Linux - Cinnamon Mint

[Adamski]

My main (work) Windows11 laptop started going weird. Generally OK, but network/internet got really slow ... intermittently, so just couldn't nail it down - despite trying all the AI voodoo out there.

I'd given Ubuntu a try (many times) in the past, but got frustrated with all the nerdy Terminal stuff required to get basic functions (like printers) to work. BUT ... I saw a YT video saying Cinnamon Mint was the bee's knees, so I tried it out on an old laptop.

Guess what? It's amazing! The GUI (which has always been a bit "shonky" IMHO) is actually better than Windows11. I installed the [free] Jellyfin server and now share all my audio+video files over the network for the smart TV to display in Netflix manner. Works well - and surprisingly easy to set up/maintain.

After a full backup, I decided to put my Windows11 on my main laptop to the sword. Even after dozens of Win11 performance tweaks, Cinnamon Mint totally blew it away. It's faster all round - even for basic email (Thunderbird) and browsing (Brave).

The only thing I miss is Photoshop - but I have that on my Win11 sim PC anyway. Gimp really is a pile of poo IMHO.

So ... I really do think Linux has turned a corner. If anyone has an old PC or laptop to sacrifice, I sincerely think it's worth a try.