published with Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS version. It uses the same Linux 5.4 LTS kernel to prevent possible failures during upgrades from previous versions.
The beta comes with three separate desktop environment editions: Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. The Cinnamon edition uses the latest Cinnamon 5.2 version which brings some enhancements and changes, while the Xfce comes with the 4.16 version. The MATE edition comes with the 1.26 version.
Linux Mint 20.3 beta comes with a new app called Thingy as a part of the Library. The new XApp is used for quickly accessing recent and favorite documents. The app is not Mint exclusive so it can also be installed on other GNU/Linux distributions.
All of the desktop environment editions add support dark mode support for some of its apps including Celluloid, GNOME Terminal, Hypnotix, Pix, and XViewer.
Download Linux Mint 20.3 Beta ISO Images
You can use the download links below for each desktop environment edition to download and install Linux Mint 20.3 beta version. Those who want to use Linux Mint 20.3 as the daily driver should wait for the final release.
Download Linux Mint 20.3 Beta – Cinnamon Edition – 64Bit – ISO
Download Linux Mint 20.3 Beta – Xfce Edition – 64Bit – ISO
Download Linux Mint 20.3 Beta – MATE Edition – 64Bit – ISO
FAQ
What is the latest version of Linux Mint?
The latest version of Linux Mint is Linux Mint 21.1 "Vera" and it was released on 20 December 2022. The next version, Linux Mint 21.2 "Victoria" is planned to be released at the end of June 2023.
Is Linux Mint free?
Yes, Linux Mint is a completely free and open-source operating system, which means that it is available for anyone to use, modify and distribute without any cost.
Is Linux Mint lightweight?
Linux Mint is considered a lightweight operating system compared to other Linux distributions that are designed for enterprise use. It is designed to be user-friendly and provides a balance between performance and functionality.
Is Linux Mint good for old computers?
Linux Mint is a good option for users who have older computers and want a lightweight, stable, and secure system that can run smoothly on their hardware. Linux Mint provides two different desktop environments, Cinnamon and MATE, both of which are lightweight and can run smoothly on older hardware. Additionally, Linux Mint's Software Manager allows users to easily install and remove software, which means that users can choose to run only the software they need, and avoid running software that can slow down their system.
Can Linux Mint be installed on a virtual machine?
Yes, Linux Mint can be installed on a virtual machine. A virtual machine (VM) allows you to run an operating system within another operating system. This means that you can install Linux Mint on a virtual machine and run it on top of your current operating system, without the need to replace it or partition your hard drive. To install Linux Mint on VMWare, you can refer to our article: How to install a Linux Distro on VMware Workstation
Can I run Linux Mint on a USB stick?
Yes, you can run Linux Mint on a USB stick. You can create a live USB drive with Linux Mint, which allows you to boot the operating system from the USB stick and run it on any computer that supports booting from a USB drive. This is also known as a "Live USB" or "Live USB drive". It's worth noting that running Linux Mint from a USB drive can be slower than running it from a hard drive, and also the changes you make to the system while running it from USB will not be saved when you shut down the system unless you use a persistent mode.
Is Linux Mint still supported?
Linux Mint is still actively supported and developed and has a strong community that continues to work on improving the distribution and providing support to its users.