Linux Mint is one of the top free operating systems widely used in the world and currently receives the highest hits at DistroWatch.

Even though it's an Ubuntu-based system, Linux Mint features only one panel at the bottom which looks closer to the taskbar in the traditional Windows system, and a well-organized start menu complete with a useful Search box. Upon installation, you can opt for some proprietary software such as necessary media codecs by default so that you play mp3, mp4 or most other media files with a player right away out of the box.

Linux Mint 18 (Sarah) is a long-term service (LTS) release which will be supported until 2021 according to the developer.

The Cinnamon Edition of Linux Mint 18 is based on a Linux kernel 4.4 and an Ubuntu 16.04 package, and features Cinnamon desktop environment 3.0 and MDM display manager 2.0. Unlike Ubuntu Unity sporting a vertical launcher on the left side of the screen, Cinnamon maintains a traditional layout with a bottom panel and a Mint menu. If you're using this Edition, you might find these tips and tricks useful for working with the system on a PC.  Read More