- The popular Linux distribution, Linux Mint has now received a new update; the 21.1 version of the operating system is now available for download.
- Linux Mint 21.1 introduces more vibrant color accents, new mouse pointer themes, and system sounds alongside many other improvements.
- Linux Mint 21.1 is derived from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and it runs Linux kernel 5.15 LTS under the hood, coming with Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE desktop environment options.
One of the most popular Linux distributions, Linux Mint, has received a new update, reaching the 21.1 version. The new version, codenamed Vera, is now available approximately four months after the release of Linux Mint 21. The new release brings a lot of improvements to the operating system’s look and feels, including a new Corner Bar applet, more vibrant theme colors, additional pointer themes, and many more.
Derived from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Linux Mint 21.1 is derived from upstream Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and utilizes Linux kernel 5.15 LTS. The primary desktop environment on Linux Mint 21.1 is Cinnamon 5.6, which is also developed by the Linux Mint team. It also offers Xfce and MATE desktop environments, however, some of the changes affect only the primary desktop environment, Cinnamon.
Linux Mint 21.1 comes with more vibrant accent color options than before. With this change, the operating system looks way more alive. Users who prefer dull colors instead of vibrant ones can still use the Mint-Y-Legacy theme. Moreover, the accent colors no longer affect the color of folders; folders are yellow now.
Linux Mint 21.1 introduces new mouse pointer options in both white and black colors, which you can see below:
The sounds in Linux Mint 21.1 are changed and the operating system is packed with Mint-X, Mint-Y, Mint Legacy, Breeze, Papirus, Numix, and Yaru icon themes.
One of the changes in Linux Mint 21.1 is the addition of the Corner Bar applet at the right side of the taskbar. The Corner Bar replaces the Show Desktop applet and shows the desktop when the user clicks on it. It is also possible to activate it by hovering, like Windows, and it provides additional options for customization.
New ISO tools
Linux Mint 21.1 also comes with an integrated ISO Verification tool that verifies the integrity of the ISO files with signatures and checksums.
The new ISO Image Writer tool helps with writing those ISO files you have checked and verified with the help of the ISO Verification tool to your USB stick.
Full Flatpak integration
Linux Mint 21.1 introduces full Flatpak integration into the Update Manager, and the Software Manager was updated to make it easier to distinguish Flatpak applications and system packages.
The newest version of Linux Mint also delivers a few new improvements for Driver Managers. It will now be able to purge the config files of the removed drivers and it will not ask for the password in user mode every time it is launched. It also received some UI improvements in offline mode and USB drive detection, and it also allows users to install Broadcom wireless device drivers more easily.
The remaining changes in Linux Mint 21.1 include,
- A dummy hardware device is added in the Driver Manager for developers.
- Debconf is supported for Nvidia drivers on systems with SecureBoot enabled.
- The mouse pointer theme and size can now be configured for the login screen.
- Warpinator is now more secure.
- WebApp Manager brings additional settings when editing web apps.
- Nemo, the file manager, will only highlight the name when an item is selected, not the icons.
- Nemo also shows the dates in monospace fonts.
- The Nemo path bar is improved.
- The desktop context menu now includes a shortcut to Display Settings.
- Removing a Flatpak will not require a password entry.
- Software Sources has received changes in PPA keys handling.
- New wallpapers added.
You can also check the full release notes here.
Download Linux Mint 21.1
You can download and install Linux Mint 21.1 by following the link below:
Click here to go to Linux Mint 21.1 download page
FAQ
Is Linux Mint 21 stable?
Linux Mint 21 is stable as of its final version.
Which Linux kernel does Linux Mint 21 use?
Linux Mint 21 uses Linux Kernel version 5.15.
What is Linux Mint 21 based on?
Linux Mint 21 is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
Is Linux Mint 21 an LTS?
Yes, Linux Mint 21 is an LTS (Long-Term Support) version that will have official support for five years.
What is Linux Mint 21 called?
Linux Mint 21 is called “Vanessa”.
How long will Linux Mint 21 be supported?
Linux Mint 21 is a long-term support release and it will be supported until 2027 with security updates.
What version of Cinnamon does Linux Mint 21 use?
Linux Mint 21 comes with Cinnamon 5.4 desktop environment.
When was Linux Mint 21 released?
Linux Mint 21 was released on 31st July 2022.
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 create VM and 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.