Linux Mint: Which one is the best for me?
 

I am a complete newbie on Linux. I bought a brand new Acer Aspire V5-131 because I wanted to learn Linux. However, this particular laptop uses Linpus v4.1.18 and I am having so much trouble just getting it to run. My research seems to suggest that Linpus does not a good reputation. So if I want to switch to Linux Mint, which version should I download that would be compatible with my hardware, Cinnamon 64-bit or MATE 64-bit? Does this make sense?

Linux Mint: Which one is the best for me?
 

You could download mint and boot from the DVD and try mint before installing to see if you like it and it works with your hardware.. Mint or cinnamon comes down to personal preference so try both and make your decision.

Hi and welcome to LQ.

Yes, Linpus is very limited and I would strongly recommend switching to a 'proper' Linux distribution. Linux Mint is a very good Linux distribution (=flavour) to start with. Cinnamon and Mate are just Desktop environments and both will be fine. My advice would be to try both of them and see which one you're more comfortable with.

the best thing to do would be to grab several flavors of linux via LiveCD/DVD/USB and take them for a test drive.

https://fedoraproject.org/en_GB/get-fedora-all

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

http://www.debian.org/CD/live/

http://software.opensuse.org/131/en

as for the difference between mate and cinnamon, its all about personal preference at that point. they are just GUI front ends. cinnamon is more fancy then mate.

I'd recommend Mint: no-one is every really unhappy with it. It's very easy and very reliable. For a comparison of Cinnamon and Mate, see
http://www.adventuresinlinux.com/?p=88
http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.co.uk...-cinnamon.html

Hey, guys, thanks for the great info. I actually ended up installing Ubuntu 12.04.3 LTS because one of my co-workers is very familiar with this flavor and he helped me tremendously. I suppose once I get to know Linux better, I can always play around with different distribution packages. My immediate goal is to learn Linux, especially the command mode side of it. My ultimate goal is to develop embedded Linux applications. Thanks again.

local friends who are familiar with linux is a great way to start. you might also look around for a local LUG (Linux user group) that you can participate with instal fest, e-mail, etc...

just FYI, as you are running Ubuntu, make sure to disable their built in spyware before you spend any time with that system.

For someone coming from the Windows world and wanting to use Mint, I would recommend the Xfce version over either the Cinnamon or Mate versions. Xfce is more similar to WinXP/Win2000 and might make a Windows user more comfortable. However, if you are more familiar with the newer Windows interfaces like Win8, then my Xfce comments don't apply.

Hi. I say try lots as-well (plus DE\WM e.g: KDE, Xfce and on,,,) some distros* are more flexible depending on where derived from++. Best wishes and have fun. :)

mostly it's kernel that should be comaptible with your hardware. Desktop choice is made regarded to your hardware speed. Cinnamon for example requires newer hardware.