The new version will arrive around the 2022 holiday season with improved hardware support and USB drive creation.
Linux Mint users received a Christmas gift very early in September 2022 when it was announced that Linux Mint 21.1, codenamed “Vera”, would arrive around the holiday season of 2022.
What’s new in Linux Mint 21.1?
Linux Mint, a customized version of Ubuntu will come with a slew of new features when it launches around Christmas 2022, according to a Linux Mint newsletter by team leader Clément Lefebvre. Lefebvre thanked the developers and donors of the project. It’s unclear which version 21.1 will be based on, but given that it’s an interim release, it will likely be based on Ubuntu 22.04 “Jammy Jellyfish” released earlier in 2022, since the existing Linux Mint 21 is based on this version.
A new tool for check iso downloads debuts in the new version. This allows users to automatically check downloads to ensure that they have not somehow been replaced by a man-in-the-middle attack. The tool verifies the image against a checksum to ensure that it is a bit-for-bit exact copy. The tool autofills keys for Linux Mint.
The USB drive formatter now writes Windows images. This is likely an acknowledgment that many Linux users still dual-boot systems with Linux and Windows or may find themselves forced to serve as informal computer support for friends and family. Either way, this will make it easier to repair all Windows installations.
Changes have also been made to the documentation regarding resetting passwords, disabling Bluetooth on boot, and creating Windows live or multiboot USB keys.
The new version will also declutter the desktop by removing the Computer, Home, Recycle Bin, and Network desktop icons.
Hardware Support Adjustments
Some hardware support improvements will arrive with the new version. The Driver Manager utility is being revised with a “dummy device” and dummy packages to improve testing. The tool now runs in user mode, so users will no longer have to provide an administrator password.
The system also supports Debconf, which will improve support for NVIDIA graphics chips.
When will users get Linux Mint 21.1?
Linux Mint 21.2 will land on “Christmas” in 2022, according to the newsletter. It is unclear whether this means Christmas Day, December 25, or before or after that date. There’s no mention of specific desktop environments, but it’s likely that the next release will continue to be available in the default Cinnamon desktop as well as available MATE or Xfce versions.
Some welcome tweaks for Linux Mint
The new release could probably be a welcome holiday gift for existing Linux Mint users when it launches in December 2022. This release looks set to continue the reputation for ease of use that has endeared it to so many. of Linux desktop users.
