Linux Mint has this week announced that the Linux Mint 17 Qiana release candidate is now available to download and offers users a long-term release that will be officially supported until 2019.
The latest Linux Mint 17 Qiana is available within either the MATE or Cinnamon desktop environments. The MATE desktop is based on the no-longer-developed GNOME 2 environment, while Cinnamon is a new user interface developed by the Mint team.
Features and Improvements
Linux Mint 17 Qiana brings a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience and system performance. One of the most notable updates is the inclusion of the latest versions of the MATE and Cinnamon desktop environments. MATE 1.8 and Cinnamon 2.2 both come with numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements. For instance, Cinnamon 2.2 offers better window management, improved settings, and a more responsive user interface.
Another significant improvement is the update manager, which now provides more detailed information about available updates and allows users to easily select which updates to install. This makes system maintenance more straightforward and user-friendly. Additionally, the driver manager has been revamped to better detect and install proprietary drivers, ensuring that users can get the most out of their hardware.
Known Issues and Community Feedback
Linux Mint 17 Qiana is being offered to users in a release candidate format for users to put through its paces before the final release is made available. However, be aware there are currently a number of issues that still need to be ironed out before the final version of Linux Mint 17 is ready to roll out.
“These include lack of support for Optimus graphics switching for systems that have NVIDIA graphics cards and the login screen freezes if you try to use German as your default language,” says the Liliputing website. These issues are being actively worked on by the development team, and user feedback is crucial in identifying and resolving these problems.
The Linux Mint community is known for its active participation and support. Users are encouraged to report any bugs or issues they encounter while using the release candidate. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the final release is as stable and reliable as possible.
For more information on the new Linux Mint 17 Qiana and to download a RC copy jump over to the Linux Mint website for details.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Linux Mint 17 Qiana represents a significant step forward for the Linux Mint project. With its long-term support until 2019, users can be assured of a stable and secure operating system for years to come. The improvements in the MATE and Cinnamon desktop environments, along with the enhanced update and driver managers, make this release a compelling choice for both new and experienced Linux users.
As the Linux Mint team continues to refine and improve the operating system, users can look forward to even more features and enhancements in future releases. The commitment to user feedback and community involvement ensures that Linux Mint will remain one of the most user-friendly and reliable Linux distributions available.
Source: Liliputing
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