Why Mint
There are many version of Linux (called distros), but we have selected Mint for our project.
The CPR 4 Computers project has specfic requirements. Our mission is to supply laptop computers to residents as they transition out of the homeless shelter, Lucy's Hearth, and back into the community.
We ask people to donate their old, unused computers so that we can resuscitate them. We do not know what kind of computers will be donated; their brand, age, CPU, or memory. So, we need maximum flexibility and Mint seems to give us that.
We tried the Flex version of Linux, but eventually settled on Mint. Flex did not run on really old computers. Mint, however, seems to run on any working computer hardware. Our current “oldest resuscitated computer” record is a 2008 PC held together with duct tape that seems happy running the 32-bit version of Mint.
We consider Linux Mint as a good distribution for old computers that we wish to resuscitate:
- Resource Efficiency:
Linux Mint is designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for older hardware with limited resources such as RAM and CPU power. It uses desktop environments like Xfce and MATE, which are known for their minimal resource consumption compared to more modern desktop environments.
- Stability:
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) releases, which are known for their stability and reliability. This means that older computers can benefit from a stable operating system that receives updates and security patches for an extended period, without needing frequent upgrades.
Linux Mint 32-bit version is no longer supported, but seems to run fine on the few Computers we have installed it on.
- User-Friendly:
Linux Mint provides a user-friendly experience out of the box, with a familiar interface, similar to Windows and Mac desktops, making it accessible even to users who are new to Linux. This ease of use extends to software installation, updates, and system configuration, which can be done through intuitive graphical tools.
- Software Compatibility:
Linux Mint has access to a vast repository of software packages, including lightweight alternatives to popular applications. This ensures that we can supply appropriate software solutions to the Lucy's Hearth clients that are compatible with older computers.
- Customizability:
While Linux Mint provides a polished and user-friendly experience by default, it also offers a high degree of customization for users who want to tweak their system to their preferences. This includes the ability to change desktop environments, themes, and software configurations to optimize performance on older hardware.
- Community Support:
Linux Mint has a large and active community of users and developers who provide support, documentation, and assistance. This community-driven approach ensures that users can find help and resources to address any issues they encounter when running Linux Mint on older computers.
Overall, the above features of Linux Mint make it a good choice for reviving and repurposing older computers for clients of Lucy's Hearth.
Mint meets our needs, your mileage may vary.