How to learn Linux Mint Cinnamon

[skyglider]

I've been a Windows user all of my life. No Linux or Mac experience. After building a new Win11 PC, I'm going to convert my previous Win10, i7 6700 PC to Linux Mint Cinnamon.

For experienced Linux Mint users, can you recommend a good YouTube video that explains how to setup and start using Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) from scratch? I need to learn how to setup folders and files in Linux. IOW, everything from scratch. Am a total Linux noob. Hopefully that will help me (and other lurkers) learn how to use Mint Cinnamon without searching through multiple YouTube videos for a good tutorial.

I plan to only use LMC to browse the web using Firefox, do email using Thunderbird, use Libre Office for word processing and spreadsheets, and "view" photos. No photo/video editing. That will be done on my Win11 PC. The LMC PC will act as a backup for daily use in case my Win11 PC goes down.

Recommendation for a good beginners Linux Mint YouTube video from experienced Linux folks will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

I've been a Windows user all of my life. No Linux or Mac experience. After building a new Win11 PC, I'm going to convert my previous Win10, i7 6700 PC to Linux Mint Cinnamon.

For experienced Linux Mint users, can you recommend a good YouTube video that explains how to setup and start using Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) from scratch? I need to learn how to setup folders and files in Linux. IOW, everything from scratch. Am a total Linux noob. Hopefully that will help me (and other lurkers) learn how to use Mint Cinnamon without searching through multiple YouTube videos for a good tutorial.

I plan to only use LMC to browse the web using Firefox, do email using Thunderbird, use Libre Office for word processing and spreadsheets, and "view" photos. No photo/video editing. That will be done on my Win11 PC. The LMC PC will act as a backup for daily use in case my Win11 PC goes down.

Recommendation for a good beginners Linux Mint YouTube video from experienced Linux folks will be appreciated. Thanks.

I just did this. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/68269915

Their LM guide is excellent https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

If you are familiar with WIndows 11, the use of LMC will be easy and straightforward.

 

[skyglider]

I just did this. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/68269915

Their LM guide is excellent https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

If you are familiar with WIndows 11, the use of LMC will be easy and straightforward.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling and your links. Though I've not gone through all of it yet, the installation-guide appears to be very promising.

Thanks!

 

[New Wrycuda]

I just did this. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/68269915

Their LM guide is excellent https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

If you are familiar with WIndows 11, the use of LMC will be easy and straightforward.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling and your links. Though I've not gone through all of it yet, the installation-guide appears to be very promising.

Good luck with your Linux project. A journal of your experiences with LMC would be useful for others.

I’m also a Linux noob, and have only used the Chromebook implementation of Debian Linux. So far, so good. It’s the way Windows should be.

The installation of applications can be confusing at first, but this link will suggest some likely applications, with installation guides.

22 Recommended Linux Apps

So far, I’ve installed GIMP and Inkscape for graphics. These are in addition to Chromebook and Android Apps. No issues at all.

For email, I chose Geary…

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install geary -y

In many cases, Geary will auto-configure, given just address and p/w. By default, it uses your p/w as security for opening the app.

 

[FujiJon]

I've been a Windows user all of my life. No Linux or Mac experience. After building a new Win11 PC, I'm going to convert my previous Win10, i7 6700 PC to Linux Mint Cinnamon.

For experienced Linux Mint users, can you recommend a good YouTube video that explains how to setup and start using Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) from scratch? I need to learn how to setup folders and files in Linux. IOW, everything from scratch. Am a total Linux noob. Hopefully that will help me (and other lurkers) learn how to use Mint Cinnamon without searching through multiple YouTube videos for a good tutorial.

I plan to only use LMC to browse the web using Firefox, do email using Thunderbird, use Libre Office for word processing and spreadsheets, and "view" photos. No photo/video editing. That will be done on my Win11 PC. The LMC PC will act as a backup for daily use in case my Win11 PC goes down.

Recommendation for a good beginners Linux Mint YouTube video from experienced Linux folks will be appreciated. Thanks.

For anyone installing Mint This is a great resource for managing your system, and just as importantly what NOT to do. Highly recommended, I have used it on all my Mint installations. The instructions on how to do stuff are detailed, easy to follow, and will also help you to find your way around the OS.

 

[XiaoDeer]

My suggestions when migrating to Linux in general are:

Take it slowly and don't try to do it all at once. Don't make many changes in one session. If/when you make a mistake it's easy to back out one change. Hard with 10 of them.

Focus on the essentials.

1. I like to get the desktop organized according to my personal preferences early on. However, if you prefer you can do this a little later.

2. You absolutely need a web browser so this is one of the first items to set up. I go with Firefox, uBlock Origin and customize to taste.

3. You absolutely need a file manager. You may be happy with the default. If not, there are many others.

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

5. File sharing. You'll likely want to exchange some data with other Windows systems. Start with a simple thumb drive but make sure it's formatted with FAT32 (not NTFS). Later you'll probably want to set up some network file sharing.

 

[skyglider]

Good luck with your Linux project. A journal of your experiences with LMC would be useful for others.

Such a journal would be a good reference to have to remember the steps taken.

I’m also a Linux noob, and have only used the Chromebook implementation of Debian Linux. So far, so good. It’s the way Windows should be.

The installation of applications can be confusing at first, but this link will suggest some likely applications, with installation guides.

22 Recommended Linux Apps

So far, I’ve installed GIMP and Inkscape for graphics. These are in addition to Chromebook and Android Apps. No issues at all.

For email, I chose Geary…

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install geary -y

In many cases, Geary will auto-configure, given just address and p/w. By default, it uses your p/w as security for opening the app.

Thanks for the link and sharing your Chromebook experience. I will review the link as part of my education process.

Thanks!

 

[skyglider]

For anyone installing Mint This is a great resource for managing your system, and just as importantly what NOT to do. Highly recommended, I have used it on all my Mint installations. The instructions on how to do stuff are detailed, easy to follow, and will also help you to find your way around the OS.

That link also looks promising to use as a guide for a noob like me. Thanks!

 

[skyglider]

My suggestions when migrating to Linux in general are:

Take it slowly and don't try to do it all at once. Don't make many changes in one session. If/when you make a mistake it's easy to back out one change. Hard with 10 of them.

Focus on the essentials.

1. I like to get the desktop organized according to my personal preferences early on. However, if you prefer you can do this a little later.

2. You absolutely need a web browser so this is one of the first items to set up. I go with Firefox, uBlock Origin and customize to taste.

I will be installing Firefox as one of the first. Thanks for the uBlock Origin suggestion.

3. You absolutely need a file manager. You may be happy with the default. If not, there are many others.

This is one of the things I need to learn about.

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

Yes, I forgot to add a text editor in my original post. Thanks for the suggestions.

5. File sharing. You'll likely want to exchange some data with other Windows systems. Start with a simple thumb drive but make sure it's formatted with FAT32 (not NTFS). Later you'll probably want to set up some network file sharing.

Yes, I'll want to share files with my Win11 PC. Another thing to learn down the road.

Thanks for taking the time to post your suggestions.

 

[bmoag]

I recently spent a few days installing Mint on its own drive in a Win 11 PC just to do it.

In my case I had to do a crash course in Linux partitioning, it had been awhile, in order to make sure the Grub bootloader installed on its own drive and not in the Windows EFI. I have had prior disasters with that. Not a problem if Linux will be the only OS on the machine, for whatever reason--Win 11 will install with Rufus on that Skylake machine.

If you are not familiar with using a command line it will be an even a more intense learning experience because the command line is impossible to avoid in Linux, unlike in Windows or macOS where most users never need to know the command line exists.

Many, perhaps too many, of the routine OS and app installation procedures that are automated in Windows and macOS are hands-on in Linux or don't work in the way to which you are accustomed.

One can easily spend more time futzing with the OS than getting anything done, which I assume is the primary attraction of Linux for many. There are seemingly endless ways to do complex things that are an end in themselves but seem to me of little practical value for most users: pods and containers?

If you get through the setup and configuration, all you use is a web browser (Chrome, Edge and others are available), and can live with the limits of Linux office suites (Free Office looks more like MS apps to me) its all good. It does not seem like you will need peripheral drivers, fortunately.

TBH all most people use is a web bowser and maybe basic office apps, so the OS and the underlying silicon are more irrelevant than we are led to believe. This is a world where people can live their lives within the limits of a cell phone.

 

[skyglider]

I recently spent a few days installing Mint on its own drive in a Win 11 PC just to do it.

In my case I had to do a crash course in Linux partitioning, it had been awhile, in order to make sure the Grub bootloader installed on its own drive and not in the Windows EFI. I have had prior disasters with that. Not a problem if Linux will be the only OS on the machine, for whatever reason--Win 11 will install with Rufus on that Skylake machine.

Will install LMC on an internal SSD. No dual boot. I will also have all data on a data drive (either SSD or HDD depending on the spare I have available), so that will be a learning experience on even how to do that simple thing.

If you are not familiar with using a command line it will be an even a more intense learning experience because the command line is impossible to avoid in Linux, unlike in Windows or macOS where most users never need to know the command line exists.

Was a MSDOS user before Windows was available. Am comfortable using the command line.

Many, perhaps too many, of the routine OS and app installation procedures that are automated in Windows and macOS are hands-on in Linux or don't work in the way to which you are accustomed.

One can easily spend more time futzing with the OS than getting anything done, which I assume is the primary attraction of Linux for many. There are seemingly endless ways to do complex things that are an end in themselves but seem to me of little practical value for most users: pods and containers?

If you get through the setup and configuration, all you use is a web browser (Chrome, Edge and others are available), and can live with the limits of Linux office suites (Free Office looks more like MS apps to me) its all good. It does not seem like you will need peripheral drivers, fortunately.

Now that you mention peripheral drivers, I do need to connect to my older HP B&W laser printer that is on my network (connected via ethernet cable to the router). That might be a learning experience to get the right driver, if it exists for Linux, and figure out how to get it working. It's a HP MFP M225dn laserjet printer.

TBH all most people use is a web bowser and maybe basic office apps, so the OS and the underlying silicon are more irrelevant than we are led to believe. This is a world where people can live their lives within the limits of a cell phone.

Also my planned usage. Just a backup for daily tasks should my Win11 desktop go down.

 

[New Wrycuda]

Good luck with your Linux project. A journal of your experiences with LMC would be useful for others.

Such a journal would be a good reference to have to remember the steps taken.

Thanks for the link and sharing your Chromebook experience. I will review the link as part of my education process.

I bought the Chromebook because it was a good deal on run-out, and looked to be good spec. (i5, 8G, 512G, 16” 2560x1600). At US$290 it seemed like a good toy for the Christmas break.

According to (Android) Geekbench-CPU, it’s in the same ballpark as my desktop i5, noting that Android tends to underestimate the performance by about 15% compared to other platforms.

Exceeding my expectations as a general-purpose laptop, it also provided a good entry-point for getting to grips with Linux. The Linux apps that I’ve chosen have slotted in well with the existing ChromeOS and Android apps. At present, Linux seems to have limited access to the general file system. There are other Linux file managers available that I’ll install when required.

I have an “Old Faithful” Win10 laptop (circa 2017) that I’m considering for a Linux transplant. At the moment, it’s streaming to the TV…

• AMD A9
• 8G RAM
• 128G SSD Boot drive
• 2T HDD
• CD/DVD

Seems that I should download the appropriate ISO, flash it to bootable USB drive and boot from that, opting for a Linux only install. The existing Win10 is of no value to me, and a successful Linux installation will save the laptop from the parts bin, since it won’t accept the Win11 upgrade.

Update:

I chose to install Zorin OS, which went very smoothly. Lots of software and utilities included.

At the moment, the key-pad numbers aren’t recognised, but everything else if fine.

 

[FujiJon]

For anyone installing Mint This is a great resource for managing your system, and just as importantly what NOT to do. Highly recommended, I have used it on all my Mint installations. The instructions on how to do stuff are detailed, easy to follow, and will also help you to find your way around the OS.

That link also looks promising to use as a guide for a noob like me. Thanks!

Happy to help

 

[FujiJon]

I recently spent a few days installing Mint on its own drive in a Win 11 PC just to do it.

In my case I had to do a crash course in Linux partitioning, it had been awhile, in order to make sure the Grub bootloader installed on its own drive and not in the Windows EFI. I have had prior disasters with that. Not a problem if Linux will be the only OS on the machine, for whatever reason--Win 11 will install with Rufus on that Skylake machine.

Will install LMC on an internal SSD. No dual boot. I will also have all data on a data drive (either SSD or HDD depending on the spare I have available), so that will be a learning experience on even how to do that simple thing.

If you are not familiar with using a command line it will be an even a more intense learning experience because the command line is impossible to avoid in Linux, unlike in Windows or macOS where most users never need to know the command line exists.

Was a MSDOS user before Windows was available. Am comfortable using the command line.

Many, perhaps too many, of the routine OS and app installation procedures that are automated in Windows and macOS are hands-on in Linux or don't work in the way to which you are accustomed.

One can easily spend more time futzing with the OS than getting anything done, which I assume is the primary attraction of Linux for many. There are seemingly endless ways to do complex things that are an end in themselves but seem to me of little practical value for most users: pods and containers?

If you get through the setup and configuration, all you use is a web browser (Chrome, Edge and others are available), and can live with the limits of Linux office suites (Free Office looks more like MS apps to me) its all good. It does not seem like you will need peripheral drivers, fortunately.

Now that you mention peripheral drivers, I do need to connect to my older HP B&W laser printer that is on my network (connected via ethernet cable to the router). That might be a learning experience to get the right driver, if it exists for Linux, and figure out how to get it working. It's a HP MFP M225dn laserjet printer.

TBH all most people use is a web bowser and maybe basic office apps, so the OS and the underlying silicon are more irrelevant than we are led to believe. This is a world where people can live their lives within the limits of a cell phone.

Also my planned usage. Just a backup for daily tasks should my Win11 desktop go down.

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

 

[New Wrycuda]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

Yes, ChromeOS also plays nicely with HP all-in-ones, including the scan function.

 

[skyglider]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

Will be great if all of that happens. Will check out the linuxmint forums.

Thanks.

 

[Breakfastographer]

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

Vim is the most common implementation of Vi now, just so you know why you'll see those two terms.

While nano is self-explanatory, you absolutely need to know how to get in and out of editing mode with vim/vi ("i" key to get into editing mode, Escape to get out), and what commands to type in as some of the choices are somewhat esoteric (saving works by ":w" rather than the expected ":s"; if you're trying to quit and it won't let you, add an exclamation mark: ":q!"; etc.). Basically, it's something to start using with a manual on screen or in hand.

I would advise taking up Vim as a separate project if you are so inclined. It is one of the two very powerful text editors the Unix world offers (the other being Emacs and let's not compare them because it's one of the Unix world's classic feuds) and you can get extremely effective fairly quickly with it, but there is a learning curve. Nano tells you on screen exactly what to do. I recommend starting there.

Geeky fact: If you ever find yourself on a system that doesn't have nano, it probably has pico.

 

[XiaoDeer]

I would advise taking up Vim as a separate project if you are so inclined. It is one of the two very powerful text editors the Unix world offers (the other being Emacs and let's not compare them because it's one of the Unix world's classic feuds) and you can get extremely effective fairly quickly with it, but there is a learning curve.

Let's not do that but vi/vim suck and emacs rocks

35 years ago when I started working with FreeBSD, I learned a few basic emacs commands and they became completely embedded in muscle memory. But emacs is a monster app designed to make the coffee and cure cancer among other things.

Enter zile which supports all the same basic emacs commands in one tiny little package that enables me to do everything I need with the arrow keys, Home, End, and just three other commands; <Ctrl>XC (exit), <Ctrl>K (kill to end of line), <Ctrl>S (search).

 

[Austinian]

I would advise taking up Vim as a separate project if you are so inclined. It is one of the two very powerful text editors the Unix world offers (the other being Emacs and let's not compare them because it's one of the Unix world's classic feuds) and you can get extremely effective fairly quickly with it, but there is a learning curve.

Let's not do that but vi/vim suck and emacs rocks

I used an emacs-like (not true emacs) editor MicroGnuEmacs on my Amiga way back when; worked fine. My later attempts to learn the basics of vi ended in miserable failure--I just couldn't get happy with how it worked. :-(

 

[CAcreeks]

Nano tells you on screen exactly what to do. I recommend starting there.

Geeky fact: If you ever find yourself on a system that doesn't have nano, it probably has pico.

I did not know that.

Pico stands for Pine composer, written at U Washington.

"A clone of Pico called nano, which is part of the GNU Project,[4] was developed because Pico's earlier license had unclear redistribution terms." [Wikipedia]

They are small compared to vim. I like gvim, the graphical version in its own window.

0 lrwxr-xr-x 1 root wheel 4 Apr 11 22:16 /usr/bin/nano -> pico
1680 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root wheel 1441392 Apr 11 22:16 /usr/bin/pico
6416 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root wheel 5469712 Apr 11 22:16 /usr/bin/vim