I have been using old versions of Peppermint for years. They have been fast, reliable and stable. The previous developer had done a very good job. There was a break in development and I switched to using other distributions. I have been using the latest version for a few weeks now. Both the debian and devuan based versions. They have worked well and are stable but I still feel a bit confused about them. Why have any of the old Peppermint themes and logos been included in the new distribution? The lxde desktop has changed to xcfe and that is ok but why was the old toolkit not ported to it. Now I am also a bit confused about the current state of the distribution. The last information was published last summer and the mirror download sites are not working. I own a Raspberry 400 and would love to try Peppermint on it too but I have not been able to install its Raspberry version. I miss clear installation instructions on the homepage. As long as these few problems can be sorted out I think I could continue using Peppermint for a long time.
I had pep debian installed on my lenovo y50-70 for probably half a year it worked fine only I couldn't install nvidia drivers , at the
moment I switched to devuan - OpenRC and it works much faster as well as takes less ram as debian systemD version
ps.I've used mint xfce before, I've tried many versions of Linux such as lmde it's also good, I installed xfce on it and it worked well, I
've also tried manjaro and versions derived from arch, as well as sparky, mabox it's Polish versions very nice but pepermint is for
me and my needs the best I recommend to test it out
I’m using an Acer All in One PC with PU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-7130U CPU @ 2.70GHz
GPU: Intel Corporation HD Graphics 620 (rev 02)
Memory: 3022MiB / 15908MiB and a Samsung SSD with 1 TB
Peppermint has actually always worked fantastically, my favorite OS for many years, always returning to this from distro hopping because everything, be it printers or anything else, always works right out of the box, straight away.
But I had to say goodbye to version 2023-07-01 immediately after installation.
The installation itself, as always with Peppermint, was absolutely smooth, no problems at all.
These started after the first reboot.
Constant black screens lasting seconds during operation, without warning, without being able to reproduce them.
And always the fear that mails or other things might have disappeared after the display had lit up again.
Resource usage is much heavier than what it used to be years ago. With the death of the founder, anything and everything good about Peppermint went down the drain.
Even after installing all the updates offered, the spooky behaviour on Peppermint had not disappeared, so I was forced to switch to Linux Mint.
Peppermint Loaded installed, very good, fast, no real faults, except at this stage, anyway, cannot install vlc, smplayer, mpv player, will not play dvds, something else needed for in-house player. Did consult Software Manager, note.
Would like to have Seamonkey as an occasional alternative to Firefox, especially as Composer is present, for making websites.
XFCE is a good choice, very easy to use, and prefer the conventional desktop layout provided.
Installed on an i3 Acer, no problems at all.
I got a 15y old desktop pc with 4gb of RAM. Fair enough to use XFCE4 on it. After years of distro hopping with, xubuntu, debian, devian, manjaro, opensuse, etc..., I gave Peppermint a try. I did a fresh install of the 2023-07-01 version, Devuan based, with Runit as my init system.
As it only use about 500mb by start, it's very quick and smooth. Moreover it looks very nice with the default themes and icons. Also top is the terminal based update option. For me rely a big 10+++++ , I recommend it to everyone!
To start I am not a Linux expert. However I have used Peppermint 6 and 7 in the past, and returned to install the latest distro recently as my main system.
Summary: PeppermintOS is amazing. I wanted to match what I had on Windows that I used and worked with, and install those programs on the new setup. PeppermintOS offered that (searched for some Linux versions of installations and they were surprise surprise Debian). I am so glad and satisfied I returned to this distro and managed to put almost all the software needs into the new system. And without much difficulty. Result is lots of speed and response. Everything working. I relied mainly on Synaptic package manager to install, and added a few others with the other installation places found on the Peppermint Hub. Youtube was a great resource to figure a few things out like using PlayOnLinux to work with Wine. It just works.
Software I enjoyed on Windows that are available supported by Debian include:
Thorium epub reader (and with some fiddling, used Flite and espeak-ng to get voice to read the books as well)
Telegram
Viber.
MMEX Money Manager
CherryTree notes/database
OnlyOffice....
Choosing Peppermint initially was about finding an operating system that would work on older machines. That's where P6 and P7 were installed and they worked well. I think many of us enter the Linux world by that path. I use an i7 desktop now so it wasn't purely about that this time.
There's an enjoyment that comes from being able to work out how to get things installed and working, and at the same time, experiencing them work without a fault. That's what you get with this distro.
Still very interested reading about Linux and all the various flavors out there... who isn't.... there's so much happening and developing.
But for a daily use perspective, and something that doesn't crash or complain this one has my vote. As well as giving me choice in software to add.
Good: stable, quite slick and polished Xfce desktop. Bad: driver support not good at all. A common tp link wifi adapter no go and a mobile nvidia rtx 1650 created big trouble. This was the devuan version. I get the impression that Devuan is first and foremost an alternative for server admins who want a systemd alternative, an important enough mission. Not so much a desktop thing. I¨m also sceptical about the choice to permanently enable the Debian Multimedia repo, and this threw an error I have not seen before when I tried the distro for one day (before ending it because of the video driver prob): access denied to the repo actually came up in apt/synaptic. So go for debian peppermint.
Version: 10 Rating: 4 Date: 2024-03-09 Votes: 0
Finding the minimalistic way interesting (under 1gig Ram after startup) and its concept, I wanted to give it a try.
It took me over 4 hours and a few takes, to finally install it on my external hard drive(after finding out workarounds to avoid bugs and faulty programming in Calamares. For instance, only achievable by turning off legacy mode. Only Achievable by not encrypting the Hard drive. And every attempt took over 1 hour after calamares being extremely slow, only to experience errors occurring in the end.)
After I finally installed it, the next frustration:
Constant tiny program freezes or delays after opening a program like browser or file manager.
This is OS specific after trying different Distributions without this typ of problems.
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Debian version of Peppermint OS, and it's safe to say that this lightweight Linux distribution has left a lasting impression on me. Peppermint OS seamlessly combines the stability and reliability of Debian with a user-friendly interface, creating a delightful computing experience for users of all levels.
One of the standout features of Peppermint OS Debian is its commitment to simplicity without compromising functionality. The desktop environment is clean, intuitive, and responsive, making it easy for both newcomers and seasoned Linux enthusiasts to navigate. The developers have done an excellent job of allowing the users to decide thier path.
Performance is where Peppermint OS truly shines. The Debian base ensures a robust foundation, while keeps resource usage to a minimum. Even on older hardware, Peppermint OS delivers a snappy and smooth user experience, making it an ideal choice for revitalizing aging machines or breathing new life into low-spec devices.
The community surrounding Peppermint OS is another aspect that deserves praise. The developers are actively engaged, responsive, and open to user feedback, creating a collaborative atmosphere that fosters improvement and innovation.
In conclusion, Peppermint OS is a breath of fresh air in the Linux landscape. It successfully marries the rock-solid foundation of Debian with a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, efficient, and reliable operating system. Whether you're a Linux novice or a seasoned user looking for a streamlined experience, Peppermint OS is definitely worth considering.
Useless. Installed on MSI Katana laptop with nvidia rtx 1650 mobile. For some reason the debian multimedia repo does not work, this may have contributed to the mess I experienced. The nouveau driver did not work with the card - glitches every 2 minutes. None of the nvidia drivers were able to install. Tried to purge nvidia and nouveau and block nouveau but the nvidia standalone installer kept yapping about nouveau being installed. So could not get a working display. Absolute crap distro. Stay away.
I've been using it as my daily driver OS for about two weeks now and here are my thoughts:
Peppermint is seriously awesome! It's super lightweight (Less is more!) and runs smooth as butter, even on older hardware. That's what got me hooked – its performance and stability are top-notch. And it's not just for tech wizards. Beginners should have a great time with it too because it's so darn easy to use. No complicated setup or troubleshooting.Yo can reasonably use it as a live installation if you flash it with something like Rufus or you can get it up and running on your machine permanently with just a few clicks, thanks to the fool proof Calamares installer. It really is that easy. Just get the right version for your system, fire it up and you're good to go.
But here's the kicker – Peppermint OS isn't just some stripped-down Debian for n00bs. It's got all the bells and whistles that advanced users would expect to see in an OS too. Whether you're a coder, power user, or just love tinkering, Peppermint OS has got your back. Plus, there's tons of customization options to make it your own.
Now, let's talk about the Peppermint Hub. Honestly, it's a bit meh. Sure, it's a cool idea, giving you quick access to different ressources, but in reality, it's kinda redundant. Most of the links you can find with a quick web or terminal search. I didn't really mind it but it did strike me as an odd choice to include something like this in such a minimalist OS. But hey, it's not a dealbreaker. You can just ignore it and move on.
In a nutshell, Peppermint OS is a winner in my book. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and power, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, no-nonsense operating system. I'm glad to say that after a phase of distro hopping I have finally found something that really hit the mark for me. Give it a spin too – you won't be disappointed!
I am quite smitten by Peppermint. The Less is More mantra appeals to me, because why would you want to carry unneeded baggage around? I find that when looking at other distros on DistroWatch I blast down through the program lists, comparing them to the sparing use that Peppermint shows, and almost always coming up wanting. Peppermint is leanest, and thus, friendliest with system resources. There are those that want a browser in their initial offering. OK, what should be forced upon us, Chromium? I HATE Chromium. I will only use Firefox or a derivative. What does it take, maybe 90 seconds to install one, anyhow? And if it takes a learning curve to install a browser, well, it's time to learn and burn, there is much more you are going to want to customize your system if you are doing it right.
Peppermint is FAST. Yes, I tried some Arch distros, and they are fast, because they are also lean (OK, SOME are...). But Arch and its derivatives, being rolling distros, will leave you with flat out broken, non-bootable systems in the middle of a rainy night. No joke! Is it THAT important to have the latest shiny new programs? For me, NUPE. I know guru programmers who refuse to update AT ALL.
To me, Peppermint feels very responsive, probably my biggest checkbox on any computer.
Peppermint with XFCE is very easy to customize. Checkbox #2 checked.
Reliability is top-knotch with Peppermint. It's simple, less to break. I have run Peppermint distros for YEARS with barely a Bleachbit to keep it optimized and de-cruftified.
The Calamares installer is as good as it gets.
What would I want changed in Peppermint? I will let you know if I ever think of anything.
Peppermint with Devuan and SysVinit is something I wanted to try. Gnome throw back (gtb) is a nice release and like the theming. First tried the Live and for the best of me couldn't find an install icon or menu item, must be somewhere. So, rebooted and found the Calamares installer, worked ok and finally was able to connect with the internet. Something with Live I couldn't.
Dark themed and enjoy the bright red colors with black. Doesn't come with a browser installed, but an option in the welcome screen. There is plenty here, but don't understand the "less is more" with the iso coming in at 1.5 Gb and bloated with a lot of probably never use apps.
I also tried Xfce, about the same as the Gnome, it's has plenty to offer, could be a nice distro if most of it's contents discarded. Found Peppermint just not right with me, appears as a hastily organized distro, could use a rethink to trim down and make it that fun "less is more" iso.
I'm pretty sure the distro can be installed in Live, make the installer icon or menu item a bit more noticeable.
Peppermint Os is an excellent choice to complement an antique mate. Its minty, refreshing flavor enhances the experience, providing a revitalizing touch to the tradition. The quality of the mint leaves brings a unique intensity, balancing perfectly with the mate. Furthermore, its sealed packaging ensures freshness. Undoubtedly, Peppermint Ostakes the mate ritual to a higher level.
Peppermint Os es una elección excelente para acompañar un mate antiguo. Su sabor mentolado y refrescante realza la experiencia, brindando un toque revitalizante a la tradición. La calidad de las hojas de menta aporta una intensidad única, equilibrando a la perfección con el mate. Además, su presentación en envase sellado garantiza su frescura. Sin duda, Peppermint Os eleva el ritual del mate a un nivel superior.
I reviewed the 7-1-2023 version below and gave it a score of 5, but after trying other recent distros and having them do the same things that bothered me, I went back to Peppermint and fixed all my issues! I was able to get Windscribe working with a quick install of iptables, and I guess the latest GRUB does not care about other OSes on my drive, liikely because of UEFI being able to select them anyway. My Arco Linux WILL see and report all OSes, so I will just use that to quickly select whichever distro I feel like using that particular day. Other than these issues I find Peppermint a joy to use, quick and light on resources, and it feels tight and intuitive. Color me happy and I MAY just use this as my daily driver like I did the May 22 Peppermint, which I also love!
Debian bookworm base looks great, very polished. I can't recommend it for new users because out of the box it's not a great experience with no common apps installed such as a web browser or typical office apps etc. It isn't difficult to install any of these but, for new users it's going to lead to some immediate head-scratching which is a shame. For gamers hoping to use this as a base to build up a lean machine I can see the appeal of Peppermint, but again new users are offered very little to nothing to assist, not even a means to validate and use nVidia drivers on modern hardware, the community support offers more questions than it answers in any way that would be meaningful to a new user. Overall as an experienced linux user and a one-time fan of Peppermint it's great to see it survived considerable upheaval during a period of transition, I hope to see it continue for a long time to come.. though I can't imagine using it as a daily driver.
I used the previous release and loved it, but this release feels somewhat rushed and unpolished. Basic intel graphics drivers were broken out of the box, kumo no longer adds SSBs to the applications menu for some reason, and boot time is longer. Also, the branding has lost some charm. Still a fine distro, thats it. Just fine. No clue what happened between releases but I hope the kinks get worked out soon. The default desktop appears incoherent theme-wise and generally looks slapped together. Its a functional distro if you aren't picky.
I love Peppermint and use 5-22-2022, but recently tried the 2023-07-01 distro. Big Trouble on my HP570 and Lenovo laptop (same issues):
1 - Grub refuses to see ANY other OS on your drive, Windoze or Linux, after installing and choosing Replace a Partition.
2 - Windscribe-CLI cannot be made to work. The same installer works on older Peppermint and every other OS I have.
3 - Windscribe's GUI app will not run.
This distro is faster at booting and feels even more crisp than the previous version, but problem 1 is too annoying and the lack of Windscribe is a distro killer for me.
1) The first system update had broken package links and I had to manually adjust to make it able to update properly
2) Boot speed is certainly not as quick as in previous versions but it's ok
3) Both Gnome disk utility and gparted are installed by default
4) On install of system the installer fails to detect Internet/ WiFi so does an offline install
5) My pet hate if you have a Mac book without a numlock key 😐 why on earth is this enabled by default. Luckily if you hold down FN and tap F6 twice then it turns it off and then in the setting set numlock not to restore state
6) Tap to click not enabled by default. Come on it 2023
All that out the way and after fixing everything that was broken it's a good solid system. Sadly only worth an 8 out of 10 until issues get resolved.
I've been using Peppermint OS between 2016 and 2020
on Samsung NF110 with Intel ATOM N455 (1.66GHz) Processor,
memory upgraded to 2GB RAM and with SSD.
With the version 2023-07-01 (Devuan, XFCE) I'm a Peppermint OS enthusiast again.
Even Flatpaks run smooth enough.
I'm amazed by the choices we're given during the installation.
To me, it's the politest Linux distro.
Pros : Very "respectful" installation even for Linux beginners
Fast compared to all other distros I've tried
Works on very low-end material
Takes very little tweaking to fee my needs
Cons : Couldn't get sound on Wine apps (but I'm sure I'll figure it out)
I loaded up the latest Peppermint ISO on a system that has given me troubles in the past with other distros. Peppermint 10 was my first exposure to this distro and it was a positive experience. I had 2022-05-22 loaded on this system and it worked well for me, other than some minor issues. This new version, dated 2023-07-01, is a definite improvement though there are some changes that require some getting used to.
It installed smoothly and definitely faster than the previous incarnation, loading in roughly half the time and not stalling along the way. It booted up faster too which is an accomplishment.
The updater is much improved and actually gives better feedback on what it’s doing.
The Hub is approximately the same, though I have not found the repository for additional backgrounds and themes yet.
Most of the changes that I have seen are with xfce, not the underlying system. It’s polished a little differently and finding some things is a bit of a treasure hunt. Usability isn’t appreciably different, though.
This is a very definite positive step forward for Peppermint. After a little more testing, I likely will port my main system to it.
A little background: I've been a dedicated Peppermint Linux OS user since Peppermint 2 (2011). My current 'daily driver' desktop is still running flawlessly on Peppermint 9 (2019). I've patiently been waiting for a Debian-based version of Peppermint OS for years, and its time is finally here. The current 2023-07-01 (2023) version is marketed as a "minimalistic distribution". Don't let that scare you away. They've got you covered! 2023-07-01 is a joy to install and use, like all previous versions of Peppermint OS. No ugly surprises here. As Goldilocks would say, it's not too big and not too small. It's just right! It uses the 'tried and true' Xfce 4.18 desktop environment. Once again, not too big, not too small, just right. Peppermint OS has always demanded fewer hardware resources, from Peppermint 1 (2011) to '2023-07-01' (2023), thus it's an excellent choice for older machines. Matter of fact, '2023-07-01' is running beautifully on my antique Intel Core 2 laptop with 3 GB RAM and room to spare. Fear not! Peppermint has kept its minimalist spirit. Give it a whirl and see what you think.
The installation GUI is intuitive, except I had no idea what the password is for the admin, so I couldn't change it. I was going to use it as a live usb, but I thought I'd try to install it on the adjacent partition to the live usb partition to check it out. It's a tad slower to boot up when installed on a usb than the MX Live usb. The DE is very elegant and lean. Once it's loaded up, it seems to be very fast and smooth. I added to it only 3 programs that I need, plus the b43 installer via ethernet to get wireless to work.
Version: 10 Rating: 9 Date: 2023-06-05 Votes: 6
Very fast OS. It installed quickly, loads web pages even faster and runs on my laptop from 2011! On top of that the Qemu virtual environment I have of Windows10 works OOTB with PeppermintOS. It did not under Linux Mint 21. I recommend this operating system highly. It does not disappoint you and it is dare I say even faster than Ubuntu or Linux Mint ever will be! I cannot vouche for this system enough! It saved an early 2011 Acer E5132 laptop from going kaput. As for a con, the only con I can think of is there is not an easier way to install a different desktop environment (DDE). I had to use the debian "Sudo-tasksel" to install cinnamon on my laptop. It should be easier to do so, but I digress. Keep up the great work @PeppermintOS!
I have had no problems with Peppermint OS. It installed easily & I was able to get all the apps (software) installed I wanted. I currently have about 21 different distros going so it is getting easier to use them :-). Peppermint is one distro I have on 2 machines (one is an older 2011 laptop-Hp brand with 8 gig memory). It works well on both computers. The other is an (2017) dell optiplex i3 with 16 gig memory. I am using an external enclosure to house the drive on that one. I am glad I came across this one & hope it is maintained for years!!!!
I ran Peppermint 10 on a relatively modern system and I had no real troubles with it. I loaded up the newest version recently and I struggled through the installation and configuration but I ultimately ended up with a decently configured, responsive and reliable system. There were some gotchas along the way.
Installation was smooth at first. I managed to get the OS installed and the first time it booted up it was fine. However, subsequent boots failed. The symptoms suggested a hardware failure relating to graphics, but this proved not to be the case. Instead, udev apparently got very confused and wrote the grub bootloader to the wrong drive, so the hard drive had no boot loader once the USB media was ejected.
I discovered the boot loader issue when I tried to install updates and the system hung. I couldn't install anything at all, and using the graphical software installer finally revealed an issue requiring manual intervention. Once I did that, it downloaded and applied all the updates and everything worked fine and the system has been very reliable ever since. The need to get grub straight apparently blocked everything else, waiting for user input without ever asking for it.
All that is to say, there's something wrong with the installer. It's not a deal breaker and I assume I am an isolated case, but it was highly frustrating until I figured out what was happening. On the plus side, there was a path to getting the issue straight without having to reload or just give up.
Once installed and once the grub issue was resolved, the system has been very responsive and very light on resources. I have been able to install new packages, use external devices, connect to my network and use this system as a general computing device as well as a developer workstation. It's different than the old version of Peppermint, but it works well for my purposes and I am pleased with it.
The latest Peppermint is a decent system. However, be aware that the installation can subtly fail and cause issues that are not immediately clear.
It is perfect. Works out of the box without any issues. I used it for 3 years earlier after failing to install almost every well known OS as they did not recognise my hardware! Peppermint 10 did! I had to upgrade as Ununtu 18.04 on which it was based is towards end of its lifecycle.
Now Peppermint OS also works flawlessly! It comes with many goodies! I am happy that this project is still live and hope it continues to do the good work! Good that it migrated to debian base!
Thank you to the entire development team of peppermint!
Superbe OS, léger, rapide et fiable sur ma vieille machine.
J'utilise la version Devuan. Installation rapide et sans problème.
Pas de programmes inutiles et, donc, une distribution "mince" à télécharger et la possibilité de construire son OS sur mesure.
Je l'utilise avec le bureau lxqt qui est aussi efficace que xfce et qui me convient mieux, pour l'usage que j'en fais.
J'ai essayé quelques distributions. Celle-ci figure parmi celles que je recommande chaudement.
Bravo, merci et bonne continuation à leurs mainteneurs.
Not certain what the big deal is... slow, ugly and way out of date.
Plenty of way better options out there.
A horrible experience, with an even more horrible community. The last version of Peppermint before the original creator died was a great Linux distro. But now, other people took over and everything has changed- a huge amount of bugs, ancient software, crashes galore, unhelpful forums and an overall unpleasant experience.
I don’t know what to call these versions that have been released since the original creator passed away, but this is an afront and honestly a disgrace to the work of the original creator.
I do not recommend this distro at all, find something else to use and leave this one behind.
I recently started using this operating system, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The interface is sleek and modern, with user-friendly features that make navigation a breeze. From the intuitive taskbar to the customizable start menu, everything feels just right.
What I appreciate most about this operating system is its stability and reliability. I haven't experienced any crashes or freezing since I started using it, which is a huge improvement from my previous operating system. It also runs smoothly even when I have multiple programs and windows open.
Another standout feature is the vast selection of built-in apps and tools. From productivity apps like a word processor and spreadsheet program to entertainment options like a media player and game store, there's something for everyone.
Overall, I highly recommend this operating system to anyone in the market for a new one. It's easy to use, reliable, and packed with useful features.
This review is for Peppermint Devuan edition 2022. I really liked version 10 a few years ago and kept watching developments.
The Devuan edition is installed on two of my systems and is running essentially perfectly. I did notice that some of the package options I checked during install went missing but it was easy enough to add them in later.
I don't really have dog in the fight over SystemD other than to say that after 250 some revisions they still don't think they have it right and that tells me it is an uncontrollable monster something like Windows. Simpler is almost always better and this version of Peppermint seems to run very fast and efficiently.
I am always searching for a distro to make use of my older laptops and this one fills the bill better than most any I have tried. It finds all the hardware in both my B450 Ryzen 5600G system and in my 15 year old HP Core 2 Quad laptop. I did have to add a boot switch (init_on_alloc=0) to that old machine to get the sleep / resume functionality to work but that has been true for all the distros I have tried that are on the 5.x kernel.
I like that I could get the wake-on-lan functionality to work using only the gui network configurations rather that poking around in configuration files. That seems to be a plus for XFCE systems.
The lack of a browser in the live version is a bit annoying but it is easy enough to add in after installation. I had to use Firefox initially just to get the Vivaldi browser installed since it wasn't one of the choices. I would have then deleted Firefox but it turns out the CPU load when watching full screen Youtube videos is lower in Firefox than in Vivaldi so I will keep it for that.
If simplicity, speed, and efficiency are your priorities then Peppermint Devuan might be a good choice.
Tried Peppermint with the MATE desktop. MATE installed OK. Peppermint is a stripped down version of Debian. Very inflexible in terms of having at least a minimum number of needed packages installed. So you have to pick and choose what you want; even the most basic packages. This can be good for those who want to have more control over their workspace, but not for those who want to install it and be up and running in a minimum amount of time. One deal breaker is that you actually have to search on the web on how to do updates, and then go through the process of installing Peppermint's Update Manager yourself. Then when you initiate the Update Manager, it just plows through full steam and doesn't even let you see or choose what updates you want to install. Why didn't they just include the Update Manager already installed with the distro? This is very bad programming on the part of the developers! There are far better distros out there based on Debian such as MX Linux with its great assortment of tools and LMDE 5, based on Debian and developed by the Linux Mint team. I will pass on Peppermint.
(November 06, 2022 Release)
(See previous review from 2022-11-05)
I really wanted to like this distro...
They addressed the uefi install issues, but the o/s it totally unusable for myself due to gpu glitches present in some older software...
I have a semi-modern gpu AMD Navi 22 and these are usually issues I can correct by updating from Chimaera to Daedalus or Ceres, but since changing that in this os in the /etc/apt/sources.list does nothing at all it's keeping me on older mesa versions that keeps the persistent graphical glitches.
This o/s has a repo called "peppermint" and it's put together like a "Frankenstein" o/s, and I would not recommend this to anyone that has a computer with components made in the last 2 years.
The o/s did actually run fine, but my inability to choose the line of packages (from Devuan releases daedalus/ceres/etc) just kept bugs present that will not work for my purposes.
I will attempt to try this again in Jan 2023 at the earliest, as I am looking for an O/S environment to recommend, (systemd free & Devuan based) geared towards non-technical people with some tools for the update/upgrade.
As it stands, currently you just can't beat the base Devuan install and add what you need yourself via either synaptic or apt.
I downloaded the Devuan edition (I'm still going to blame the Calamares installer for the mostpart) and grub failed to install on the same system I've installed the original Devuan on successfully. Using only 3 partitions as I have with the version that this Pepperment was based on, Devuan alone installed just fine using only /boot/efi , / , /home on the main nvme drive. The automatic option wanted to pull a "1st time user's method, and dump both the / and /home on the same partition with just a boot partition... No thanks on that one. The installer for "automated install" didn't even offer a checkbox for "Separate /home partition". After Calamares failed the 4th time trying, I decided to just use the original Devuan netinstall for the new system and make my own update script. I feel that an isolated /home is essential and should always be used.
The live environment:
At 1.3 GB download, and it's already exceeded the size of a burnable CD and plenty of space left if you chose to burn a DVD and completely irrelevant if you chose to dd the iso to a usb stick, the live environment (as others have mentioned) did not include a web browser at all. I know I could have installed one in the live environment, but Pepperment user (This distro seems geared towards the inexperienced user), may not know that they can just update apt and install a browser to use for the live session.
The live environment worked fine and seemed stable, but the fact that a 1.3GB iso didn't have a usable browser out-of-the-box leaves me to classify this as "A work in progress".
The forums for the grub issues (have been going on for too long in my opinion) go back for months with "dirty" solutions to the problem.
In it's current state, I would not recommend this distro for an inexperienced Linux user, but it shows promise and I intend to check back every so often as I'm looking to reduce my load and find an O/S for the people I technically support to use everyday with some more "automatic" solutions for updating/upgrading their systems but without using systemd.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-10-29 Votes: 0
After a long time I installed Peppermint OS again. Now based on Debian. I used to have MX Linux on the machine, but I read it was full of bloatware. I am very satisfied with Peppermint OS. Fast, accurate, lightweight. What can be improved: I would add a browser to the live system. However, other programs are not lacking. Everyone expands the system with what they want.
It makes your life easier with Peppermint if you don't mind using the Terminal. I installed the missing programs with the apt command (sudo apt-get install vlc, gthumb, gimp, htop, etc.), but there is also a Synaptic package manager in the system.
By switching to Debian, the lightness of the distribution was preserved. It works smoothly with daily tasks on my eight-year-old laptop (i7-4600U. 2 cores, 4 virtual threads + 8GB RAM). (Office software, browsing, web editing, GIMP, youtube, etc.).
Thanks to the team and all those contributing to this wonderful project.
It takes little resources, is quick, helpful links and nice themes give it a good look and feel It worked on my 8 year HP laptop without having to futz with any drivers.
I see complaints (cons) that it doesn't come with much pre-installed, but I think that was the point... give users the choice up front on as much as possible to install so you don't have to go back and remove unwanted web browsers or media players. The greeting screen makes it easy, but it might keep it from being the choice for first time linux users.
In my months of usage as my travel work station and substitute home computer (image, doc editing, MS Teams, Zoom Calls, web browsing) it was very reliable and enjoyable to use. I'd recommend it to anybody wanting a light weight install who has a little familiarity with linux.
Ive been waiting a long time to get such a great lightweight distro based on Debian. The ability to be able to install only the apps I want beforehand is a big selling point. The speed and low resource usage, combined with all the little features such as the welcome screen,pephub and updater really make this a must have. For those who dont want snap or flatpak its a godsend as its tough to find distros that give you this much freedom. It works equally well on my 14 year old laptop versus my recent desktop.
The switching to Calamares as the installer was a great move and overall its a loot easier to use for both novices and advanced users. All devices were detected without issue and during the live session, my settings and wifi were carried over to the install without issue. The extra themes,icons and wallpapers really make this OS look great. Ive had no issues whatsoever while using it and now have it installed on foru of my laptops. Its one of the fastest distros to install Ive ever used.
Obviously not having a default browser can be issue for some but for the majority of users, the install is a great experience. Those who have commented that some apps werne t default miss the point to Peppermint. Having a minimal install is what many want, and most users prefer to add apps they prefer, not forced to pull things out and chance disturbing the install.
Definitely recommend this distro to anyone, particularly to those with older hardware or who need a 32bit version. The semi-rolling aspect of it I also find a great idea and Debian's release schedule is very moderate. I praise the devs for creating such a remarkable distro that is so flexible, fast and attractive.
I am pleased that my Peppermint_2022 now has the Mintstick USB writer
and formatter, but I don't remember if these were shipped in the distro
or if I installed them from the "deb" file. I am happy with this Debian
Bullseye release and hope Peppermint will stay with the Debian
release model. Since Peppermint 10 I've gotten a lot done in this flavor
of Linux. Version 010 was based on Bionic, so it was time for a new
release and the developers came through.This is one of the distros
that keeps me interested in Linux and I am a distro hopper. For now
Peppermint is well integrated into my Linux-only Dell Optiplex 9020
four (virtual) core desktop with up to 3300Mhz speed, 16 GB RAM,
and total of 6 TB connected storage. It came at a good price, refurbished,
and performs well. I'm an Ubuntu/Debian fanatic, so whichever direction
Peppermint takes, I'm likely to follow. I like it to have a sprinkling of Mint, another didtro I love
Peppermint has been my WFH OS since I installed Peppermint 10 Respin in March, 2020. I suddenly needed a fast-booting, intuitive OS to run dual-monitor remote desktop sessions and Zoom conferences. Peppermint boots miraculously fast and performs beautifully on my quad-core, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD, surplus thin client. Although Peppermint runs acceptably well on my similarly-spec'd dual-core laptop (I'm using it to write this review), I don't recommend dual-core hardware for videoconferencing.
Peppermint has a look-and-feel that PC users will find familiar. I switched my PC to Peppermint one evening, and was online and productive the next morning. The familiar look-and-feel makes it less jarring to task-switch between local Linux and remote PC sessions. I especially appreciate having 101-key keyboard support, since I make constant use of Ctrl/Shift/Alt/Win key combinations in my work.
Peppermint OS 11 diverges from earlier versions. It does retain the PC-user friendly look-and-feel, and it's now based on Debian LTS which has a more stately update cadence than Lubuntu LTS. But a lot of the bundled apps that made Peppermint 10 Respin so easy to adopt are absent from version 11: no browser, no media player, no calculator, and no cloud app links in the Office menu.
First-time Linux users are probably better-served installing Peppermint 10 Respin, at least until the development team fleshes out a similar app bundle for the new Debian-based release.
More seasoned Linux users might be interested in the new Devuan-based Peppermint OS edition that's emerging even as I write this.
Pros:
- Boots miraculously fast from SSD (under 30sec)
- Performs well on modest hardware like a quad-core, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD, surplus HP t620
- Familiar look-and-feel for first-time Linux users
- Desktop similarity between local PeppermintOS and remote PC sessions
- Keyboard symmetry between local PeppermintOS and remote PC sessions (Ctrl/Alt/Shift/Win key combinations)
- Broad peripheral support: Graphics, Webcams, Audio, Printers, Bluetooth, USB
- Commonly available remote work apps: Zoom, Citrix, Windows RDP (Remmina)
- Commonly available everyday apps: Firefox, Chrome, Spotify, Pithos (Pandora)
- Based on Debian LTS which is more mature and stable than Lubuntu LTS
- Emerging Devuan-based Peppermint OS edition may appeal to technical users wanting a systemd-free OS
Cons:
- PeppermintOS 11 omits a lot of common apps that were bundled in Peppermint 10 Respin
- No default calculator
- No default web browser
- No default media players (Parole? VLC?)
- No default Office360 ICE (browser app) links
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-08-04 Votes: 3
My system is old. I used different versions of Linux. I used the first 5 of the ranking list. I compared all of them in terms of speed, stability, features and smoothness, and I also installed Windows software, which of course was not installed in many of them or had problems. It ate, but everything was good in peppermint. and above all, everything was good only in two of the Linuxes. The first choice was Peppermint and the second choice was MX.---In my opinion, it has been treated less kindly and it should be seen more. I recommend you to test it
The new Peppermint OS-Debian is one stable system! So far, I have not had to reinstall or even restore a system snapshot due to breaking caused by me. I usually break my system after installing a new distro while installing software and messing with settings.I also had no problems picking up wifi ootb, usuall have to mess with that to get my wifi adaptor to connect. The only drawback I would mention is the lack of some software not being available for debian, but that's a debian problem, not Peppermint.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-06-28 Votes: 7
I have been using Peppermint OS for over two months now, and for me it has been the most stable, light weight distro I have used for a long time.
The developers have put a lot of effort into the small details, to make the Debian base and XFCE DE work smoothly together.
From first installing to SSD, I had the choice of which file format I wanted to use. After installing the OS, on first boot, you get the Welcome to Peppermint page that lets you add software, including browsers, office, media etc.
The team have included Peppermint Hub, this has all the shortcuts you need to add extra software, hardware drivers, printers or tweak the desktop.
For me, I have found that Peppermint OS has the right combination of a stable system without any of the bloat or software that I am never going to use, but with the choice to add what I want to make it more personalised for me.
Thank you to the Peppermint OS Team and all the developers that have put in the time and effort to make this an excellent Linux distro!
Having used PeppermintOS 10, and found it to be excellent, I now find that the latest version does not even include a web-browser.
I need a web browser to connect to the internet with my mobile broadband dongle. I entered my dongle's address into the SSB, and it was not found, because there is no web-browser to launch: genius.
There seems to be a them running in some current Linuxen that no-one uses mobile broadband. Some have browsers that are not capable of connecting to dongle addresses, which is bad enough; but now, PeppermintOS does not even have a browser of any useable kind installed.
This takes the biscuit!
Are developers trying to turn people away from Linux?
This is a serious issue, given that many people depend upon mobile broadband for their internet connection.
I used to love Peppermint, but it had been a long time since there was any work done on it. Now I absolutely adore the May 22, 2022 edition! So fast and customizable! I am having lots of fun with this on my old ASUS laptop. I have found zero issues with it in 24 hours of constant playing! This was not the case with MXLinux, although I liked it for the most part. The ability on Peppermint to chose virtually every piece of software from the Calamares getgo is awesome. The minimalist approach really speeds things up on my old, but very useful hardware. My highest regards to the developers and I am so glad Peppermint is back!
Peppermint is still a highly functional OS that enables mr to use my computer for what ?I need. Peppermint 10 was my "goto"
for writing USB sticks. I'm hoping they will have an Ubuntu-based LTS release coming. Meanwhile I won't shy from using the
2022 release. I have it on my current configuration where I use four hard drives to house my array of Linux distros.I use a Dell
Optiplex 9020 with a quad core Intel Core i5-4590 processor and 16 GB of RAM. I have never seriously thought of replacing a Peppermint OS, UEFI, I must say, has made it more difficult to be a distro hopper but my motto is to do the best I can and have a functioning PC. This one is a refurbed model showing no signs of decline, but in my experience the death of a computer comes suddenly, without warning. I would recommend Peppermint 2022 for a Windows user who wants to test Linux but caution him
or her to be sure to have a way to restore Windows unless committed to using Linux only. Time and experience have steered me in the direction of Linux-only usage, because I count on being able to install a Linux OS in the event I find myself needing one. I'm
a fan of MX, Sparky, and Makulu, among others.
I went from MX to Sparky and now to Peppermint - once I noticed they ditched Ubuntu as a base.
Peppermint is the LEAST bloated pure Debian 11 XFCE distro out there. I wonder if ppl who gave it low marks can even run sudo apt-get install to say the least if they are able to check their BIOS settings and disable "secure boot". Anyhow, Peppermint is an excellent base to build your Linux exactly the way you want it with the least amount of sudo autoremove --purge :) Here's what I do:
1) Set yourself as root: sudo apt install gedit then sudo passwd
2) Cleanup: sudo apt autoremove --purge pluma* xfce4-whiskermenu-plugin* xfce4-clipman* ice* nemo*
3) Install: sudo apt-get install blueman baobab bleachbit catfish chromium deborphan evolution galculator locales pcmanfm vlc xarchiver xfce4-weather-plugin
4) From DEBs: Nomacs + Balena Etcher + Master PDF 4.2.7 + WPS (sudo dpkg -i wps-office_*.deb)
5) Install MS fonts: sudo apt update && sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer, then sudo fc-cache -f -v
6) Add "open as root" to PCMANFM:
7) Remove leftover Debian junk: deborphan --guess-all then
sudo deborphan | xargs sudo apt-get -y remove --purge
RINSE AND REPEAT UNTILL ALL GONE, then sudo apt autoremove --purge
8) Delete useless foreign locales:
a) sudo apt-get install localepurge
b) sudo dpkg-reconfigure localepurge
9) Final clean: sudo apt-get install bleachbit Run as ROOT - sudo bleachbit
10) Install your favourite wallpapers, themes and icons - PCMANFM as ROOT will help
Personally I prefer a blend of Papirus and Numix icons and Fluent Round dark theme
ENJOY
Peppermint went from being my favorite distro to being one that won't run properly any any way. I ditched it about a week after the new version came out. It simply does not work well at all. It is nothing but constant freezing - constant restarting and forget trying to play any video files - best of luck with that. It is extremely difficult to install. It requires manual partitioning which is not easy to do. If you just click install using the entire disk, you will have even more problems than I did with manual partitioning. I tried both. I have no idea of what has happened to this distro but hope the next version will work as I would gladly return to it. I liked it because of its speed. It is the fastest distro I have ever used. I find myself quite surprised that other people seem to have it running well. I wish. I loooooved this distro.
hoped the hype was worth a look.. it isn't. refused to access any packages in live, so just how can you try something and test it without a browser or access to the packages you run... I don't install things here if I cannot at least access synaptic, so Peppermint is a hard pass for me.. the lack of basic software such as a browser, office, mail & media player is making it difficult to test ( and this "needing 500 characters for this review thing is a "WTF" )
let's at least offer some kind of browser maybe? it is so easy to remove it if you don't like that browser, (well unless it is Firefox and you have Libre Office linked to it :P)
At home I run the KDE version of MX Linux but I have been using Peppermint as my daily driver on a work laptop for about two weeks and I have to say it's great to see the devs back in the saddle again. From the trouble free install on both Virtualbox and bare metal, excellent hardware detection of my brand spanking new HP 17-ck0013na laptop and the initial helpful setup prior to use, I'm very impressed with the transition from a Lubuntu base to Debian and pure XFCE desktop.
Jesse Smith gives imo has given fair review of this distro, I find myself in almost total agreement. If I was to nitpick (you knew I would) I'd only comment about Jesse's assessment regarding the lack of an installed browser. As to which browser users decide to go with based on their own criteria ranging from how accustomed they are to one browser over another, right down to the fact they can or cannot add their fav cat or dog theme is always going to be a minefield. Pre-install Firefox and a few think it should never see the light of day because bla bla.. go with Chromium and before you know it someone who's preference for Pale Moon (really?!!) feels somehow driven to condemn the whole distro as ill conceived. So having the choice offered from the get-go seems good idea. As for the implication of an additional download for the unfortunate on slow connections to get a browser, well to be fair they've just downloaded a 1.6GB ISO installer so I don't see how downloading a tiny fraction of that to get their browser of choice is really going to matter. Like I said, if I was to nitpick :)
For newcomers in particualr to Linux, and on up to the experienced, Peppermint (like MX Linux) has a lively user forum to turn to if needed, a final product that's tested thoroughly before release and as Jesse mentioned a turn of speed yet light on resources that's imo as good as anything out there right now.
Just installed on a 10~ish years old Celeron HP and its running fine. I'm going to use this machine for reading and editing pdfs and occasionally watch some movies using Stremio. Had some small problem installing non-free codecs so had to go with the flatpak version of Stremio.
You gotta install basically a lot of ''mainstream'' programs or you can go with the default ones in the welcome screen.
Right now with mozilla and stremio in the background the OS is eating 1gb of ram (pretty good in my terms, considering that i could barely open files on windows 8). My main pc is running PopOS and in comparison this distro is a little more gimmicky but nothing too crazy. If this HP was a little more capable, i would go with Mint XFCE edition.
like the look that's it went back to 10 easy set up tried out because 10 has 550 updates and must be installed offline but worth it still the best for me. I don't like system-config -samba being removed Ubuntu 20 and on.bullseye kinda lags behind in repository I think that hurts the new peppermint I did save background folder not A total lose I installed Kodi got dated version Debian type not any good had addon install problems . Had problem with wine install some stuff not load right or not at all had to use mx 21 install to get to work right I make TV boxes so I have to use low demand OS thin clients need low demand or video will be lagging but I don't like flux-box much mx ok so I been installing peppermint 10 minimal I figured the new version would work oh well
The screen freezes after unlocking sometimes.
The webcam is not detected.
Xfce keyboard layout switching are not working by default (needs to run setxkbmap on startup).
The console (TTY) is not configured as I need - it seems that files from /etc are ignored.
I'll try version 10 (maybe). As far as I understood the author of another review, I'm not the only one having problems with the latest version. It's a pity, I really liked the approach of the authors of this distribution.
I started Linux with Peppermint 8 and used Peppermint up to version 10 and found it to be fun and enjoyed using Peppermint 10. I think the Peppermint 10 was the pinnacle for Peppermint. Now after the long wait for the next version with high hopes and the result is Linux in a kit. A kit missing parts I might add. After installing the "kit" and installing a browser I found the resource use was higher than Peppermint already. By then I realized I was not having any fun. A novel Idea and getting rid of Ubuntu was needed but I seems the heart of Peppermint was left out also. I would have rather to go on using a supported version of Peppermint 10 then and have my fun and enjoyment using Peppermint than trying to piece together parts from pieces of a lost Peppermint 10.
The taste of peppermint is bitter here having used PM7,8, 9 and 10 on the same old laptop.
I found that changes which involved initramfs don't seem to stick in 2022-02-02
This distro seemed cobbled together and seriously missing neat MG tricks.
On looking up the support forum, found it has now moved to a less than user-friendly model
so, not struck on being stuck, nuked the VM a day later.
1/10 and free advice, MX Linux or earlier peppermints is a FAR better option.
RIP MG, your legacy will sorely be missed here
Peppermint is a slow, glitchy distro, even worse with it’s “revival” that has basically no care taken into the sluggishness, crashes and lock-ups that happened frequently on the past. Most of every package installed requires the internet, so it’s not friendly or helpful to use if you don’t have an internet connection all the time. There is no LibreOffice, VLC Media Player and other essential programs most distros have by default. Also, certain community members are pretty rude towards newbies. This distro was an overall waste of my time. I don’t recommend.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-02-27 Votes: 0
Peppermint has given my PC a new life, its stability is unparalleled vs other option out there, as well the environment is amazing, I have been waiting for a new version a long time already, due to an unexpected departure to its developer, things got dark for the OS future, but time has passed and the Peppermint developer team has released a heavily waited new version. Hope it has not lost its bright specs.
I have used Peppermint OS in school based computer system making easy for students to learn some subjects, as well my personal equipment and my family has it in dual boot.
Than
Thanks a lot. Peppermit Team.
Peppermint staff choice's of replacing Ubuntu's software base with Debian's software base, in my opinion, was great and the effect of this change took place in terms of stability and usability.
In addiction, after trying it on my VM in VirtualBox, I found XFCE DE really suitable and RAM consumption was almost low (about 400MB on idle).
Thus, the direction this project recently has taken is right and I am looking forward to seeing its new steps in the future!
2022 version re-imagines this distro after new developers take over as a result of the untimely passing of the previous main dev.
Now based on rock solid stable Debian (with plans to port to Devuan).
Have seen some rough edges, with is to be expected in a new build, but the developers have been very responsive and receptive of feedback.
Expecting many great things to come in time.
Tested out the new version of Peppermint and had no problems running it on my older netbook. I appreciate the philosophy of the user can choose what software they want. This little laptop doesn't have a lot of ram so I didn't have to worry about removing lots of programs to get rid of extra bloat. I could just install the software I needed to keep things light and functional while travelling. It was super quick to install and lightweight to keep the netbook responsive.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this new direction of Peppermint will go.
This version is a major deviation from Peppermint's recent past. It is now Debian based (no longer Ubuntu based). Rather than assuming what users need, the new Peppermint provides easy ways for users to customize their own environment (and simply). In keeping with its history, PeppermintOS runs like the wind, and is frugal with memory.
It seems to work ok after setting things up to suit my useage.
Could be friendlier by providing more common software as default.
I like the Hub concept, but the Software offered seems to concentrate on browser choices.
If you are only offering one option for the other software types, why not include them as standard ?
There should definitely be a Software Manager apart from Synaptic.
I commend the developers for resurrecting Peppermint and hope further releases will suit new
users better. ( especially those migrating from Windows )
After trying Peppermint 2022 for a few days I thought that compared to the previous version 10, it is not "newbie" friendly.
I thought the lack of basic software such as a browser, office, mail & media player is going too far to treat this distro as "out of the box"
True, it does work if you are used to Linux and are familiar with the software names
and their uses, but it does need a fair bit of setting up before use.
I did have trouble booting from USB unless I used the Windows tool - Rufus, to get a bootable USB.
Also, when I tried to check the Software Sources, I found that the Menu item
did nothing.
Overall, after waiting two years, I was disappointed with this release.
I agree with the previous 3 reviews but would add it does include Synaptic with access to all the Debian repositories so there is no shortage of software. I especially like that it uses nemo as the File Manager, definitely the best available. I also like that it does not install a lot of unwanted software, you add your own choices later. However it does include all the basic tools I like such as Synaptic, Gparted, hddtemp and lm-sensors.
I was testing it on an older machine so it was a bit sluggish. I just disabled compositing and it flies.
I started using Peppermint about 2 years ago, loading it up on a Toshiba Satellite laptop. Performance was good and everything just worked like it was supposed to work. So, I am no stranger to this distro, though version 11 brings some big changes.
No longer based on Ubuntu, version 11 is based on Debian. Desktop is different too, from LXDE to Xfce. Other than aesthetics, though, it hasn't changed too much in terms of usability to me. Everything still works properly and I have had no issues with hardware compatibility, power management or speed.
I am not a fan of the software picker, though. The new picker that allows for selecting software is quite limited and narrows down selection to general categories in most cases. The idea is to keep things small and simple and to only install what you need which is admirable, but in my opinion this adds unnecessary steps to the equation just to get the software I want.
Still learning my way around this new distro version, and so far it is mostly positive experience. For now I am testing with it on my travel laptop; once I am convinced it will suit all of my needs as well as did the old version, I will move my primary systems as well.
My wife and I have been using Peppermint for a long time and we are happy with the new version. Best of all ... it's now based on Debian and has a clean xfce desktop. The latest version is fast and stable. Everything works fine as in the previous version. We especially like that it doesn't have everything possible pre-installed, but you can install whatever you want. We like the Peppermint Hub.
i would love to give this a perfect 10 but i cant. retropie still doesnt install even with the setup script mod on peppermints site. maybe its just me. if i can figure it out i'll give this a 10. my debian skills are still kind of lacking as i've spent most of my linux life on either ubuntu or manjaro.
no hardware issues.
installation was fast and choosing what apps to install is a huge plus.
greeves would be proud of the team that developed this release. i plan on using it for a long time
I haven't as yet done a full test of this "new" Peppermint. On first glance it seems to be just as good as the "old" Peppermint.
Happy that they`ve gone away from the Ubuntu base and gone with Debian. So far as a Peppermint user for quite a few years, I am pleasantly pleased with the direction that the developers are taking. Considering they are doing it on a part time basis, I have the utmost respect for their hard work and dedication.
I am so glad that Peppermint has not gone to the graveyard and is looking forward to the future.
Today I installed the Peppermint Linux operating system 2022-02-02 on my laptop. When I read one quite not very positive comment yesterday, I was at least in doubt if I had to install a new Peppermint. After a little hesitation, I decided to take this step, and I do not regret it at all. The installation was quick and clean, the system is nimble on my machine, the new design is pleasant. Thank you to the Peppermint OS team for a great job.
It's almost a joke. This version occupies more than 1gb of ram on my Intel Celeron (2015), and it seems very slow even though it is a Debian xfce. The old Pepermint I was able to install in a 2007 laptop, and it took up only 320mg of ram, and it worked perfectly. Google charms and Windows programs have been removed, looks good to me, and still has the same "retro" and "maroon" look. But Pepermint is not Pepermint now. The change to Debian is noticeable: problems recognizing the wifi, my printer, etc. I prefer Ubuntu for these things.
After all the time waiting, and a couple of very strange admins/devs/mods over at the pepp os forums, I still thought to myself, hey ho, will give this a go.
No realtek wifi working on boot, but I had found that with other debian based distros, so not really fair to point the figure at this new pepp release for that. The browser install manager included, did not seem to include brave browser, again, only a minor niggle, but would have been nice to have it there as an option.
Would I give this a go in the future, possibly, but when distros like solus and zorin support my wifi right off the bat, and save me time installing, that is important.
Will check back in on them in a few months time, but for all this time in the development, just my own opinion, pretty underwhelmed, and I agree with some of the other commenters on here, it is not the original peppermint now, peppermint 10 respin was good, but I needed a newer ubuntu based version. I do wish the pepp team all the best however.
This was my main distro since PP8.
Now PP11 changed dramatically: idle after switch on it has a footprint of 950Mram. It's a big change for a distro that so far was in the "light" segment.
Other things are perfect, according to my taste: the amazing backgrounds, the way to built exactly what you want: unfortunately il is not anymore light :-(
Great job works really nice easy install drivers work,its not bloated you get the chance to install what you like fast distro, iv always liked peppermint personally i cant see any cons
nice to see peppermint back up and running.And its nice you dedicated the project to mark Greaves who sadly passed away.
Lovely distro. I appreciate the Debian underpinnings. Good, fast installation. No bloat and everything works so far.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-12-17 Votes: 0
Wonderful Linux distribution; it's most certainly true to its word; it's fast, lightweight, and efficient.
It's been a search for the perfect desktop OS, and I've ran into the one that I've fallen in love with. I started looking into Linux distros after my laptop's Windows 10 data was corrupted and not recoverable. After trying many, this one was perfect for my tastes. I've been using Peppermint 10 for several months now, and I've been doing what I've been doing on a typical basis that would have been the same on my Windows 10 machine.
If you're looking for an elegant, fast, user-friendly desktop OS based on Linux, here you go :)
TIP: If you're trying to install Peppermint on a hard disk, download the torrent file; I've tried using the direct download and install Peppermint, but the installation process failed multiple times. (Some might not have the same experience I did) Simply download the torrent, open it with your BitTorrent Client, flash the OS image once it's downloaded, and you're off!
Version: 10 Rating: 8 Date: 2021-12-06 Votes: 0
Peppermint is a nice distro for many reasons. I base this comment on using it for over 5 years. To start, and most importantly, the distro is surprising stable despite it is cobbled together from various Linux technology and other distro best practices. Secondly, Peppermint works well on a wide range of hardware whether it is from the early 2000s up to today's technology. I have used it on PCs and even old Macs. I have used it only on Intel based and not Ryzen driven machines. Thirdly, the user interface is good and intuitive. Overall, it is a candidate for a daily driver distro, however, I say all of this based on the assumption it will continue to evolve which is a current and real concern.
Although Peppermint has many good things about it, I am deeply concerned about the health and longevity of it since sadly their lead developer (and CEO), Mark Greaves, died in January 2020. It appears Peppermint has essentially fallen flat since the death of Greaves. For example, look at their blog. There has not been an entry since February 2021 and even that entry was concerning. Additionally, do a web search about Peppermint. Again, there is not much news since Greaves died. Yes, I saw comments from the remaining development team that they are going thru Greaves' code, notes and et cetera, but, that is about it. Last I heard the team was trying to sort through things to figure out how to move forward. It is now December 2021 about to go into 2022 with essentially silence from Peppermint.
I mention this not with the intent to bash Peppermint but rather to raise a valid concern because the health status and longevity of a distro is a very important aspect for current and potential users. Let's face it no one wants to devote themselves to a distro if it looks dead or there are real concerns about it surviving. I sincerely hope Peppermint will regain its footing and survive.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-11-19 Votes: 0
Fast on old Toshiba Satellite 2 GB ram. In many years never had a problem, very reliable and customizable. I tried a lot of distros, probably this is the best of them, very functional.
Version: 10 Rating: 1 Date: 2021-09-29 Votes: 8
It doesn't work well on my old laptop. Lots of screen tearing and some bottlenecks, also problems detecting peripherals, especially bluetooth... maybe I'll try another shot in the future.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-08-23 Votes: 0
Peppermint OS what can i say? Well what brilliant distribution that incorporates the best of the lightweight DE and manages to make them work seemliness, i would never thought i would see the fast LXDE DE with XFCE panel and the best of all Cinnamon Nemo file manager, Mark Greaves vision for this distro was simply phenomenal.
On personal experience it is blazing fast on my laptop with dual core and intel hd integrated graphic card, it is true i had screen tearing but that is not a problem of the distro and it is easily fixed.
Out of the box Peppermint is tailored for the user that wants to choose what applications they want to install, it might be based on 18.04 but support for flatpak and snaps is there already implemented giving access to vast library of updated applications and of course still one more option, the appimages which are my favorite.
ICE is a brilliant idea to make web pages run just as if they were an application and many now see it forked on the Linux MInt 20 as webapps, glad to see the cooperation between mint and pepper teams on this.
Also to to my surprise mint update manger which in my opinion is the best update manager out there is also the graphical tool to update your system giving you options to prevent a application from being updated at a click of mouse.
I have note to those that might be tempted on installing Peppermint and do a release upgrade to focal or should i say 20.04, DO NOT DO IT, doing this will break your system due to a lot of customization, configuration to make the LXDE,XFCE and Cinnamon Nemo file manager components work properly.
I distrohop a lot but Peppermint is my home, it just works.
My last words will go to Mark Greaves with a thank you for is vision and commitment that i seen he had in the forums helping everyone,
Version: 10 Rating: 1 Date: 2021-08-17 Votes: 5
It seems to be a very interesting distribution, but I couldn't get it to work very well. Everything seems to choke while using it. Maybe I can evaluate this better next time...
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-08-16 Votes: 0
Peppermint OS just flat out works, even on my very low spec laptop.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-08-02 Votes: 0
I have been using Ubuntu on all my PCs for over a decade. I am still a huge fan of Ubuntu, but I started using Peppermint 10 on my laptops and I've been extremely satisfied with the results.
I really like the light and responsive desktop environment. I really like ICE and the SSB model. It solves the problem of giant update-downloads for programs I rarely used on my laptop. At the same time, if I really want a desktop app like the email client Thunderbird, I still have the option of adding it.
I've been using desktop PCs for 25+ years, and the Win-7 taskbar on the bottom still feels "right". It appeals to my utilitarian tendencies.
I haven't switched my desktop PC from Ubuntu to Peppermint, yet, but I think it will probably happen with my next LTS upgrade.
The only con I have to list is that I am so accustom to the menus and layout of Ubuntu, that sometimes I struggle to find the setting control I am looking for in the Peppermint Settings Panel. And, because, some of the default applications in Ubuntu have been switched out for lighter-weight apps in Peppermint - I just don't know them as well.
Overall, I am an extremely satisfied customer.
Version: 10 Rating: 1 Date: 2021-07-19 Votes: 9
Looks fresh. Unfortunately crashes while installing. Soooo imaginary number 1 for the nice foreplay...
Version: 10 Rating: 4 Date: 2021-07-18 Votes: 0
Very nice interface, and very fast.
However, be careful while installing, I've tried thrice, and two of the three times it broke my grub in the install, leading my installed OS to also fail to boot until I was able to set aside the time to restore grub.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-06-29 Votes: 0
This is one of the distros that truly do 'JUST WORK'. I've used Peppermint since version 3, and it has become one of the most innovative tweaks of Debian-Ubuntu out there. It's feature laden yet lightweight; has added security of ICE apps (which allow you to choose any browser to open a dedicated window for your specified website).
I have been anxious to see whether the new dev team can continue the legacy set down by Mark Greaves - so far they are still promising version 11, but no alpha or betas have been forthcoming. It pains me to think of this distro passing, but I'll keep using it as long as feasible.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-05-31 Votes: 0
Amazing hybrid system, faster, solid for day to day work. Very recommended, try it. Perfect balance between local desktop and a cloud based laptop. I'm using it for two years and no problems.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-05-02 Votes: 1
The best distro of the dozen that I have installed and tried. It has never crashed and has always worked smoothly and well .
But now I am a bit worried because since the death 14 months ago of its project leader Mark Greaves, version 11 has been announced but not yet realised. However, I wish the Peppermint team all the best and congratulate them on their excellent work.
Version: 10 Rating: 9 Date: 2021-02-09 Votes: 2
Despite trying several other distros, I always tend to come back to Peppermint. It all works and seems to have the tools you need day to day. Your favourite software is easily added. It is also very good on old laptops and the Ice SSB function is useful.
The flagged error on installation does need sorting though: although not fatal, newcomers might not know how to sort it out and just give up. Needs sorting in the ISO or at least a how to message on the website.
Version: 10 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-02-07 Votes: 2
10/10 for Peppermint 10!
If you want an 'out-of-the-box' distro that really actually does 'just work', then Peppermint OS is right up there.
With more than 12 years Linux experience, I dare to suggest that this is THE most newcomer-friendly distro of all. They actually want people to use Linux. They welcome feedback. They actually want to know what people would like to be featured in the next release. There is a genuinely friendly community spirit to Peppermint OS.
PeppermintOS is almost perfectly designed for people who 'live on the web'. The SSB (Site Specific Browser) utility makes for very strong internet security (think 'online banking').
The 'standard/full install' (which is actually identical to the 'minimal install') includes nearly everything needed for a very secure system. I only had to add Bleachbit.
One caveat: It is not possible to upgrade from one release to another. A fresh install is required with every new release. This requires a back-up of all data to an external drive, else all data will be lost.
But you DO have ALL your data backed up to external hard drives, in triplicate, do you not?!
Version: 10 Rating: 8 Date: 2021-01-06 Votes: 3
Functionality good with minimal resources, default stuff is not to my taste, however, can be improved upon with time/work and effort. LXDE is getting dated now and with xfce use, becomes more bloated over time. A Mate interface would be nicer or even LXQt IMO.
Since earlier versions, this distro has become stagnant, as well as the support forums which used to be a lively happy hub. I fear, since the passing of the maestro PCNETSpec, this distro is on a slow decline. Just visited the forums with no evidence of further distro development, only assumptions and minimal chatter of PM11
I have been using old versions of Peppermint for years. They have been fast, reliable and stable. The previous developer had done a very good job. There was a break in development and I switched to using other distributions. I have been using the latest version for a few weeks now. Both the debian and devuan based versions. They have worked well and are stable but I still feel a bit confused about them. Why have any of the old Peppermint themes and logos been included in the new distribution? The lxde desktop has changed to xcfe and that is ok but why was the old toolkit not ported to it. Now I am also a bit confused about the current state of the distribution. The last information was published last summer and the mirror download sites are not working. I own a Raspberry 400 and would love to try Peppermint on it too but I have not been able to install its Raspberry version. I miss clear installation instructions on the homepage. As long as these few problems can be sorted out I think I could continue using Peppermint for a long time.
I had pep debian installed on my lenovo y50-70 for probably half a year it worked fine only I couldn't install nvidia drivers , at the
moment I switched to devuan - OpenRC and it works much faster as well as takes less ram as debian systemD version
ps.I've used mint xfce before, I've tried many versions of Linux such as lmde it's also good, I installed xfce on it and it worked well, I
've also tried manjaro and versions derived from arch, as well as sparky, mabox it's Polish versions very nice but pepermint is for
me and my needs the best I recommend to test it out
I’m using an Acer All in One PC with PU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-7130U CPU @ 2.70GHz
GPU: Intel Corporation HD Graphics 620 (rev 02)
Memory: 3022MiB / 15908MiB and a Samsung SSD with 1 TB
Peppermint has actually always worked fantastically, my favorite OS for many years, always returning to this from distro hopping because everything, be it printers or anything else, always works right out of the box, straight away.
But I had to say goodbye to version 2023-07-01 immediately after installation.
The installation itself, as always with Peppermint, was absolutely smooth, no problems at all.
These started after the first reboot.
Constant black screens lasting seconds during operation, without warning, without being able to reproduce them.
And always the fear that mails or other things might have disappeared after the display had lit up again.
Resource usage is much heavier than what it used to be years ago. With the death of the founder, anything and everything good about Peppermint went down the drain.
Even after installing all the updates offered, the spooky behaviour on Peppermint had not disappeared, so I was forced to switch to Linux Mint.
Peppermint Loaded installed, very good, fast, no real faults, except at this stage, anyway, cannot install vlc, smplayer, mpv player, will not play dvds, something else needed for in-house player. Did consult Software Manager, note.
Would like to have Seamonkey as an occasional alternative to Firefox, especially as Composer is present, for making websites.
XFCE is a good choice, very easy to use, and prefer the conventional desktop layout provided.
Installed on an i3 Acer, no problems at all.
I got a 15y old desktop pc with 4gb of RAM. Fair enough to use XFCE4 on it. After years of distro hopping with, xubuntu, debian, devian, manjaro, opensuse, etc..., I gave Peppermint a try. I did a fresh install of the 2023-07-01 version, Devuan based, with Runit as my init system.
As it only use about 500mb by start, it's very quick and smooth. Moreover it looks very nice with the default themes and icons. Also top is the terminal based update option. For me rely a big 10+++++ , I recommend it to everyone!
To start I am not a Linux expert. However I have used Peppermint 6 and 7 in the past, and returned to install the latest distro recently as my main system.
Summary: PeppermintOS is amazing. I wanted to match what I had on Windows that I used and worked with, and install those programs on the new setup. PeppermintOS offered that (searched for some Linux versions of installations and they were surprise surprise Debian). I am so glad and satisfied I returned to this distro and managed to put almost all the software needs into the new system. And without much difficulty. Result is lots of speed and response. Everything working. I relied mainly on Synaptic package manager to install, and added a few others with the other installation places found on the Peppermint Hub. Youtube was a great resource to figure a few things out like using PlayOnLinux to work with Wine. It just works.
Software I enjoyed on Windows that are available supported by Debian include:
Thorium epub reader (and with some fiddling, used Flite and espeak-ng to get voice to read the books as well)
Telegram
Viber.
MMEX Money Manager
CherryTree notes/database
OnlyOffice....
Choosing Peppermint initially was about finding an operating system that would work on older machines. That's where P6 and P7 were installed and they worked well. I think many of us enter the Linux world by that path. I use an i7 desktop now so it wasn't purely about that this time.
There's an enjoyment that comes from being able to work out how to get things installed and working, and at the same time, experiencing them work without a fault. That's what you get with this distro.
Still very interested reading about Linux and all the various flavors out there... who isn't.... there's so much happening and developing.
But for a daily use perspective, and something that doesn't crash or complain this one has my vote. As well as giving me choice in software to add.
Good: stable, quite slick and polished Xfce desktop. Bad: driver support not good at all. A common tp link wifi adapter no go and a mobile nvidia rtx 1650 created big trouble. This was the devuan version. I get the impression that Devuan is first and foremost an alternative for server admins who want a systemd alternative, an important enough mission. Not so much a desktop thing. I¨m also sceptical about the choice to permanently enable the Debian Multimedia repo, and this threw an error I have not seen before when I tried the distro for one day (before ending it because of the video driver prob): access denied to the repo actually came up in apt/synaptic. So go for debian peppermint.
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Debian version of Peppermint OS, and it's safe to say that this lightweight Linux distribution has left a lasting impression on me. Peppermint OS seamlessly combines the stability and reliability of Debian with a user-friendly interface, creating a delightful computing experience for users of all levels.
One of the standout features of Peppermint OS Debian is its commitment to simplicity without compromising functionality. The desktop environment is clean, intuitive, and responsive, making it easy for both newcomers and seasoned Linux enthusiasts to navigate. The developers have done an excellent job of allowing the users to decide thier path.
Performance is where Peppermint OS truly shines. The Debian base ensures a robust foundation, while keeps resource usage to a minimum. Even on older hardware, Peppermint OS delivers a snappy and smooth user experience, making it an ideal choice for revitalizing aging machines or breathing new life into low-spec devices.
The community surrounding Peppermint OS is another aspect that deserves praise. The developers are actively engaged, responsive, and open to user feedback, creating a collaborative atmosphere that fosters improvement and innovation.
In conclusion, Peppermint OS is a breath of fresh air in the Linux landscape. It successfully marries the rock-solid foundation of Debian with a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, efficient, and reliable operating system. Whether you're a Linux novice or a seasoned user looking for a streamlined experience, Peppermint OS is definitely worth considering.
Finding the minimalistic way interesting (under 1gig Ram after startup) and its concept, I wanted to give it a try.
It took me over 4 hours and a few takes, to finally install it on my external hard drive(after finding out workarounds to avoid bugs and faulty programming in Calamares. For instance, only achievable by turning off legacy mode. Only Achievable by not encrypting the Hard drive. And every attempt took over 1 hour after calamares being extremely slow, only to experience errors occurring in the end.)
After I finally installed it, the next frustration:
Constant tiny program freezes or delays after opening a program like browser or file manager.
This is OS specific after trying different Distributions without this typ of problems.
Useless. Installed on MSI Katana laptop with nvidia rtx 1650 mobile. For some reason the debian multimedia repo does not work, this may have contributed to the mess I experienced. The nouveau driver did not work with the card - glitches every 2 minutes. None of the nvidia drivers were able to install. Tried to purge nvidia and nouveau and block nouveau but the nvidia standalone installer kept yapping about nouveau being installed. So could not get a working display. Absolute crap distro. Stay away.
I've been using it as my daily driver OS for about two weeks now and here are my thoughts:
Peppermint is seriously awesome! It's super lightweight (Less is more!) and runs smooth as butter, even on older hardware. That's what got me hooked – its performance and stability are top-notch. And it's not just for tech wizards. Beginners should have a great time with it too because it's so darn easy to use. No complicated setup or troubleshooting.Yo can reasonably use it as a live installation if you flash it with something like Rufus or you can get it up and running on your machine permanently with just a few clicks, thanks to the fool proof Calamares installer. It really is that easy. Just get the right version for your system, fire it up and you're good to go.
But here's the kicker – Peppermint OS isn't just some stripped-down Debian for n00bs. It's got all the bells and whistles that advanced users would expect to see in an OS too. Whether you're a coder, power user, or just love tinkering, Peppermint OS has got your back. Plus, there's tons of customization options to make it your own.
Now, let's talk about the Peppermint Hub. Honestly, it's a bit meh. Sure, it's a cool idea, giving you quick access to different ressources, but in reality, it's kinda redundant. Most of the links you can find with a quick web or terminal search. I didn't really mind it but it did strike me as an odd choice to include something like this in such a minimalist OS. But hey, it's not a dealbreaker. You can just ignore it and move on.
In a nutshell, Peppermint OS is a winner in my book. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and power, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, no-nonsense operating system. I'm glad to say that after a phase of distro hopping I have finally found something that really hit the mark for me. Give it a spin too – you won't be disappointed!
I am quite smitten by Peppermint. The Less is More mantra appeals to me, because why would you want to carry unneeded baggage around? I find that when looking at other distros on DistroWatch I blast down through the program lists, comparing them to the sparing use that Peppermint shows, and almost always coming up wanting. Peppermint is leanest, and thus, friendliest with system resources. There are those that want a browser in their initial offering. OK, what should be forced upon us, Chromium? I HATE Chromium. I will only use Firefox or a derivative. What does it take, maybe 90 seconds to install one, anyhow? And if it takes a learning curve to install a browser, well, it's time to learn and burn, there is much more you are going to want to customize your system if you are doing it right.
Peppermint is FAST. Yes, I tried some Arch distros, and they are fast, because they are also lean (OK, SOME are...). But Arch and its derivatives, being rolling distros, will leave you with flat out broken, non-bootable systems in the middle of a rainy night. No joke! Is it THAT important to have the latest shiny new programs? For me, NUPE. I know guru programmers who refuse to update AT ALL.
To me, Peppermint feels very responsive, probably my biggest checkbox on any computer.
Peppermint with XFCE is very easy to customize. Checkbox #2 checked.
Reliability is top-knotch with Peppermint. It's simple, less to break. I have run Peppermint distros for YEARS with barely a Bleachbit to keep it optimized and de-cruftified.
The Calamares installer is as good as it gets.
What would I want changed in Peppermint? I will let you know if I ever think of anything.
Peppermint with Devuan and SysVinit is something I wanted to try. Gnome throw back (gtb) is a nice release and like the theming. First tried the Live and for the best of me couldn't find an install icon or menu item, must be somewhere. So, rebooted and found the Calamares installer, worked ok and finally was able to connect with the internet. Something with Live I couldn't.
Dark themed and enjoy the bright red colors with black. Doesn't come with a browser installed, but an option in the welcome screen. There is plenty here, but don't understand the "less is more" with the iso coming in at 1.5 Gb and bloated with a lot of probably never use apps.
I also tried Xfce, about the same as the Gnome, it's has plenty to offer, could be a nice distro if most of it's contents discarded. Found Peppermint just not right with me, appears as a hastily organized distro, could use a rethink to trim down and make it that fun "less is more" iso.
I'm pretty sure the distro can be installed in Live, make the installer icon or menu item a bit more noticeable.
Peppermint Os is an excellent choice to complement an antique mate. Its minty, refreshing flavor enhances the experience, providing a revitalizing touch to the tradition. The quality of the mint leaves brings a unique intensity, balancing perfectly with the mate. Furthermore, its sealed packaging ensures freshness. Undoubtedly, Peppermint Ostakes the mate ritual to a higher level.
Peppermint Os es una elección excelente para acompañar un mate antiguo. Su sabor mentolado y refrescante realza la experiencia, brindando un toque revitalizante a la tradición. La calidad de las hojas de menta aporta una intensidad única, equilibrando a la perfección con el mate. Además, su presentación en envase sellado garantiza su frescura. Sin duda, Peppermint Os eleva el ritual del mate a un nivel superior.
I reviewed the 7-1-2023 version below and gave it a score of 5, but after trying other recent distros and having them do the same things that bothered me, I went back to Peppermint and fixed all my issues! I was able to get Windscribe working with a quick install of iptables, and I guess the latest GRUB does not care about other OSes on my drive, liikely because of UEFI being able to select them anyway. My Arco Linux WILL see and report all OSes, so I will just use that to quickly select whichever distro I feel like using that particular day. Other than these issues I find Peppermint a joy to use, quick and light on resources, and it feels tight and intuitive. Color me happy and I MAY just use this as my daily driver like I did the May 22 Peppermint, which I also love!
Debian bookworm base looks great, very polished. I can't recommend it for new users because out of the box it's not a great experience with no common apps installed such as a web browser or typical office apps etc. It isn't difficult to install any of these but, for new users it's going to lead to some immediate head-scratching which is a shame. For gamers hoping to use this as a base to build up a lean machine I can see the appeal of Peppermint, but again new users are offered very little to nothing to assist, not even a means to validate and use nVidia drivers on modern hardware, the community support offers more questions than it answers in any way that would be meaningful to a new user. Overall as an experienced linux user and a one-time fan of Peppermint it's great to see it survived considerable upheaval during a period of transition, I hope to see it continue for a long time to come.. though I can't imagine using it as a daily driver.
I used the previous release and loved it, but this release feels somewhat rushed and unpolished. Basic intel graphics drivers were broken out of the box, kumo no longer adds SSBs to the applications menu for some reason, and boot time is longer. Also, the branding has lost some charm. Still a fine distro, thats it. Just fine. No clue what happened between releases but I hope the kinks get worked out soon. The default desktop appears incoherent theme-wise and generally looks slapped together. Its a functional distro if you aren't picky.
I love Peppermint and use 5-22-2022, but recently tried the 2023-07-01 distro. Big Trouble on my HP570 and Lenovo laptop (same issues):
1 - Grub refuses to see ANY other OS on your drive, Windoze or Linux, after installing and choosing Replace a Partition.
2 - Windscribe-CLI cannot be made to work. The same installer works on older Peppermint and every other OS I have.
3 - Windscribe's GUI app will not run.
This distro is faster at booting and feels even more crisp than the previous version, but problem 1 is too annoying and the lack of Windscribe is a distro killer for me.
1) The first system update had broken package links and I had to manually adjust to make it able to update properly
2) Boot speed is certainly not as quick as in previous versions but it's ok
3) Both Gnome disk utility and gparted are installed by default
4) On install of system the installer fails to detect Internet/ WiFi so does an offline install
5) My pet hate if you have a Mac book without a numlock key 😐 why on earth is this enabled by default. Luckily if you hold down FN and tap F6 twice then it turns it off and then in the setting set numlock not to restore state
6) Tap to click not enabled by default. Come on it 2023
All that out the way and after fixing everything that was broken it's a good solid system. Sadly only worth an 8 out of 10 until issues get resolved.
I've been using Peppermint OS between 2016 and 2020
on Samsung NF110 with Intel ATOM N455 (1.66GHz) Processor,
memory upgraded to 2GB RAM and with SSD.
With the version 2023-07-01 (Devuan, XFCE) I'm a Peppermint OS enthusiast again.
Even Flatpaks run smooth enough.
I'm amazed by the choices we're given during the installation.
To me, it's the politest Linux distro.
Pros : Very "respectful" installation even for Linux beginners
Fast compared to all other distros I've tried
Works on very low-end material
Takes very little tweaking to fee my needs
Cons : Couldn't get sound on Wine apps (but I'm sure I'll figure it out)
I loaded up the latest Peppermint ISO on a system that has given me troubles in the past with other distros. Peppermint 10 was my first exposure to this distro and it was a positive experience. I had 2022-05-22 loaded on this system and it worked well for me, other than some minor issues. This new version, dated 2023-07-01, is a definite improvement though there are some changes that require some getting used to.
It installed smoothly and definitely faster than the previous incarnation, loading in roughly half the time and not stalling along the way. It booted up faster too which is an accomplishment.
The updater is much improved and actually gives better feedback on what it’s doing.
The Hub is approximately the same, though I have not found the repository for additional backgrounds and themes yet.
Most of the changes that I have seen are with xfce, not the underlying system. It’s polished a little differently and finding some things is a bit of a treasure hunt. Usability isn’t appreciably different, though.
This is a very definite positive step forward for Peppermint. After a little more testing, I likely will port my main system to it.
The installation GUI is intuitive, except I had no idea what the password is for the admin, so I couldn't change it. I was going to use it as a live usb, but I thought I'd try to install it on the adjacent partition to the live usb partition to check it out. It's a tad slower to boot up when installed on a usb than the MX Live usb. The DE is very elegant and lean. Once it's loaded up, it seems to be very fast and smooth. I added to it only 3 programs that I need, plus the b43 installer via ethernet to get wireless to work.
A little background: I've been a dedicated Peppermint Linux OS user since Peppermint 2 (2011). My current 'daily driver' desktop is still running flawlessly on Peppermint 9 (2019). I've patiently been waiting for a Debian-based version of Peppermint OS for years, and its time is finally here. The current 2023-07-01 (2023) version is marketed as a "minimalistic distribution". Don't let that scare you away. They've got you covered! 2023-07-01 is a joy to install and use, like all previous versions of Peppermint OS. No ugly surprises here. As Goldilocks would say, it's not too big and not too small. It's just right! It uses the 'tried and true' Xfce 4.18 desktop environment. Once again, not too big, not too small, just right. Peppermint OS has always demanded fewer hardware resources, from Peppermint 1 (2011) to '2023-07-01' (2023), thus it's an excellent choice for older machines. Matter of fact, '2023-07-01' is running beautifully on my antique Intel Core 2 laptop with 3 GB RAM and room to spare. Fear not! Peppermint has kept its minimalist spirit. Give it a whirl and see what you think.
Very fast OS. It installed quickly, loads web pages even faster and runs on my laptop from 2011! On top of that the Qemu virtual environment I have of Windows10 works OOTB with PeppermintOS. It did not under Linux Mint 21. I recommend this operating system highly. It does not disappoint you and it is dare I say even faster than Ubuntu or Linux Mint ever will be! I cannot vouche for this system enough! It saved an early 2011 Acer E5132 laptop from going kaput. As for a con, the only con I can think of is there is not an easier way to install a different desktop environment (DDE). I had to use the debian "Sudo-tasksel" to install cinnamon on my laptop. It should be easier to do so, but I digress. Keep up the great work @PeppermintOS!
I have had no problems with Peppermint OS. It installed easily & I was able to get all the apps (software) installed I wanted. I currently have about 21 different distros going so it is getting easier to use them :-). Peppermint is one distro I have on 2 machines (one is an older 2011 laptop-Hp brand with 8 gig memory). It works well on both computers. The other is an (2017) dell optiplex i3 with 16 gig memory. I am using an external enclosure to house the drive on that one. I am glad I came across this one & hope it is maintained for years!!!!
It is perfect. Works out of the box without any issues. I used it for 3 years earlier after failing to install almost every well known OS as they did not recognise my hardware! Peppermint 10 did! I had to upgrade as Ununtu 18.04 on which it was based is towards end of its lifecycle.
Now Peppermint OS also works flawlessly! It comes with many goodies! I am happy that this project is still live and hope it continues to do the good work! Good that it migrated to debian base!
Thank you to the entire development team of peppermint!
I ran Peppermint 10 on a relatively modern system and I had no real troubles with it. I loaded up the newest version recently and I struggled through the installation and configuration but I ultimately ended up with a decently configured, responsive and reliable system. There were some gotchas along the way.
Installation was smooth at first. I managed to get the OS installed and the first time it booted up it was fine. However, subsequent boots failed. The symptoms suggested a hardware failure relating to graphics, but this proved not to be the case. Instead, udev apparently got very confused and wrote the grub bootloader to the wrong drive, so the hard drive had no boot loader once the USB media was ejected.
I discovered the boot loader issue when I tried to install updates and the system hung. I couldn't install anything at all, and using the graphical software installer finally revealed an issue requiring manual intervention. Once I did that, it downloaded and applied all the updates and everything worked fine and the system has been very reliable ever since. The need to get grub straight apparently blocked everything else, waiting for user input without ever asking for it.
All that is to say, there's something wrong with the installer. It's not a deal breaker and I assume I am an isolated case, but it was highly frustrating until I figured out what was happening. On the plus side, there was a path to getting the issue straight without having to reload or just give up.
Once installed and once the grub issue was resolved, the system has been very responsive and very light on resources. I have been able to install new packages, use external devices, connect to my network and use this system as a general computing device as well as a developer workstation. It's different than the old version of Peppermint, but it works well for my purposes and I am pleased with it.
The latest Peppermint is a decent system. However, be aware that the installation can subtly fail and cause issues that are not immediately clear.
Superbe OS, léger, rapide et fiable sur ma vieille machine.
J'utilise la version Devuan. Installation rapide et sans problème.
Pas de programmes inutiles et, donc, une distribution "mince" à télécharger et la possibilité de construire son OS sur mesure.
Je l'utilise avec le bureau lxqt qui est aussi efficace que xfce et qui me convient mieux, pour l'usage que j'en fais.
J'ai essayé quelques distributions. Celle-ci figure parmi celles que je recommande chaudement.
Bravo, merci et bonne continuation à leurs mainteneurs.
Not certain what the big deal is... slow, ugly and way out of date.
Plenty of way better options out there.
A horrible experience, with an even more horrible community. The last version of Peppermint before the original creator died was a great Linux distro. But now, other people took over and everything has changed- a huge amount of bugs, ancient software, crashes galore, unhelpful forums and an overall unpleasant experience.
I don’t know what to call these versions that have been released since the original creator passed away, but this is an afront and honestly a disgrace to the work of the original creator.
I do not recommend this distro at all, find something else to use and leave this one behind.
I recently started using this operating system, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The interface is sleek and modern, with user-friendly features that make navigation a breeze. From the intuitive taskbar to the customizable start menu, everything feels just right.
What I appreciate most about this operating system is its stability and reliability. I haven't experienced any crashes or freezing since I started using it, which is a huge improvement from my previous operating system. It also runs smoothly even when I have multiple programs and windows open.
Another standout feature is the vast selection of built-in apps and tools. From productivity apps like a word processor and spreadsheet program to entertainment options like a media player and game store, there's something for everyone.
Overall, I highly recommend this operating system to anyone in the market for a new one. It's easy to use, reliable, and packed with useful features.
This review is for Peppermint Devuan edition 2022. I really liked version 10 a few years ago and kept watching developments.
The Devuan edition is installed on two of my systems and is running essentially perfectly. I did notice that some of the package options I checked during install went missing but it was easy enough to add them in later.
I don't really have dog in the fight over SystemD other than to say that after 250 some revisions they still don't think they have it right and that tells me it is an uncontrollable monster something like Windows. Simpler is almost always better and this version of Peppermint seems to run very fast and efficiently.
I am always searching for a distro to make use of my older laptops and this one fills the bill better than most any I have tried. It finds all the hardware in both my B450 Ryzen 5600G system and in my 15 year old HP Core 2 Quad laptop. I did have to add a boot switch (init_on_alloc=0) to that old machine to get the sleep / resume functionality to work but that has been true for all the distros I have tried that are on the 5.x kernel.
I like that I could get the wake-on-lan functionality to work using only the gui network configurations rather that poking around in configuration files. That seems to be a plus for XFCE systems.
The lack of a browser in the live version is a bit annoying but it is easy enough to add in after installation. I had to use Firefox initially just to get the Vivaldi browser installed since it wasn't one of the choices. I would have then deleted Firefox but it turns out the CPU load when watching full screen Youtube videos is lower in Firefox than in Vivaldi so I will keep it for that.
If simplicity, speed, and efficiency are your priorities then Peppermint Devuan might be a good choice.
Tried Peppermint with the MATE desktop. MATE installed OK. Peppermint is a stripped down version of Debian. Very inflexible in terms of having at least a minimum number of needed packages installed. So you have to pick and choose what you want; even the most basic packages. This can be good for those who want to have more control over their workspace, but not for those who want to install it and be up and running in a minimum amount of time. One deal breaker is that you actually have to search on the web on how to do updates, and then go through the process of installing Peppermint's Update Manager yourself. Then when you initiate the Update Manager, it just plows through full steam and doesn't even let you see or choose what updates you want to install. Why didn't they just include the Update Manager already installed with the distro? This is very bad programming on the part of the developers! There are far better distros out there based on Debian such as MX Linux with its great assortment of tools and LMDE 5, based on Debian and developed by the Linux Mint team. I will pass on Peppermint.
(November 06, 2022 Release)
(See previous review from 2022-11-05)
I really wanted to like this distro...
They addressed the uefi install issues, but the o/s it totally unusable for myself due to gpu glitches present in some older software...
I have a semi-modern gpu AMD Navi 22 and these are usually issues I can correct by updating from Chimaera to Daedalus or Ceres, but since changing that in this os in the /etc/apt/sources.list does nothing at all it's keeping me on older mesa versions that keeps the persistent graphical glitches.
This o/s has a repo called "peppermint" and it's put together like a "Frankenstein" o/s, and I would not recommend this to anyone that has a computer with components made in the last 2 years.
The o/s did actually run fine, but my inability to choose the line of packages (from Devuan releases daedalus/ceres/etc) just kept bugs present that will not work for my purposes.
I will attempt to try this again in Jan 2023 at the earliest, as I am looking for an O/S environment to recommend, (systemd free & Devuan based) geared towards non-technical people with some tools for the update/upgrade.
As it stands, currently you just can't beat the base Devuan install and add what you need yourself via either synaptic or apt.
I downloaded the Devuan edition (I'm still going to blame the Calamares installer for the mostpart) and grub failed to install on the same system I've installed the original Devuan on successfully. Using only 3 partitions as I have with the version that this Pepperment was based on, Devuan alone installed just fine using only /boot/efi , / , /home on the main nvme drive. The automatic option wanted to pull a "1st time user's method, and dump both the / and /home on the same partition with just a boot partition... No thanks on that one. The installer for "automated install" didn't even offer a checkbox for "Separate /home partition". After Calamares failed the 4th time trying, I decided to just use the original Devuan netinstall for the new system and make my own update script. I feel that an isolated /home is essential and should always be used.
The live environment:
At 1.3 GB download, and it's already exceeded the size of a burnable CD and plenty of space left if you chose to burn a DVD and completely irrelevant if you chose to dd the iso to a usb stick, the live environment (as others have mentioned) did not include a web browser at all. I know I could have installed one in the live environment, but Pepperment user (This distro seems geared towards the inexperienced user), may not know that they can just update apt and install a browser to use for the live session.
The live environment worked fine and seemed stable, but the fact that a 1.3GB iso didn't have a usable browser out-of-the-box leaves me to classify this as "A work in progress".
The forums for the grub issues (have been going on for too long in my opinion) go back for months with "dirty" solutions to the problem.
In it's current state, I would not recommend this distro for an inexperienced Linux user, but it shows promise and I intend to check back every so often as I'm looking to reduce my load and find an O/S for the people I technically support to use everyday with some more "automatic" solutions for updating/upgrading their systems but without using systemd.
After a long time I installed Peppermint OS again. Now based on Debian. I used to have MX Linux on the machine, but I read it was full of bloatware. I am very satisfied with Peppermint OS. Fast, accurate, lightweight. What can be improved: I would add a browser to the live system. However, other programs are not lacking. Everyone expands the system with what they want.
It makes your life easier with Peppermint if you don't mind using the Terminal. I installed the missing programs with the apt command (sudo apt-get install vlc, gthumb, gimp, htop, etc.), but there is also a Synaptic package manager in the system.
By switching to Debian, the lightness of the distribution was preserved. It works smoothly with daily tasks on my eight-year-old laptop (i7-4600U. 2 cores, 4 virtual threads + 8GB RAM). (Office software, browsing, web editing, GIMP, youtube, etc.).
Thanks to the team and all those contributing to this wonderful project.
It takes little resources, is quick, helpful links and nice themes give it a good look and feel It worked on my 8 year HP laptop without having to futz with any drivers.
I see complaints (cons) that it doesn't come with much pre-installed, but I think that was the point... give users the choice up front on as much as possible to install so you don't have to go back and remove unwanted web browsers or media players. The greeting screen makes it easy, but it might keep it from being the choice for first time linux users.
In my months of usage as my travel work station and substitute home computer (image, doc editing, MS Teams, Zoom Calls, web browsing) it was very reliable and enjoyable to use. I'd recommend it to anybody wanting a light weight install who has a little familiarity with linux.
Ive been waiting a long time to get such a great lightweight distro based on Debian. The ability to be able to install only the apps I want beforehand is a big selling point. The speed and low resource usage, combined with all the little features such as the welcome screen,pephub and updater really make this a must have. For those who dont want snap or flatpak its a godsend as its tough to find distros that give you this much freedom. It works equally well on my 14 year old laptop versus my recent desktop.
The switching to Calamares as the installer was a great move and overall its a loot easier to use for both novices and advanced users. All devices were detected without issue and during the live session, my settings and wifi were carried over to the install without issue. The extra themes,icons and wallpapers really make this OS look great. Ive had no issues whatsoever while using it and now have it installed on foru of my laptops. Its one of the fastest distros to install Ive ever used.
Obviously not having a default browser can be issue for some but for the majority of users, the install is a great experience. Those who have commented that some apps werne t default miss the point to Peppermint. Having a minimal install is what many want, and most users prefer to add apps they prefer, not forced to pull things out and chance disturbing the install.
Definitely recommend this distro to anyone, particularly to those with older hardware or who need a 32bit version. The semi-rolling aspect of it I also find a great idea and Debian's release schedule is very moderate. I praise the devs for creating such a remarkable distro that is so flexible, fast and attractive.
I am pleased that my Peppermint_2022 now has the Mintstick USB writer
and formatter, but I don't remember if these were shipped in the distro
or if I installed them from the "deb" file. I am happy with this Debian
Bullseye release and hope Peppermint will stay with the Debian
release model. Since Peppermint 10 I've gotten a lot done in this flavor
of Linux. Version 010 was based on Bionic, so it was time for a new
release and the developers came through.This is one of the distros
that keeps me interested in Linux and I am a distro hopper. For now
Peppermint is well integrated into my Linux-only Dell Optiplex 9020
four (virtual) core desktop with up to 3300Mhz speed, 16 GB RAM,
and total of 6 TB connected storage. It came at a good price, refurbished,
and performs well. I'm an Ubuntu/Debian fanatic, so whichever direction
Peppermint takes, I'm likely to follow. I like it to have a sprinkling of Mint, another didtro I love
Peppermint has been my WFH OS since I installed Peppermint 10 Respin in March, 2020. I suddenly needed a fast-booting, intuitive OS to run dual-monitor remote desktop sessions and Zoom conferences. Peppermint boots miraculously fast and performs beautifully on my quad-core, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD, surplus thin client. Although Peppermint runs acceptably well on my similarly-spec'd dual-core laptop (I'm using it to write this review), I don't recommend dual-core hardware for videoconferencing.
Peppermint has a look-and-feel that PC users will find familiar. I switched my PC to Peppermint one evening, and was online and productive the next morning. The familiar look-and-feel makes it less jarring to task-switch between local Linux and remote PC sessions. I especially appreciate having 101-key keyboard support, since I make constant use of Ctrl/Shift/Alt/Win key combinations in my work.
Peppermint OS 11 diverges from earlier versions. It does retain the PC-user friendly look-and-feel, and it's now based on Debian LTS which has a more stately update cadence than Lubuntu LTS. But a lot of the bundled apps that made Peppermint 10 Respin so easy to adopt are absent from version 11: no browser, no media player, no calculator, and no cloud app links in the Office menu.
First-time Linux users are probably better-served installing Peppermint 10 Respin, at least until the development team fleshes out a similar app bundle for the new Debian-based release.
More seasoned Linux users might be interested in the new Devuan-based Peppermint OS edition that's emerging even as I write this.
Pros:
- Boots miraculously fast from SSD (under 30sec)
- Performs well on modest hardware like a quad-core, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD, surplus HP t620
- Familiar look-and-feel for first-time Linux users
- Desktop similarity between local PeppermintOS and remote PC sessions
- Keyboard symmetry between local PeppermintOS and remote PC sessions (Ctrl/Alt/Shift/Win key combinations)
- Broad peripheral support: Graphics, Webcams, Audio, Printers, Bluetooth, USB
- Commonly available remote work apps: Zoom, Citrix, Windows RDP (Remmina)
- Commonly available everyday apps: Firefox, Chrome, Spotify, Pithos (Pandora)
- Based on Debian LTS which is more mature and stable than Lubuntu LTS
- Emerging Devuan-based Peppermint OS edition may appeal to technical users wanting a systemd-free OS
Cons:
- PeppermintOS 11 omits a lot of common apps that were bundled in Peppermint 10 Respin
- No default calculator
- No default web browser
- No default media players (Parole? VLC?)
- No default Office360 ICE (browser app) links
My system is old. I used different versions of Linux. I used the first 5 of the ranking list. I compared all of them in terms of speed, stability, features and smoothness, and I also installed Windows software, which of course was not installed in many of them or had problems. It ate, but everything was good in peppermint. and above all, everything was good only in two of the Linuxes. The first choice was Peppermint and the second choice was MX.---In my opinion, it has been treated less kindly and it should be seen more. I recommend you to test it
The new Peppermint OS-Debian is one stable system! So far, I have not had to reinstall or even restore a system snapshot due to breaking caused by me. I usually break my system after installing a new distro while installing software and messing with settings.I also had no problems picking up wifi ootb, usuall have to mess with that to get my wifi adaptor to connect. The only drawback I would mention is the lack of some software not being available for debian, but that's a debian problem, not Peppermint.
I have been using Peppermint OS for over two months now, and for me it has been the most stable, light weight distro I have used for a long time.
The developers have put a lot of effort into the small details, to make the Debian base and XFCE DE work smoothly together.
From first installing to SSD, I had the choice of which file format I wanted to use. After installing the OS, on first boot, you get the Welcome to Peppermint page that lets you add software, including browsers, office, media etc.
The team have included Peppermint Hub, this has all the shortcuts you need to add extra software, hardware drivers, printers or tweak the desktop.
For me, I have found that Peppermint OS has the right combination of a stable system without any of the bloat or software that I am never going to use, but with the choice to add what I want to make it more personalised for me.
Thank you to the Peppermint OS Team and all the developers that have put in the time and effort to make this an excellent Linux distro!
Having used PeppermintOS 10, and found it to be excellent, I now find that the latest version does not even include a web-browser.
I need a web browser to connect to the internet with my mobile broadband dongle. I entered my dongle's address into the SSB, and it was not found, because there is no web-browser to launch: genius.
There seems to be a them running in some current Linuxen that no-one uses mobile broadband. Some have browsers that are not capable of connecting to dongle addresses, which is bad enough; but now, PeppermintOS does not even have a browser of any useable kind installed.
This takes the biscuit!
Are developers trying to turn people away from Linux?
This is a serious issue, given that many people depend upon mobile broadband for their internet connection.
I used to love Peppermint, but it had been a long time since there was any work done on it. Now I absolutely adore the May 22, 2022 edition! So fast and customizable! I am having lots of fun with this on my old ASUS laptop. I have found zero issues with it in 24 hours of constant playing! This was not the case with MXLinux, although I liked it for the most part. The ability on Peppermint to chose virtually every piece of software from the Calamares getgo is awesome. The minimalist approach really speeds things up on my old, but very useful hardware. My highest regards to the developers and I am so glad Peppermint is back!
Peppermint is still a highly functional OS that enables mr to use my computer for what ?I need. Peppermint 10 was my "goto"
for writing USB sticks. I'm hoping they will have an Ubuntu-based LTS release coming. Meanwhile I won't shy from using the
2022 release. I have it on my current configuration where I use four hard drives to house my array of Linux distros.I use a Dell
Optiplex 9020 with a quad core Intel Core i5-4590 processor and 16 GB of RAM. I have never seriously thought of replacing a Peppermint OS, UEFI, I must say, has made it more difficult to be a distro hopper but my motto is to do the best I can and have a functioning PC. This one is a refurbed model showing no signs of decline, but in my experience the death of a computer comes suddenly, without warning. I would recommend Peppermint 2022 for a Windows user who wants to test Linux but caution him
or her to be sure to have a way to restore Windows unless committed to using Linux only. Time and experience have steered me in the direction of Linux-only usage, because I count on being able to install a Linux OS in the event I find myself needing one. I'm
a fan of MX, Sparky, and Makulu, among others.
I went from MX to Sparky and now to Peppermint - once I noticed they ditched Ubuntu as a base.
Peppermint is the LEAST bloated pure Debian 11 XFCE distro out there. I wonder if ppl who gave it low marks can even run sudo apt-get install to say the least if they are able to check their BIOS settings and disable "secure boot". Anyhow, Peppermint is an excellent base to build your Linux exactly the way you want it with the least amount of sudo autoremove --purge :) Here's what I do:
1) Set yourself as root: sudo apt install gedit then sudo passwd
2) Cleanup: sudo apt autoremove --purge pluma* xfce4-whiskermenu-plugin* xfce4-clipman* ice* nemo*
3) Install: sudo apt-get install blueman baobab bleachbit catfish chromium deborphan evolution galculator locales pcmanfm vlc xarchiver xfce4-weather-plugin
4) From DEBs: Nomacs + Balena Etcher + Master PDF 4.2.7 + WPS (sudo dpkg -i wps-office_*.deb)
5) Install MS fonts: sudo apt update && sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer, then sudo fc-cache -f -v
6) Add "open as root" to PCMANFM:
7) Remove leftover Debian junk: deborphan --guess-all then
sudo deborphan | xargs sudo apt-get -y remove --purge
RINSE AND REPEAT UNTILL ALL GONE, then sudo apt autoremove --purge
8) Delete useless foreign locales:
a) sudo apt-get install localepurge
b) sudo dpkg-reconfigure localepurge
9) Final clean: sudo apt-get install bleachbit Run as ROOT - sudo bleachbit
10) Install your favourite wallpapers, themes and icons - PCMANFM as ROOT will help
Personally I prefer a blend of Papirus and Numix icons and Fluent Round dark theme
ENJOY
Peppermint went from being my favorite distro to being one that won't run properly any any way. I ditched it about a week after the new version came out. It simply does not work well at all. It is nothing but constant freezing - constant restarting and forget trying to play any video files - best of luck with that. It is extremely difficult to install. It requires manual partitioning which is not easy to do. If you just click install using the entire disk, you will have even more problems than I did with manual partitioning. I tried both. I have no idea of what has happened to this distro but hope the next version will work as I would gladly return to it. I liked it because of its speed. It is the fastest distro I have ever used. I find myself quite surprised that other people seem to have it running well. I wish. I loooooved this distro.
hoped the hype was worth a look.. it isn't. refused to access any packages in live, so just how can you try something and test it without a browser or access to the packages you run... I don't install things here if I cannot at least access synaptic, so Peppermint is a hard pass for me.. the lack of basic software such as a browser, office, mail & media player is making it difficult to test ( and this "needing 500 characters for this review thing is a "WTF" )
let's at least offer some kind of browser maybe? it is so easy to remove it if you don't like that browser, (well unless it is Firefox and you have Libre Office linked to it :P)
At home I run the KDE version of MX Linux but I have been using Peppermint as my daily driver on a work laptop for about two weeks and I have to say it's great to see the devs back in the saddle again. From the trouble free install on both Virtualbox and bare metal, excellent hardware detection of my brand spanking new HP 17-ck0013na laptop and the initial helpful setup prior to use, I'm very impressed with the transition from a Lubuntu base to Debian and pure XFCE desktop.
Jesse Smith gives imo has given fair review of this distro, I find myself in almost total agreement. If I was to nitpick (you knew I would) I'd only comment about Jesse's assessment regarding the lack of an installed browser. As to which browser users decide to go with based on their own criteria ranging from how accustomed they are to one browser over another, right down to the fact they can or cannot add their fav cat or dog theme is always going to be a minefield. Pre-install Firefox and a few think it should never see the light of day because bla bla.. go with Chromium and before you know it someone who's preference for Pale Moon (really?!!) feels somehow driven to condemn the whole distro as ill conceived. So having the choice offered from the get-go seems good idea. As for the implication of an additional download for the unfortunate on slow connections to get a browser, well to be fair they've just downloaded a 1.6GB ISO installer so I don't see how downloading a tiny fraction of that to get their browser of choice is really going to matter. Like I said, if I was to nitpick :)
For newcomers in particualr to Linux, and on up to the experienced, Peppermint (like MX Linux) has a lively user forum to turn to if needed, a final product that's tested thoroughly before release and as Jesse mentioned a turn of speed yet light on resources that's imo as good as anything out there right now.
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