I just registered here because I'm planning to go to linux mint if there is a reason to. the Ubuntu has been working excellent and am looking for improvements and was wondering if I should change to linux or use the ubuntu 10.10 i have installed now? also how virus proof is this OS?Thanks for the answers
Don Spaulding

Ubuntu still uses the Linux kernel to the best of my knowledge. So my best advice is for you to continue using Linux.

If you would like to try Linux Mint you can download a live CD or DVD via the Linux Mint website. Decide for yourself whether you think it is better or not.

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

Ubuntu is a variant of Linux.

What makes a computer OS "Linux" is that it uses the Linux kernel. There can be great variation built on that foundation.

Lately, Canonical (the company that is responsible for Ubuntu) has been showing a tendency to Apple-liciousnes--making the default Ubuntu installation look more like Apple--and they have a tendency to refer to "the Ubuntu operating system" rather than to "Linux."

But, underneath, it's still Linux. And you can escape the Ubuntu window dressing by using a desktop environment/window manager other than Ubuntu's flavor of Gnome or the upcoming Unity. The foundation and walls are Linux, regardless of the curtains and carpets. (I use the Fluxbox window manager. I can forget that I'm using Ubuntu for weeks at a time.)

Mint is often described as Ubuntu done right. I do not have a position on that--it means that some persons find Mint more user-friendly than Ubuntu--but Mint is based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian.

As regards viruses, Linux (including Ubuntu) has a much better security model than Windows. That's like saying a closed door keeps out people better than does an open door.

"Virus Proof"? I doubt that any OS is virus proof. What one person builds another can penetrate. I run a firewall and an antivirus on every computer I connect to the internet. Many Linux users run a firewall but not an anti-virus.

At this time, there are no Linux/Unix viruses in the wild (I keep up with that kind of stuff). But I believe that too careful is better than not careful enough. That's just me.

Frankly, if you are happy with Ubuntu, I see no compelling reason to change. But there is also no compelling reason not to change. Most Linux users try several distros (it even has a name: "distro-hopping") before settling on the ones they are most comfortable with.

My favorites are Slackware and Debian. They are very different in their approaches, but they are both rock-solid stable.

I use Ubuntu on this here computer I'm typing on because it came factory-installed and, if it ain't broke etc.

1 members found this post helpful.

Mint is basically Ubuntu with the multimedia codecs, proprietary drivers, and some custom configuration tools added to the Ubuntu base.
As others have said, if you are fine with Ubuntu there is essentially no advantage to switching to Mint.
If you are curious about Mint though, the next version of Ubuntu will be out in April. The new Mint will likely be released shortly after that. So give it a try if you want.
I just use plain old Ubuntu myself. I started using Ubuntu long before Mint came along, so I am comfortable with Ubuntu.

thank you guys for responding I appreciate that. I am convinced that Ubuntu is Linux and use it till I tired of it.Have redressed the system with them and wallpaper. moved things around and moved the top panel to the bottom of the screen finally got everything like I am pleased with. Didn't cost me a dime.In 3 mounths haven't had a virus and hope never do
Thank you guys very much someday I hope to be able to cure someones problems for them
Donald Spaulding
exectec@zoho.com
thanks to Tommcd,frankbell,and telengard again