The Linux Mint project unveils the stable release of Linux Mint 21.2, offering users a highly stable and feature-rich operating system experience.
The Linux Mint project has announced the availability of Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” on its stable mirrors around the globe. This release marks a significant milestone for the popular Linux distribution and brings numerous enhancements, improved stability, and updated desktop environments.
Linux Mint 21.2 Based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Linux 5.15 LTS Kernel
Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” is built on Canonical’s Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) operating system, providing users with a solid foundation. It features the Linux 5.15 LTS kernel, ensuring long-term support and compatibility with a wide range of hardware.
Three Desktop Environment Choices: Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE
Continuing its tradition, Linux Mint 21.2 offers users three desktop environments to choose from: Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. The Xfce and MATE editions retain their respective desktop environments from the previous release, while the flagship Cinnamon edition has been upgraded to Cinnamon 5.8, introducing new features and improvements.
Global Dark Mode, XDG Desktop Portal, Wayland Support, and More
Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” introduces several exciting features and improvements across all editions. Users can now enjoy a global Dark Mode setting, providing a unified dark theme across GTK4/libadwaita apps. The inclusion of XDG Desktop Portal support enhances compatibility with Flatpak apps. Furthermore, this release offers Wayland session support and multiple keyboard layouts on the login screen, adding flexibility for users.
Aesthetic Enhancements and UI Improvements
The “Victoria” release focuses on refining the look and feel of Linux Mint. It introduces new folder icons with various color variants, enhancing visual appeal and usability. Additionally, tooltips across different applications and desktops now have consistent styling, providing a more cohesive user experience. The realignment of titlebar buttons and the inclusion of symbolic icons that adapt to their background further contribute to a polished desktop environment.
Application Updates and Enhancements
Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” brings several updates and improvements to its applications. Full support for HEIF and AVIF images has been added, allowing users to seamlessly work with these modern image formats. The Xreader document viewer now properly handles Adobe Illustrator documents, providing a smooth viewing experience. The Pix image viewer app has been updated and rebased on gThumb 3.12.2, delivering enhanced functionality and performance. The Software Manager app has also received a refresh, featuring an improved user interface, advanced scoring/sorting algorithms, and a fine-tuned package list.
Warpinator Enhancements and Enhanced Security
Warpinator, Linux Mint’s file-sharing tool, has received significant updates in the “Victoria” release. It now incorporates Landlock and Bubblewrap technologies to implement folder isolation, bolstering security and privacy. Additionally, the Warpinator app has been equipped with the latest security patches and improved compatibility with modern systems.
Long-Term Support and Future Release
As Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, it inherits long-term support, ensuring security patches and software updates until 2027. Users can rely on this release for a stable and secure operating system experience. The upcoming Linux Mint 21.3 release will build upon the same package base as Linux Mint 21.2.
Availability and Official Announcement
Users can now download Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria” with Cinnamon, Xfce or MATE desktop environments using the provided direct download links. Alternatively, they can await the official announcement, which will be posted on the Linux Mint website in the next few days. The developers are working to synchronize the main download server with the official mirrors to ensure a smooth and reliable downloading experience for all users.
Linux Mint enthusiasts and users seeking a powerful, stable, and user-friendly Linux distribution can look forward to exploring the enhanced features and improved stability offered by Linux Mint 21.2 “Victoria.” Stay tuned to the Linux Mint website for further updates and information regarding this exciting release.
