Linux Mint is a Ubuntu derived distribution. As Ubuntu recently released their latest LTS version 8.04 (Hardy Heron) Linux Mint is going to release their new version Linux Mint 5 (Elyssa).
We like Ubuntu for many reasons - stability, user friendliness, availability of packages and the huge community are prominent ones. But the novice and home users usually get confused as Ubuntu does not come with audio/video codecs, java, flash and other non-free stuffs. The reason is licensing and legality. Being a true open source promoter Ubuntu can not include these non-free stuff. Linux Mint is derived from Ubuntu directly. All the things that Ubuntu has are available in Mint as well. But Mint is the added flavor in Ubuntu. It comes with all audio/video codecs, Java, Flash and more useful things that a home user will need. PCs with no internet connection say "hooray". Besides, Linux Mint is targeted for the home users only, so they do not suggest users to use the terminal. People who are afraid to use the terminal, say "hooray" again. Mint adds more stuff on Ubuntu. For example the nice theme and few tools. On Mint 5 they have improved their tools, added more things and changed their theme considering the "usability". Images are more descreptive than words. Check out this Release Note http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_elyssa.php I do not suggest you to try the Beta. Lets wait for just few more days. The final version will be released within 2/3 weeks. Note: Hardcore users, stick to Ubuntu.
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