🐧Linux Mint has been the go-to distribution for users who want an out-of-the-box experience and an easy transition from Windows. It's what we all recommend to new users, or "newbies". Mint, like many other distros, is Ubuntu-based, but it's always had, shall we say, an interesting relationship with Ubuntu, symbiotic but not fully committed. Which explains its modest sibling, LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition), a kind of Mint backup: It's Linux Mint, but with no connection to Ubuntu: rather it's based on Debian.
Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference. All the Minty goodness is there. And I was impressed by the smooth upgrade from 6 to 7. It's probably not all Mint; Debian itself has become much more user-friendly in recent years.
Tech details:
Based on Debian 13 “Trixie”
Kernel: Linux 6.12 (LTS)
Cinnamon 6.4.12
The Mint Tools: Update Manager, Software Manager, Timeshift, and more
Upgrade: Easy upgrade from 6 to 7.
LMDE vs Ubuntu-Based Mint
Same car, same driving experience, different engine:
| LMDE 7 (Debian) | Mint (Ubuntu) | |
|---|---|---|
| Debian 13 “Trixie” | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | |
| Debian repos | Ubuntu repos + PPAs | |
| Ultra-stable, conservative updates | Stable with broader software access | |
| Mint’s fallback plan | Mint’s flagship edition | |
| Identical Cinnamon desktop | Identical Cinnamon desktop |
Final Thoughts
LMDE has come into its own as a distro, and most people really wouldn't notice the differences. It's probably still the safer bet to install the Ubuntu-based version for complete newbies. But whatever version you choose, you’re getting a refined, consistent experience that just works out of the box. Mint, whether Debian or Ubuntu based, is a consistent, reliable, go-to distro.
PS
I had someone tell me they went back to Ubuntu because they didn't like Cinnamon. What they really wanted was Gnome. It's very easy to install Gnome on Mint and you can choose between desktops at login.
