Peppermint OS-(Devuan): The Ideal Linux distro
Tags devuan, non-systemd, peppermintos, rolling, sysvinit
Whilst responding to another LQ member’s query about a suitable distro for a family member to self-manage, I came across Peppermint OS.
The distro was to be installed on an elderly 10 year old laptop with 4GB of RAM.
The main priorities were:
1. Stability.
2. General management by GUI as far as possible.
3. Decent speed and low resource usage.
4. No systemd.
On July 1, 2023 the formerly Ubuntu-based Peppermint OS released a new version, called Peppermint OS-(Devuan) based on Debian (Bookworm) and Devuan (Daedalus).
Peppermint OS uses a “hybrid release” schedule in which updates are rolled out as needed. It is not a true “rolling release" but as far as the end user is concerned the result is pretty much the same (i.e. there is no need to keep doing fresh installations as is the case with a distro like Linux Mint which has fixed and point releases).
Essentially, Peppermint is a system that has rolling application updates and some system updates.
Periodically, a respin is released which incorporates minor bug fixes and recent updates.
Kernels
Just a brief note on kernels. Peppermint OS uses the same kernel as Debian 12 (Bookworm), currently 6.1.0-23.
Linux Mint MATE, Cinnamon & Xfce all currently use kernel 6.8.0-40.
Arch Linux and EndeavourOS both currently use kernel 6.10.2.
I downloaded Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded from:
https://peppermintos.com/download-and-install/
NB The Peppermint Devuan version does not use systemd, but the alternative Peppermint Debian version does.
Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded is pre-configured and it has a sleek and fully-populated Xfce desktop ideal for new users or those who want a more out-of-the-box experience.
This means that it is possible to get started quickly, since essential applications are pre-installed, including:
Firefox, GIMP, LibreOffice, Atril, Inkscape, Thunderbird, Gnome System Tools, Timeshift etc.
Note that Peppermint Fully Loaded is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
NB In total contrast, Peppermint OS also has a netinstall version called the Mini, which is a stripped down and custom construction of the Debian and Devuan packages:
https://peppermintos.com/2023/10/pep...mini-released/
Using the Calamares installer I then installed Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded and at the appropriate point, I selected sysvinit.
The installation is pretty straightforward (do remember to connect to wifi/ethernet cable) and I had no problems.
NB There is just one thing to note and that is if you happen to leave the installation to its own devices while you go and make a cup of coffee etc, you may find upon return that the screensaver has been activated.
I have it on good authority from Peppermint OS that the password box should be left empty (no password). Simply press Enter to resume the display of the installation.
NB The installation may appear to be stuck at certain points, but I can assure you that it is still beavering away behind the scenes. Do not switch off!
Once the installation is finished, reboot.
At the login screen, type your user password and press Enter.
A useful Welcome to Peppermint-(Devuan) panel is displayed, showing various options (see screenshot below).
It is best to click on the main Menu button in the bottom left corner to reveal a large range of applications (see screenshots below), which can be arranged to suit personal preference.
Just like Linux Mint, there is also a very useful Software Manager which makes it simple to search for and then add extra software as required.
One of the huge attractions of Peppermint OS-(Devuan) (and Linux Mint etc) to new users is that is not "terminal-centric"!
Virtually all actions are GUI-based using simple "point and click". This means that fear of the command line and "terminal-phobia" are immediately dispelled.
So many potential Linux users, who come from a Windows environment, are immediately put off using Linux by the real or imagined fear of the command line.
NB Quite by chance I discovered a blue icon in the bottom panel for Peppermint Update which acts as a shortcut to Simple Update. Yet again, just a simple GUI operation using "point and click".
Bafflingly, there is absolutely no reference whatsoever to this anywhere, either in All Applications or in any Peppermint OS documents that I have seen.
To use Simple Update, just click on the blue icon to open a terminal (see screenshot).
Type the user password and press Enter.
The software repositories etc are then checked and any updates are carried out.
At the question, Do you want to continue (Y/n):
Simply press y and then press Enter.
It may halt for a short while at Caching icons. Do NOT switch off!
The terminal will close itself automatically when it has finished all operations.
Printers
Just to add a tailpiece on printers. If you have any problems getting your printer recognised by Peppermint OS, do remember to use the Help in Print Settings:
Click on Menu > Settings > Print Settings > Unlock > Give the user password > Click on the interactive Help.
In my case, under Properties, my Brother HL-1112 printer did not have a tick (check) in the Enabled box for State, under the Policies tab.
I clicked on Apply > OK > Job done!
Summary
The single word I would choose to describe Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded is polished, both inside and out.
Everything is very well organised, similar to Linux Mint Cinnamon but using Xfce. This means that it looks extremely attractive but is significantly more lightweight.
I believe that all 4 of the original priority requirements were met, plus there is the added bonus of hybrid rolling release and a very easy-to-use Simple Update.
I think that the blue icon for Peppermint Update/Simple Update is truly inspired.
It is just so easy and straightforward to use, especially by family members (and others) who don’t have much of a clue about computers in general, least of all Linux.
Also don’t forget that Peppermint OS-Devuan works on both old and recent hardware in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Finally, I must add that Peppermint OS-Devuan has some of the nicest quality desktop wallpapers (see screenshot below) I have ever come across, so well done Peppermint OS.
What a combination of pluses for a distro that flies well below the radar of most Linux users (and Windows refugees), yet has so many outstanding features.
I could not find a single thing to criticise and I find it quite incredible that this superb distro does not have a much higher adoption, since it appears to be the "Swiss Army knife" of Linux distros.
Overall, Peppermint OS-(Devuan) appears to have had very little exposure.
Here is an older review from December 2023 which includes the installation process using Calamares:
https://www.geeksmint.com/peppermint-os/
In July 2024 Linux for Seniors produced this excellent, detailed video on Peppermint OS-(Debian) Fully Loaded:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxF5fY1SXwU
A simply brilliant distro!
**************************************************************************************************** *************************
Personally I would forget about installing Peppermint OS Update Manager tool unless you are desperate to schedule updates. In my view it is just totally unnecessary.
For those who do wish to install this tool I am including some notes which detail several extra steps which are missing from the official instructions at:
https://sourceforge.net/p/peppermint...r%20Installer/
Modified instructions to install Peppermint OS Update Manager tool:
Now this is where you need to make some additions otherwise the Peppermint Update Manager GUI will not be installed correctly!
These packages should be installed before the running of pepbit.sh
Install the following, using terminal:
Press Enter.
1. Download the pepbit.sh from this link:
https://sourceforge.net/p/peppermint...epbit_install/
Right-click the file and save it to your *Desktop or *Downloads folder.
2. Browse to the *location where you saved the file and ensure it is set to
“Allow this file to run as a program”.
To do this right-click the file and click “Properties”.
Then click the “Permissions” tab, ensure the box next to “Program:” is ticked/checked. Click on Close.
3. Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and go to where the file is saved. In the case of Desktop the command is:
4. Then type this command:
Then press Enter, type your password and press Enter again.
5. Once this operation is completed, the Update GUI should be installed.
The distro was to be installed on an elderly 10 year old laptop with 4GB of RAM.
The main priorities were:
1. Stability.
2. General management by GUI as far as possible.
3. Decent speed and low resource usage.
4. No systemd.
On July 1, 2023 the formerly Ubuntu-based Peppermint OS released a new version, called Peppermint OS-(Devuan) based on Debian (Bookworm) and Devuan (Daedalus).
Peppermint OS uses a “hybrid release” schedule in which updates are rolled out as needed. It is not a true “rolling release" but as far as the end user is concerned the result is pretty much the same (i.e. there is no need to keep doing fresh installations as is the case with a distro like Linux Mint which has fixed and point releases).
Essentially, Peppermint is a system that has rolling application updates and some system updates.
Periodically, a respin is released which incorporates minor bug fixes and recent updates.
Kernels
Just a brief note on kernels. Peppermint OS uses the same kernel as Debian 12 (Bookworm), currently 6.1.0-23.
Linux Mint MATE, Cinnamon & Xfce all currently use kernel 6.8.0-40.
Arch Linux and EndeavourOS both currently use kernel 6.10.2.
I downloaded Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded from:
https://peppermintos.com/download-and-install/
NB The Peppermint Devuan version does not use systemd, but the alternative Peppermint Debian version does.
Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded is pre-configured and it has a sleek and fully-populated Xfce desktop ideal for new users or those who want a more out-of-the-box experience.
This means that it is possible to get started quickly, since essential applications are pre-installed, including:
Firefox, GIMP, LibreOffice, Atril, Inkscape, Thunderbird, Gnome System Tools, Timeshift etc.
Note that Peppermint Fully Loaded is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
NB In total contrast, Peppermint OS also has a netinstall version called the Mini, which is a stripped down and custom construction of the Debian and Devuan packages:
https://peppermintos.com/2023/10/pep...mini-released/
Using the Calamares installer I then installed Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded and at the appropriate point, I selected sysvinit.
The installation is pretty straightforward (do remember to connect to wifi/ethernet cable) and I had no problems.
NB There is just one thing to note and that is if you happen to leave the installation to its own devices while you go and make a cup of coffee etc, you may find upon return that the screensaver has been activated.
I have it on good authority from Peppermint OS that the password box should be left empty (no password). Simply press Enter to resume the display of the installation.
NB The installation may appear to be stuck at certain points, but I can assure you that it is still beavering away behind the scenes. Do not switch off!
Once the installation is finished, reboot.
At the login screen, type your user password and press Enter.
A useful Welcome to Peppermint-(Devuan) panel is displayed, showing various options (see screenshot below).
It is best to click on the main Menu button in the bottom left corner to reveal a large range of applications (see screenshots below), which can be arranged to suit personal preference.
Just like Linux Mint, there is also a very useful Software Manager which makes it simple to search for and then add extra software as required.
One of the huge attractions of Peppermint OS-(Devuan) (and Linux Mint etc) to new users is that is not "terminal-centric"!
Virtually all actions are GUI-based using simple "point and click". This means that fear of the command line and "terminal-phobia" are immediately dispelled.
So many potential Linux users, who come from a Windows environment, are immediately put off using Linux by the real or imagined fear of the command line.
NB Quite by chance I discovered a blue icon in the bottom panel for Peppermint Update which acts as a shortcut to Simple Update. Yet again, just a simple GUI operation using "point and click".
Bafflingly, there is absolutely no reference whatsoever to this anywhere, either in All Applications or in any Peppermint OS documents that I have seen.
To use Simple Update, just click on the blue icon to open a terminal (see screenshot).
Type the user password and press Enter.
The software repositories etc are then checked and any updates are carried out.
At the question, Do you want to continue (Y/n):
Simply press y and then press Enter.
It may halt for a short while at Caching icons. Do NOT switch off!
The terminal will close itself automatically when it has finished all operations.
Printers
Just to add a tailpiece on printers. If you have any problems getting your printer recognised by Peppermint OS, do remember to use the Help in Print Settings:
Click on Menu > Settings > Print Settings > Unlock > Give the user password > Click on the interactive Help.
In my case, under Properties, my Brother HL-1112 printer did not have a tick (check) in the Enabled box for State, under the Policies tab.
I clicked on Apply > OK > Job done!
Summary
The single word I would choose to describe Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded is polished, both inside and out.
Everything is very well organised, similar to Linux Mint Cinnamon but using Xfce. This means that it looks extremely attractive but is significantly more lightweight.
I believe that all 4 of the original priority requirements were met, plus there is the added bonus of hybrid rolling release and a very easy-to-use Simple Update.
I think that the blue icon for Peppermint Update/Simple Update is truly inspired.
It is just so easy and straightforward to use, especially by family members (and others) who don’t have much of a clue about computers in general, least of all Linux.
Also don’t forget that Peppermint OS-Devuan works on both old and recent hardware in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Finally, I must add that Peppermint OS-Devuan has some of the nicest quality desktop wallpapers (see screenshot below) I have ever come across, so well done Peppermint OS.
What a combination of pluses for a distro that flies well below the radar of most Linux users (and Windows refugees), yet has so many outstanding features.
I could not find a single thing to criticise and I find it quite incredible that this superb distro does not have a much higher adoption, since it appears to be the "Swiss Army knife" of Linux distros.
Overall, Peppermint OS-(Devuan) appears to have had very little exposure.
Here is an older review from December 2023 which includes the installation process using Calamares:
https://www.geeksmint.com/peppermint-os/
In July 2024 Linux for Seniors produced this excellent, detailed video on Peppermint OS-(Debian) Fully Loaded:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxF5fY1SXwU
A simply brilliant distro!
**************************************************************************************************** *************************
Personally I would forget about installing Peppermint OS Update Manager tool unless you are desperate to schedule updates. In my view it is just totally unnecessary.
For those who do wish to install this tool I am including some notes which detail several extra steps which are missing from the official instructions at:
https://sourceforge.net/p/peppermint...r%20Installer/
Modified instructions to install Peppermint OS Update Manager tool:
Now this is where you need to make some additions otherwise the Peppermint Update Manager GUI will not be installed correctly!
These packages should be installed before the running of pepbit.sh
Install the following, using terminal:
Code:
sudo apt install yad python3-git python3-apt python3-bs4 python3-pip python3-pyqt5 python3-requests python3-tk python3-pyqt5.qtsvg python3-pyqt5.qtwebkit python3-ttkthemes
1. Download the pepbit.sh from this link:
https://sourceforge.net/p/peppermint...epbit_install/
Right-click the file and save it to your *Desktop or *Downloads folder.
2. Browse to the *location where you saved the file and ensure it is set to
“Allow this file to run as a program”.
To do this right-click the file and click “Properties”.
Then click the “Permissions” tab, ensure the box next to “Program:” is ticked/checked. Click on Close.
3. Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and go to where the file is saved. In the case of Desktop the command is:
Code:
cd Desktop
Code:
sudo ./pepbit.sh
5. Once this operation is completed, the Update GUI should be installed.
Total Comments 2
Comments
-
Just installed the Debian 32bit version on a low spec hybrid laptop (64bit processor apparently). A few observations: Apart from finding the right .iso to install; any time looking at the documentation was time wasted; this includes the hilarious guidance on Checksum verification. Having downloaded it, some items on the welcome menu were clear enough e.g. install Firefox browser. I had no idea how to get a browser onto the Desktop and spent a while checking all combinations; fortunately Google Gemini (unusually) provided the answer; to get Bluetooth req'd searching through a forum where I incidentally picked up a hint. Without searching elsewhere I don't know that there would have been any hint as to what a Terminal was or how used. I don't know whether any other disro's have better documentation - by which I especially mean a step by step process without presumptions that the user is already quite familiar with Linux. I haven't looked into it yet but am already missing the functionality of Windows Phone link; also can't download Chrome; can't transfer passwords as this requires a CSV file which seems to be near impossible to erase - i.e. if one wishes to pass on the laptop.
One thing that with (very limited use to date) is that the volume seems better; the laptop was nearly useless for media without using "Fx sound". I have almost no idea how to install software/apps. - again in the absence of any meaningful guidance it's a case of searching. I only installed it because an attempt at setting up a Dual boot (mostly guesswork) resulted in such a tangled drive that an install of an OS reformatting the entire disk looked much easier than the rocket science needed to restore it. Having given up on the dual boot I thought it better to install one of the most popular Distro's with a view towards better support/documentation. For those interested who may chuckle in seeing the Peppermint advice re checksums - you may get a belly laugh (or be depressed) at the advice on the Mint site (unless you are already using Mint - that looks straightforward).Posted 08-15-2024 at 06:59 AM by Dech 
-
Dech,
I have just made the following post in the Newbie forum on LQ:
Linux for All and especially beginners.
Do visit the Linux for Seniors website. It has a wealth of info for Linux beginners in particular.
For a checksum, do this, assuming the download ISO file is in Downloads (could be Desktop or wherever):
Open Terminal using (Ctrl + Alt + T) and press Enter after each of these separate commands. Then compare the output with, in this case, what Linux Mint have provided for LM22 64-bit MATE ISO.
Code:cd Downloads
I agree that Peppermint could improve their documentation. Having said that, their products are truly excellent.Code:sha256sum -b linuxmint-22-mate-64bit-beta.iso
Linux Mint has decent documentation. See Linux Mint Installation Guide.
As mentioned above, do visit the Linux for Seniors website for some extremely clear, easy-to-follow videos.
What is your hardware in terms of RAM and CPU?
You really should run the 64-bit if you have a 64-bit CPU.
Your hardware may or may not be sufficient to run Peppermint OS-(Devuan) Fully Loaded, but the BIG advantage of POSDFL is that Software Manager is included.
This makes life so much simpler.
For RAM info use the command:
If you don’t have inxi, then install it using this command in Terminal:Code:grep MemTotal /proc/meminfo
Then give the command:Code:sudo apt install inxi
This will give full details of your hardware, which you can copy and paste into a new thread on LQ forums (Newbie).Code:inxi -Fxz
NB Once you have copied and pasted the output into the text box, highlight the text and then click on the # icon (for CODE tags), at the top of the text box.
That way lots of other learners can also benefit from the correspondence.
My advice is to forget all about dual booting.
Linux does not need high-powered hardware!
A local charity shop has loads of decent old Linux laptops at knockdown prices and they will run any Linux distro you care to name.
Basic specs are 4GB RAM, with CPUs such as AMD A9-9420, Intel N4020, AMD A6-6310.
I have POSDFL running on a Lenovo G780 with a Pentium B960 CPU (look up the CPU rating on CPU Benchmarks).
It is nowhere near as fast as the ones above.
I hope this info is of help to you.
beachboy2Posted 08-15-2024 at 09:45 AM by beachboy2
Updated 08-15-2024 at 10:35 AM by beachboy2
