For the past week I thought it would be fun to try a few different Linux distributions since it has been a while since I've done so. Today I downloaded Linux Mint 8 Helena. Mint is Debian based distro and variant of Ubuntu. I must say, I am very impressed with Mint.

Integrated media codecs, custom desktop and menu along with several configuration tools make this a very user friendly distro. Installation of mint was very easy that if you are even a first time Linux user you would be able to complete the install with success. The one I decided to download was the Gnome desktop version but it does come in others those being:

• XFCE
  
• LXDE
  
• KDE
  
• Fluxbox

After the install completed I rebooted the system. I was amazed at how quickly I was ready to go and use it. It recognized all my hardware without a problem. Once the desktop was loaded I jumped on Firefox to start browsing. No additional configuration was needed...and this I loved. Helena is packed with several improvements. Instead of listing them all you can check them out here, Helena Improvements.I was also impressed with the speed. After playing around with it for a little I booted back into Windows Vista. Let me tell ya, just like with basically any Linux distro, there is no comparison to the boot up time. Windows, in my opinion, is once again at the bottom in this area. I also noticed, and maybe its just me, but while i was web browsing with Mint page loads seemed much quicker as well. When i booted back into windows and launched FF it seems like it too forever for my home page to load.

Just wanted to take a few moment to share a little about Mint. I am by no means a Linux master but what I do know, is once i finish testing several different distro's I will will be making my final switch to Linux. As I check out different distro's will post info on them here in my blog.

If anyone else has tried this distro please leave your comments. Would love to hear what you think.