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MINT: Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE 201403) review

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40hz:
It's come up in another thread. So here's the Dedoimedo review (with screenshots) of the most recent "pure" Debian-based version of Linux Mint.

For those who don't know what LMDE is, here's Mint's own summary:

LMDE in brief

    
* Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a semi-rolling distribution based on Debian Testing.
* It’s available in both 32 and 64-bit as a live DVD with Cinnamon or MATE.
* The purpose of LMDE is to look identical to the main edition and to provide the same functionality while using Debian as a base.
System requirements:

    
* x86 processor (LMDE 64-bit requires a 64-bit processor. LMDE 32-bit supports all x86 processors, non-PAE included).
* 1GB RAM
* 5 GB of disk space
* Graphics card capable of 800×600 resolution
* DVD drive or USB port
--- End quote ---

So why should you care - especially if you're already a "main edition" Mint Cinnamon or MATE user? Think of LMDE as an insurance policy.

To quote Dedoimedo again:

Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is an important sub-project of the Linux Mint domain for two big reasons. One, it is sort of a de-duplication of effort. Using quantum notation, Linux Mint proper is based on Debian and Ubuntu, which itself is based on Debian, therefore its quantum charm is (De)(Ub)(De). On the other than, LMDE has just (De).

Two, given the growing rift between Mint and Ubuntu, there might come a moment where Mint proper shall be no more - and you should utter this last bit in the style of Del Boy Trotter, when Rodney stumbles drunk into their old Peckham apartment, in the last episode of the sixth series: "How can I put it, you don't live here no more." Like that. And then, your one and only Mint will be the Debian edition.
--- End quote ---

And here's their conclusion - it's a 9.7/10.  :Thmbsup:

Conclusion

Here we are. Overall, LMDE 201403 is an excellent distro. Rather tidy. Much better than I expected, and it rivals the main edition without breaking into a sweat. Except the printing curse that is. And the installer could be a bit friendlier when it comes to partitioning.

All that said, it surely is converging fast toward the point of no difference, or rather total independence from Ubuntu, AKA great distros can be made even without Ubuntu as the baseline. This is good. Freedom! I'm quite pleased. And if not for the two little bugs, this would surely be a perfect score. Hence the aforementioned disclaimer. Ergo ipso facto, we must grade less than a round 10, something like 9.7/10. Something like that. Very good and quite recommended.
--- End quote ---

More info on LMDE along with download links can be found here. 8)

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