For Linux Mint users who prefer Debian package base, LMDE 7 code-name “Gigi”, is available for beta testing!
LMDE stands for Linux Mint Debian Edition. As the name says, it’s a Linux Mint edition based on Debian, aims to continue to deliver the same user experience if Ubuntu was ever to disappear.
LMDE 7 is the next major release of this Linux Mint edition based on Debian 13 trixie, which was released a month ago. It features Kernel 6.12, Cinnamon desktop 6.4.12, and Debian 13 package base.
In my experience, Debian is more stable and reliable than Ubuntu. It’s perfect for server and advanced user use. And, LMDE makes it friendly for beginners.
However, it lacks major kernel version updates and most recent drivers (e.g., NVIDIA proprietary driver), unless upgrading the entire system to a new version (e.g., from LMDE 6 to LMDE7). If they are not big deal for you, then it’s a great choice!
Besides the difference between Kernel version and systems they’re based on, LMDE and normal Linux Mint edition deliver almost the same user experiences!
And, LMDE 7 Beta so far features Cinnamon only desktop, with following changes in Linux Mint 22.2:
- New XApp Fingwit provides graphical interface to manage user fingerprints.
- Improved Sticky Notes app with rounder corners and Wayland support.
- Add “Theater Mode” and “Borderless Mode” mode for Hypnotix IPTV player.
- Display user avatar in the login screen.
- Add blur effect to the panel and user selection dialog box in login screen for better appearance.
- Patch LibAdwaita with theme support, including Mint-Y, Mint-X and Mint-L themes.
- Add accent colors support for LibAdwaita Flatpak apps.
- New
xapp-aiff-thumbnailerthumbnailer for cover art in.aiffaudio files - Add iOS app for Warpinator file sharing utility.
- Configurable EDID-based color correction (disabled by default) in XViewer.
- Support editing description field in WebApp Manager.
- Support leading zeros when renaming multiple files and using enumerations
- Add description in Software Manager to tell the difference between Flatpak and system packages.
Download LMDE 7 Beta
The official announcement as well as the download link for LMDE 7 Beta is available in Linux Mint website via the link below:
For choice, you may download it from a mirror from this page. Though, as Beta it’s usually available in “testing” directory.
Hardware Requirements include: 2 GB RAM (though 4 GB recommended for smoother experience), 20 GB disk space, and 1024×768 resolution display.
