Home Linux Mint Linux Mint 22.1 Xia Officially Released: Features Linux Kernel 6.8 and Cinnamon 6.4

Linux Mint 22.1 Xia Officially Released: Features Linux Kernel 6.8 and Cinnamon 6.4

By sk
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Linux Mint 22.1, codenamed "Xia", has been officially released to the public after one month of beta testing. The latest version is powered by Linux Kernel 6.8 and ships with the latest Cinnamon 6.4 desktop environment.

Linux Mint 22.1 Xia
Linux Mint 22.1 Xia

Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint 22.1 comes with updated software, refinements, and a variety of new features aimed at improving your desktop experience.

As a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, Linux Mint 22.1 will be supported until 2029, ensuring stability and updates for years to come.

Under the Hood: Modernising Core Components

While shiny new features are exciting, sometimes the most important improvements happen behind the scenes. Linux Mint 22.1 focuses on modernising core components, particularly those related to package management.

The introduction of Aptkit and Captain replaces older tools, paving the way for better performance, fewer bugs, and easier development for the Mint team going forward.

Aptkit and Captain are new package management tools introduced in Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia". They replace older tools that were becoming outdated and difficult to maintain.

Aptkit replaces aptdaemon and provides a streamlined library for package management. Captain combines the features of GDebi and apturl into a single utility.

Captain Linux Mint
Captain Linux Mint

These changes bring several benefits:

  • Improved translations: All elements are fully translated.
  • Enhanced quality: Fewer bugs are expected by removing reliance on unmaintained components.
  • Streamlined architecture: Software Sources can now downgrade foreign packages graphically and the Update Manager has improved Wayland compatibility and modernized multithreading and multiprocessing code.
  • Simplified development: The developers can focus on implementing new features instead of patching old code.

For users, this translates to a smoother and more reliable experience when installing, updating, and managing software.

Update Manager: Faster and More Efficient

Downloading and installing updates is a regular part of using any operating system, and Linux Mint 22.1 makes this process faster and more efficient with an improved Update Manager.

Linux Mint Update Manager
Linux Mint Update Manager

By using multiple threads and processes, the Update Manager can handle more tasks simultaneously, reducing the overall time it takes to keep your system up-to-date.

Cinnamon 6.4: A Visual and Functional Delight

Linux Mint's flagship desktop environment, Cinnamon, gets a significant upgrade to version 6.4, bringing both visual and functional enhancements.

1. New default theme:

The theme has been redesigned with a modern look and feel, featuring rounded elements, darker tones, and improved contrasts for a cleaner and more enjoyable experience.

Cinnamon Themes
Cinnamon Themes

2. Cleaner dialog boxes:

Confirmation and system dialog boxes get a makeover, with a more streamlined layout and clearly separated buttons.

3. Enhanced Wayland compatibility:

Cinnamon's compatibility with the Wayland display server continues to improve, making it smoother and more reliable. Key features like system snapshots, software installation, and core settings now work seamlessly with Wayland.

Handy New Features and Refinements

Beyond the major changes, Linux Mint 22.1 introduces several smaller but impactful features:

  • Bulky file manager: A new option in the Bulky file manager allows you to easily remove accents from file names, a useful tool for international users or anyone working with files from different sources.
  • .ora file thumbnails: The file manager can now generate thumbnails for .ora (OpenRaster) files, making it easier to browse graphic design projects.
  • Themed wallpaper sets: Choosing from the ever-growing collection of Mint wallpapers is now easier thanks to themed sets. The first set, "Wallpapers," features a collection of bold, colourful designs.

A Long-Term Commitment

Like its predecessor, Linux Mint 22.1 is a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, which means it will receive security updates until 2029. This provides peace of mind, knowing your system will remain secure and stable for years to come.

Download Linux Mint 22.1 Xia

Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia" is a worthy upgrade, building upon the strengths of the Mint lineage and offering a refined and reliable desktop experience.

Users can download Linux Mint 22.1 from the official Linux Mint Downloads Page, and explore its features.

Linux Mint is available in three editions. Download that one suits your requirements.

  • Linux Mint Cinnamon - The most popular version, particularly developed for Linux Mint.
  • Linux Mint MATE - A light weight edition suitable for older hardware.
  • Linux Mint Xfce - A classic desktop edition. Ideal for who prefer the GNOME 2 style.

NOTE:
In the Linux Mint live session, the username is "mint" and the password is empty (i.e. just press Enter if asked for a password).

System Requirements

In general, we recommend the following system requirements to install Linux Mint:

  • 2GB of RAM (4GB or more recommended)
  • 20GB of disk space (100GB or more recommended)
  • 1024×768 resolution (Note: on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen)

Verify Linux Mint ISO Images

Anyone could produce fake ISO images. So I highly recommend you to check the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded ISO file before installing Linux Mint.

All download mirrors provide the ISO images, a sha256sum.txt file, and a sha256sum.txt.gpg file. These files should be available in the same location where you downloaded the ISO image.

Steps to Download Verification Files:

  1. Download both sha256sum.txt and sha256sum.txt.gpg.
  2. Do not copy their content. Instead, use “right-click -> Save Link As…” to download the files.
  3. Ensure you do not modify these files in any way.

After downloading both files, head over to the following link to verify the integrity and authenticity of the ISO file.

Conclusion

Linux Mint has always been known for its user-friendly approach to the Linux users. With the release of Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia," the team continues to build on this foundation, offering a polished and reliable experience perfect for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users.

Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting your journey, Mint 22.1 is well worth a try. Download it today and experience the Mint difference for yourself!

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