As these are Ubuntu-derived distros, it’s not surprising that all but one uses a variation of the Ubuntu installer. Unlike the other distributions here, Linux Mint is a rolling release, which means that it’s continually updated rather than requiring a distribution update for periodic major releases. The Cinnamon desktop environment edition of Linux Mint is the most popular edition, and that’s what we’re going to look at. In addition, there are also editions that feature customised Xfce and Mate desktops respectively for an experience with the same sharp looks while consuming fewer resources. In our experience, Cinnamon isn’t a slow desktop, but those other two options feel faster on the same hardware, and it’s nice to have alternatives.
We’re examining the Bodhi standard edition. This is based on the most recent Ubuntu LTS release, 24.04. Beyond the standard edition, there are six other official flavours and these include a new, Debian-based version that’s still in beta, two flavours with a newer kernel, and a version with more apps installed by default. Aesthetically, Bodhi takes a slightly different tack, with a dark theme, but it’s essentially the same as an Ubuntu installation.
We’d say the same thing about the Elementary OS installation, because it looks a little different from a standard Ubuntu installation procedure yet contains all of the same elements. On download, you’re invited to purchase the OS with a donation, but you can enter 0 into the donation box if you want.
These days, it’s nice to see some useful application options in an installer. Lubuntu offers Full, Standard and Minimal options. It’s admirable that it gives us choices, but we’d like to see even more.