Visit their web to select an edition that is best for you.
v161219
See Also (quick tech references):
Linux Mint: what it is and how to select the right flavour for you
The above linked site is an excellent overall resource for Linux Mint (and Ubuntu Linux).
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To go directly to Tips & Instructions for a Dual Boot configuration (Linux/Windows) see:
* How to install Linux Mint 18.1 alongside Windows
... plus:
* Additional Special Instructions for Win 8.x & 10
... note: the "Windows" key + "x" will get you to a handy shortcut menu for Control Panel, etc.
... also: "Restart" = "Reboot".
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When you are done... then visit:
Post-Installation Tips & Tweaks
About "Mint"
Linux Mint is an Operating System (OS) ... which basically does the same thing as Microsoft Windows, and the Mac OS X from Apple Inc. Here is a quick check-list that most new Linux Mint installers may find useful.
You will need a DVD Burner to create your own installation disk for Linux Mint.
You can create a USB flash drive installation for Linux Mint, which allows you to carry your own OS in your pocket (including all system, software, and data files).
Linux Mint (latest release), using the Cinnamon "Desktop Environment" (DE), comes with the "Chromium Web Browser" installed by default. This is NOT the same thing as the "Google Chrome" web browser (though they look and feel almost identical). If you want to have easy access to popular streaming content from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, you will need to Install the Google Chrome Browser, while running your Linux OS.
Linux Mint has come a really long way. With the release of MS-Windows-10 (2015.07.29) and all of its issues, I am now suggesting to Windows users who ask for my advice that if they have ever considered switching to a computer by Apple, then now is a good time to do it. The Mac OS is a far superior product IMHO to Windows. It is an expensive venture to dive into however. While the Mac-OS will be a bit easier to get support (find local user groups, online info and "How-To" sites, etc.), there is a lot to be said about using Linux.
Linux is a "Free" OS (Operating System)
Availability for support through online User Support Forums is increasingly available.
Local User Groups are becoming more popular.
Linux Mint is one of the most popular Operating Systems on the planet (according to them). It ranks as the "3rd most widely used home operating system behind Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS". (ref.)
Security in Linux Installations is a somewhat volatile subject. Opinions seem to differ wildly.
Check the following section for more information on Linux Security, and the various solutions.
Security on Linux Mint ... by: s58tech
Typical System Requirements ... [G-Search]
"Reasonable vs. Smooth" ... This is a very thorough text... and is Suggested Reading
In most cases, if you have or can find a 64-bit system that has 4 GB of RAM, and 50 GB of free Hard Disk Drive (HDD) space, you will be able to run Linux Mint with relative ease, plus have plenty of room to install programs and store a modest amount of data.
If you have large collections of Music and / or Video files, you will likely need more HDD space. Fortunately the technology for USB connected external drives is very robust these days, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive to get storage space of 1 TB or more. At this time you can expect to pay about $60 for a 1 TB USB (3.0) HDD (examples), or $60 for a x GB USB (3.0) Flash Drive. Mechanical HDD's, tend to be more stable that Flash Drives. If you have the funds, you will get even better performance from a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Currently, I am running the following. If a newer version is available when you read this, feel free to install that.
Linux Mint "Rosa" v17.3
Release Date: 2015.12.04
Cinnamon Edition v2.8 (Desktop Environment)
Long Term Support Release which will be supported with security updates until 2019.
There has never been a better time to switch to Linux Mint than with this edition.
This is just FYI list... for commonly published:
Linux Mint System Requirements
* Most systems sold in the last 10 years have a 64-bit CPU. If you do not have a 64-bit system you can probably find a free or inexpensive one if you ask or shop around.
The User Guide (UG) is excellent. If you read it carefully, and take it one step at a time, it is easy enough to follow for most PC users. There is a lot of really good information in this guide, which should be really useful to new users of Linux.
Linux Mint 17.3 Features:
Linux Mint User Guide - v17.3 "Rosa" - Cinnamon Edition (DE)
DE = Desktop Environment
The Desktop Environment is what you see when all the Program Windows are closed, and acts as the interface between you and the actual Operating System software.
Suggested Desktop Environments for Linux Mint
The most popular edition.
On newer systems and for first time users, this is probably the best choice.
This DE is developed by the Mint Team, which makes it an excellent choice for installing Linux Mint.
Based on older technology, it is more compatible with older system hardware.
When in doubt (with Mint), use the MATE Edition.
Mate tends to be more stable on a variety of PC's. [ref]
A "Light" version.
Better suited for older systems, with lower System Resources.
Better suited for advanced users.
If you make the most popular choice, and install it, then check out:
10 things to do first in Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon
For additional details on installations, see the following section on this site:
Try using your favorite search engine to look up other information about Linux, and the various distributions (i.e. "Distros").
Consider...
There are many available Linux Distros, even with Mint.
See the Linux Mint Web for other Versions and Editions.
Keep in mind that in my experience, Linux Mint is by far the easiest distribution to use if this is your first venture into Linux.
System requirements:
x86 processor
Linux Mint 64-bit requires a 64-bit processor.
Linux Mint 32-bit works on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
512 MB RAM (1GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
10 GB of disk space
DVD drive or USB port
Other Linux Distros I have tried include:
Good for really old hardware.
A light version of Ubuntu, suited for older hardware.
:-)