Tips || Tricks

Getting The Most Out Of Linux Mint With These Cool Tips And Tricks  

Linux Mint has the same look and feel as XP, switching over will in all probability be a breeze for long time XP users.

 With all the Windows XP end of life fiasco now well behind us, Linux is the preferred choice for individuals.organisations alike around the world. XP users could have a viable alternative in Linux Mint! Linux Mint has the same look and feel as XP, switching over will in all probability be a breeze for long time XP users. A more friendlier environment can be generated by setting Mint's Cinnamon interface to look and act a lot like XP. Users won't have to shell out an extra penny to use Mint. Further, the system requirements to run even the latest version Mint 16 Petra are minimalistic. All you need is an x86 processor, 512 MB RAM' 5 GB disk space, a graphics card that can handle 800×600 resolution, and a CD/DVD drive or USB port and you're good to go!

 

If you're looking to get the best out of Linux Mint, the following tips and tricks would certainly help a lot:

1. Ideally A Little Know-how Of Linux shell Will Take You A Long Way

Don't listen to people who tell you mastering each and every Linux shell command is must if you have to do anything with the desktop Linux. While the same is not a must, it's ideal you get your basics right. Being a jack of all trade here will prove to be an added advantage and help you bring out the best of your operating system than any GUI can ever imagine. You can learn a lot more about the shell and its associated programs here.

2. Putting Favourite/Most Used Programs And Files Anwhere On The Desktop

Here's how you do it:

-Use the Mint Menu button to locate your favourite program.

-Right clicking on the program will give you three places where you can place the same: add to panel, desktop or favourites.

3. Change The Location Of The Mint menubar

-Right click anywhere on the panel to bring up the associated menu. Click on the Panel Edit mode button.

-Next settings > panel entry > Panel menu. Decide where you want your menu to be: top, bottom or both.

-Restart Cinnamon, and you'll have your menu bar where you want it to be.

-Bring up the Panel Edit mode button again and switch it back to the circle to use the programs pinned to the panel.

4. Turning On The Linux Mint Firewall

Here's how you do it:

-Download and install gufw using the Software Manager.

-Run gufw by entering your administrator/root password.

-Turn the firewall on at the status button, turn incoming to deny, and outgoing to allow.

5. Set Your Linux Mint Update Timer

Here's how you do it:

-Open Update Manager and install any latest updates.

-Click on Edit/Preferences.

-Go to Auto Refresh and change the settings from 15 minutes to what you want it to be > hit Apply radio button.

6. Install Chrome

Here's how you do it:

-Download Chrome > Open with gdebi-gtk > Install.