Linux Mint 19.3 has been released. The update of the popular Linux distribution is available in the flavors Xfce, Mate and Cinnamon as usually. The new version of the Linux distribution is a long term support release that will be supported until 2023.
New and existing users may download the ISO images from the official project download site. The new version introduces several changes and new features, brings refinements, and bug fixes among other things.
Tip: Check out the how to upgrade to Linux Mint 19.3 guide for instructions on upgrading existing installations.
All three desktop environments feature the same core that is made up of a Linux kernel 5.0 and is based on Ubuntu 18.04.
Let us start with something that is no longer included by default in any of the Linux Mint editions: GIMP. The image editor is no longer preinstalled but since we are talking Linux, can be installed just like any other Linux application with a couple of clicks. Our guide on installing third-party software in Linux Mint may help you out in case you are in need of guidance.
The developers of Linux Mint made the decision to focus on the simpler app Drawing which supports basic image editing options only. Windows users may be reminded of Paint, which is included natively in Windows, and third-party image editors such as Paint.net, Photoshop or GIMP that are more powerful but need to be installed manually.
Another change that will be noted by many Linux Mint users is the focus on the media player Celluloid in the new release. Previous versions of Linux Mint provided the app Xplayer instead. Celluloid is a MPV frontend and offers better performance and hardware acceleration according to the team.
The apps that got replaced does not end here. The note taking application Tomboy has been replaced with Gnote. Gnote offers the same functionality — with the notable exception of the system tray icon — but is based on modern technology unlike Tomboy (which, among other things did not support HIDPI).
Support for HIDPI is almost completed in the new release; it is supported by all applications except for Hexchat and Qt5Settings.
Linux Mint 19.3 users may set time zones in the language settings along with locale and region.
Linux Mint 19.3 features a new System Reports feature that displays an icon in the system tray area. The app is designed to inform users of the system about potential issues. The team notes that it may hint at missing language packs, multimedia codecs, or newer hardware drivers that are available.
Improvements for all editions:
- New status tray application XAppStatusIcon that supports HIDPI, support for dark themes and more.
- Blueberry app improvements with better detection and error reporting.
- Hardware detection tool added to the BIOS Menu.Also, redesigned boot menu.
Cinnamon-specific:
- Panel Zones may now have their own text and symbolic icon sizes.
- Nemo context menu can now be customized to add or remove entries.
- Improved startup animation and speed optimizations.
- Option to disable touchpad when a mouse is connected.
- Various other improvements across the board (see what is new for an overview)
Xfce-specific:
- Latest Xfce 4.14 included which supports HIDPI.
- Window manage supports vsync, HIDPI, and for Xinput2.
- Panel and desktop support RandR’s monitor feature (improved window grouping, new default clock format, orientation option, advanced the wallpaper and more).
- New settings dialog to manage color profiles.
- Display settings support the saving and loading of multi-display configurations.
- Session manager supports hybrid-sleep and comes with other improvements.
- Thumbnails supports Fujifilm RAF format.
- Application finder may be opened in a single window.
- Notification service gets logging and do not disturb option.
- Various other improvements across the board. See what is new in Xfce here.
Now You:Have you tried the new Linux Mint 19.3 already? What is your impression?