Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” Now in Beta: Here’s What’s New

 

Linux Mint, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has always been known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and ease of use. With each release, the Linux Mint team aims to bring improvements and new features to enhance the overall user experience. The latest beta release, Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera,” continues this tradition, promising exciting updates and enhancements. In this article, we will explore the new features and improvements that Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” has to offer.

The Linux Mint 21.1 Release

With the codename “Vera,” Linux Mint 21.1 is the first point release in the 21.x series, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Long Term Support). The release brings numerous updates to the Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environments, ensuring that users can enjoy the new features regardless of their desktop environment preference.

Cinnamon Improvements

Cinnamon, the flagship desktop environment of Linux Mint, receives significant updates in version 21.1. Some of the key improvements include:

1. New Applets: Linux Mint 21.1 introduces several new applets that enhance productivity and accessibility. One notable addition is the “Window List With App Grouping” applet, which groups windows from the same application under a single icon. This makes it easier to manage multiple open windows and improves the overall taskbar organization.
2. Bulit-In File Search: The new version of Cinnamon integrates a file search feature directly into the application menu. This addition allows users to quickly search for files and applications without the need for an external launcher. It streamlines the workflow and provides a more efficient way to find and launch files.
3. Improved Sound Settings: The Sound Settings module in Cinnamon now includes additional configuration options for sound devices. Users can easily adjust input and output devices, as well as control volume levels without relying on external tools.

MATE Enhancements

MATE, another popular desktop environment offered by Linux Mint, also gets some exciting updates in version 21.1:

1. Flexible Panel Customization: Users can now easily configure and customize the MATE panel, making it more flexible and tailored to individual preferences. With new options for panel layouts, sizes, and applet placements, users have greater control over their desktop layout.
2. New Window Snapping Behavior: MATE 21.1 introduces a revamped window snapping feature that enhances multitasking. Users can now snap windows to screen edges or other windows with improved accuracy and efficiency, improving productivity.
3. Enhanced Atril Document Viewer: The Atril document viewer receives performance and rendering improvements, providing a smoother and faster experience when viewing documents and PDFs.

Xfce Updates

For users who prefer a lightweight and resource-friendly desktop environment, Xfce also receives some notable updates in Linux Mint 21.1:

1. Redesigned Application Menu: The Whisker Menu, Xfce’s default application menu, undergoes a redesign for a more modern and polished look. Additionally, it now includes category icons, making navigation more intuitive.
2. Improved Workspace Management: Xfce now offers improved workspace management with enhanced workspace switcher settings. Users can customize the number of workspaces, names, and other related options to suit their workflow.
3. Thunar File Manager Enhancements: Thunar, the default file manager in Xfce, gets performance improvements and a new “Status Bar” option, allowing users to see additional information about selected files and folders.

Under the Hood Improvements

In addition to the desktop environment updates, Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” brings several under-the-hood improvements, contributing to overall system stability, security, and performance. Some of these enhancements include:

1. Updated Linux Kernel: The new release includes an updated Linux kernel, providing better hardware compatibility, improved security, and bug fixes. Users can expect better support for newer hardware and enhanced system performance.
2. Driver Manager Enhancements: The Driver Manager tool receives updates, making it easier for users to manage proprietary drivers for their hardware. The tool now provides clearer information about available drivers and helps users choose the most suitable option for their system.
3. Performance Tweaks: Linux Mint 21.1 includes various performance optimizations that result in a more responsive and efficient system. From boot times to application launch speed, users will notice improvements across the board.
4. Updated Software Stack: The software stack in Linux Mint 21.1 is refreshed, ensuring users have access to the latest applications and libraries. Popular software applications like Firefox, LibreOffice, and GIMP are all updated to their most recent versions.

New Welcome Screen

The Welcome Screen in Linux Mint 21.1 receives a makeover, providing a more informative and user-friendly introduction to the operating system. It now includes direct links to essential resources, such as the official user guide and community forums, making it easier for new users to find support and get started.

Additionally, the Welcome Screen offers quick access to common system tasks, such as driver installation, language selection, and software updates. This streamlines the initial setup process and ensures that users have a smooth transition into the Linux Mint environment.

System Improvements

Apart from the desktop environment and under-the-hood updates, Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” introduces various system-level improvements that enhance the overall user experience:

1. Fractional Scaling Support: Linux Mint 21.1 now supports fractional scaling, allowing users to fine-tune the size of UI elements for high-resolution displays. This is particularly beneficial for users of 4K monitors or laptops with high pixel densities.
2. Improved HiDPI Support: The new release includes better HiDPI support across the desktop environments, ensuring that Linux Mint looks crisp and sharp on high-resolution screens.
3. Time Shift Enhancements: Time Shift, the system restore utility in Linux Mint, is updated with improved backup and restore functionalities. Users can now schedule automatic backups and have greater control over the number of snapshots retained.

Availability and Installation

As of the beta release, Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” is available for download and testing. However, it’s essential to note that beta releases may still have some bugs and issues that need to be addressed before the final stable release.

Users who want to try out the beta version can download the ISO images from the Linux Mint website and install it on their machines. It is recommended to install beta releases on non-production systems or in a virtual environment for testing purposes.

Conclusion

Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera” in beta promises exciting updates and improvements, enhancing the user experience across different desktop environments – Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. With a focus on user-friendly features, performance optimizations, and system enhancements, the latest release continues the tradition of providing a stable, reliable, and enjoyable Linux experience. As always, users are encouraged to provide feedback and report any issues they encounter during the beta testing phase to help the development team fine-tune the distribution for its official stable release.