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Refreshed Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) 2 'Betsy' ISO images now available

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It no secret that Linux Mint is one of the most popular and sought after Linux-based desktop operating systems in the world, but not many are aware of the fact that there are two versions of the said OS. No, we aren’ t talking about several environments such as Cinnamon, MATE, and KDE.

Two distinct operating systems share the Mint name. While Ubuntu based Linux Mint is considered to be the normal version of the operating system, its lesser known variant, LMDE, is built based on Debian. Confusing, isn’ t it?

The Linux Mint Debian Edition 2 ‘ Betsy’ hasn’ t gone through any major upgrade since its inception back in 2015

However, LMDE has received a steady stream of updates over the last two years. But what could be the problem? It is the ISO images which were considered to be outdated, and a need for updates arouse with every fresh installs. So, in order to improvise and give a fresh experience, the Linux Mint community has decided to refresh the installation media. Now, a refreshed stable Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) 2 ' Betsy' ISO images are available, with the choice of either Cinnamon or MATE.

Why should you opt for LMDE 2? The Linux Mint team shared their explanation back in 2015 when it was launched.

LMDE was created targeting the experienced Linux users. Although, it uses the same environment as Linux Mint, it has Debian as its package base.

Being less mainstream than Linux Mint, it has a lesser user base and is not compatible with PPAs. Also, it lacks new features. All of these make it a bit harder to use and is not recommended for a novice user.

But, LMDE is a bit faster when compared to Linux Mint. Although there are no point releases in the LMDE2, it has made way for bug and security fixes, along with regular updates for Mint and desktop components

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Frequently asked questions ( 5 )

Q

How do I error-check the ISO?

A

See instruction here:
How to verify a downloaded ISO’s integrity and authenticity
If you find the ISO file to be invalid, most likely there was an error during download. Download again and re-verify.

Q

What media is supported for installation?

A

DVD and USB drive are the most common media on which to place the ISO file.

Q

How do I get new software?

A

The easiest way is through the Software Manager: Choose the category, then choose the application you want. At any point, you can use the search feature.
If you just need one or two specific packages, you may want to try the Package Manager (Synaptic).

Both the Software Manager and the Package Manager take packages from the Linux Mint repository. Getting software elsewhere is not recommended unless you trust the source.

Q

How do I upgrade the operating system?
How do I upgrade applications?

A

Linux Mint, like most distros, handles operating system and application upgrades together.
The easiest way to upgrade is through the Update Manager. The first time Update Manager is run, you choose an update policy based on your comfort level of stability vs. security. (You can always change your update policy options and levels via the Edit | Preferences menu.)

To upgrade, first Choose Refresh, then choose the upgrades you want installed by checking or unchecking the check boxes for the packages you want, and finally choose Install Updates. Update Manager will download, then install the upgrades you have chosen.

Q

How do I choose between a stable vs. secure system?

A

“The Update Manager no longer promotes vigilance and selective updates.”[181][184][187] This decimates the Linux Mint update policy and annihilates 12 years of diligence towards responsible and informed system updates. Therefore the following information may be incorrect and/or out-of-date.
Yes, the upgrades are safe. However, since every computer setup is different, no distro can guarantee that all the packages on your system (with your hardware, with your hardware drivers, with your system settings and with your set of applications) are completely compatible with one another. Don’t worry; the vast majority of the time they are.
Linux Mint recognizes the trade-off of stability vs. security and the importance of giving the user a choice. Among other options, Linux Mint allows an informed choice by organizing each package upgrade into levels from 1 to 5. By default, levels 1 and 2 are selected. Choosing upgrades from levels 1 and 2 is a conservative, stable approach; choosing upgrades from only level 1 is a very conservative, stable approach.

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