Overview:

After completing my first Linux build on Zorin OS Core, I realized pretty quickly that I had caught the Linux bug. To keep the momentum going, I picked up two more Lenovo 300e touchscreen laptops and started testing distros that could realistically handle daily use.

Next up was Linux Mint (Cinnamon Edition).

Why Linux Mint?

Linux Mint (Cinnamon Edition) has been a long-time favorite in the Linux community, and it is easy to see why.It offers a stable and reliable experience, along with a familiar, Windows-like interface. The Cinnamon desktop feels like a refined version of Windows 10, making it easy to navigate and intuitive from the start. It strikes a strong balance between performance, usability, and simplicity.

Install & Setup

• Downloaded the Linux Mint ISO and created a bootable USB using Rufus on Windows.

• Disabled Secure Boot in the BIOS on the Lenovo 300e.

• Installed Linux Mint Cinnamon with a full clean install, erasing the disk.

• Performed post-install system updates using standard package update and upgrade commands.

The entire process was smooth with no issues during installation.

Applications & Tools

Installed the following applications to support daily use:

• SimpleScreenRecorder for lightweight screen and audio recording.

• Okular as a PDF viewer with annotation and highlighting support.

• PDF Arranger for merging, organizing, and removing PDF pages.

• Brave as a privacy-focused web browser.

• FreeTube as an alternative way to watch YouTube content.

• RustDesk as a remote desktop solution.

This setup keeps the system focused and practical without unnecessary software.

Desktop & Panel Customization

• One of the biggest advantages of Linux Mint Cinnamon is how easy it is to customize without needing scripting or advanced configuration.

• Added desktop launchers for Documents, Trash, Brave, and LibreOffice tools.

• Customized the Cinnamon panel to include quick access to:

  • Application Launcher

  • Terminal

  • System Monitor

  • GUFW (graphical firewall manager)

  • Software Manager

  • Update Manager

Everything was organized for quick access and a clean workflow.

Reflection

• Performance was consistent and efficient. CPU usage stayed around 10 to 15 percent at idle, and memory usage averaged around 1.2 GB at idle.

• Hardware compatibility was excellent. All drivers and components worked out-of-the-box without any additional setup or troubleshooting.

Final Outcome

Linux Mint Cinnamon quickly became my preferred system for everyday use. It delivers strong performance on modest hardware, a familiar and easy-to-use interface, and straightforward customization options. Compared to Zorin OS and Ubuntu, the ability to customize the desktop environment without additional steps or scripting was a major advantage. Overall, this distro provides a reliable and user-friendly experience that works well as a daily driver.