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ZDNET Highlights
- Peppermint is a lightweight, Debian-based Linux distribution.
- Peppermint ships with minimal software.
- With just a little work, you make this OS yours.
It feels like it’s been years since I installed Peppermint Linux. At the time, I always tagged the distribution as best suited for older hardware you might want to rejuvenate.
I had a good reason. Mint is small, lightweight, and very fast (yes, even on older hardware). Peppermint is a Debian-based distribution that uses the XFCE desktop environment (configured to look and feel very familiar to everyone), to give it that peppy Peppermint feel.
According to the official Peppermint website, the distribution is “…an operating system that provides the user with the opportunity to create the system that best suits their needs. While providing a working OS with minimal hassle out of the box.”
After testing the latest release of Peppermint Linux, I can confirm that claim. It serves as a great base for building lightweight OSes. But don’t worry, the “build” process is really just installing the software you want.
It’s bare bones but ready
My new opinion on Peppermint Linux is that it is a Linux distribution that anyone can use and make their own. It’s like an à la carte Linux distribution.
Peppermint OS (aka Peppermint Linux, aka Pep) comes with minimal software installed. And being based on Debian, it has access to the full range of software titles. This way, instead of being “told” what software you should use, you get to choose what you want. The one caveat is that Peppermint comes with the Synaptic Package Manager, which is not as user-friendly as KDE Discover or GNOME Software.
Still, all you have to do is turn on Synaptic, type in your user password, find the software you want to install, and install it. What I like about this approach is that it ends up with me having only the software I want (with the addition of a few pre-installed tools like a file manager, terminal app, web browser, and other utilities).
At all times, you have a very fast operating system that enjoys the stability and reliability of Debian.
Is Mint for all types of users?
This is always one of the first questions I ask when testing a Linux distribution. I really want to say that Peppermint OS is a great choice for those who are new to Linux.
Remember when I said earlier that Peppermint can be useful for all types of users? Well, although I still stand by that claim, I do so with an asterisk attached.
Also: 10 Linux Apps I Install on Every New Machine (And Why You Should Too)
First of all, Synaptic isn’t really the best choice for new users. Yes, it is easy to work with, but the GUI is old school and may easily irritate some users. And although the Update Manager takes effect through an icon in the system tray indicating that updates are available, when you click the icon, a terminal window opens that requests your password. All updates then occur within that terminal window.
Using Synaptic may not seem easy, but it really is.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
One can always run an update in Synaptic, but we are back to new users using software that is not 100% suitable for them.
Too: This lightweight Linux distro is the best (and easiest) way to revive your old computer. This way
Just for fun, I decided to install GNOME Software to see what would happen. I was surprised that it went perfectly. That being said, I’m surprised such an easy-to-use Linux distribution doesn’t include this app by default (as it’s much more user-friendly than Synaptic).
With GNOME Software up and running, I installed the tools I needed, like GIMP (image editor), Opera (web browser), Geary (email), codecs, and fonts.
Then I installed Flatpak (from the command line), configured GNOME Software to use it, and then installed Spotify and Slack.
Yes, I have to use some proprietary apps on Linux.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Peppermint OS was starting to become exactly what I needed… and with very little work. Granted, some tasks require the use of a terminal window, but if one does not need to install Flatpak (as I do), the terminal will not be necessary.
Too: Why this lightweight Linux distro won’t win any popularity contests, but is perfect for power users
Finally, Peppermint OS is one of those Linux distributions that, on the surface, seems to be primarily focused on reviving old hardware, but it can also be a great platform for those who want to start almost from scratch and create the ideal desktop operating system to meet their needs.
Whether you have an old PC lying around or want to install an OS on your new PC that suits you, give Peppermint a try.
