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Ubuntu-based Linux distro comes with a number of new features, user-interface improvements,
and bug fixes. Linux Mint say the “refinements […] make your desktop even more comfortable
to use.”
Linux Mint 20.2 “Uma” is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (and despite it now being the year
2021 the version number stays 20.x, as that’s the series this is part of). This releases
uses the Linux 5.4 kernel, though the HWE kernel currently based on Linux 5.8, and the
newer Linux 5.11 are available to install.
Linux Mint 20.2 Features
At the heart of Linux Mint 20.2 is the Cinnamon 5.0 desktop environment.
Cinnamon 5.0 uses less memory than earlier versions thanks to a clutch of important memory
leak fixes. You can also set a memory limit to control how much system memory Cinnamon
can use while running. If the desktop reaches the limit you set (minimum value: 2014 MB)
it restarts itself.
Mint devs also add improved search features to ‘Nemo’, the Cinnamon file manager.
As well as searching file names the file manager is also able to search file contents for matches.
It supports regular expressions and recursive folder searches, and can be configured to
show favourited files first in results.
Dual-pane mode in Nemo can now be toggled on/off using the F6 key.
The desktop is also ‘better at detecting power state changes’ (i.e. low battery)
and surfacing notifications, using an accurate battery fill icon, etc. The Cinnamon screensaver
now runs on-demand only. This frees up memory for other tasks. The sound applet now show
‘now playing’ info in its tooltip.
Other changes in Linux Mint 20.2
It’s now possible to update Cinnamon Spices (the name for applets, desktop widgets, themes,
and other extensions for the Linux Mint desktop) using the Update Manager tool. This should
help ensure users are always running the latest version of their preferred add-ons – or
are at least aware that updates are available.
Improved update notifications feature, picking up a number of new behaviours. Linux Mint
20.02 decreases the frequency of update alerts after updates have been installed, and providing
users with more options to hide and configure notifications about updates in general.
“By default the Update Manager also only counts security and kernel updates as being
relevant for notifications but you can change that in the preferences,” the team adds.
Last, by not least, the Update Manager can now be used to manage Flatpak update preferences
(i.e. disable it). Flatpak updates are paused (i.e. not applied) when a device is running
on battery. Linux Mint comes with Flatpak and Flathub, the de-facto Flatpak App Store,
enabled by default.
A couple of new applications included in Linux Mint 20.2: ‘Bulky’ is a new bulk file
renaming tool; while ‘Sticky Notes‘ is a sticky notes replacement to GNote supporting
multiple notes, different coloured backgrounds, and more.
A new version of ‘Warpinator’, the file transfer tool (which now supports Android
too) allows you specify which network interface to use for file sharing.
Finally, the “NVIDIA Prime applet” (don’t let the name fool you) now lets users with
switch between onboard and discrete GPUs for AMD chipsets.
Download Linux Mint 20.2
Linux Mint 20.2 is a long term support release. it is supported until 2025.
The system requirements to run Linux Mint 20.2 remain fairly modest, asking for a minimum
of 2 GB RAM, 20 GB storage space, and a 1024×768 resolution. Using it on hardware above these
values will, Mint say, result in a more ‘comfortable’ experience.
:: More ::
Linux Mint, one of the more popular Linux distributions, has released version 20.2,
nicknamed “Uma.” It comes with new features, upgraded internals, and other changes. Today
we’re taking a closer look at what’s new.
Changes and Upgrades in Mint 20.2 The Linux Mint operating system has long been
known for its user-friendliness and stability. Uma maintains that legacy, bringing only a
few changes to Mint’s update manager and the stock app collection, in addition to several
improvements under the hood. Below are the highlights.
New Update Notifications
The Mint team announced in March of 2021 that you’ll start getting reminders on your Mint
desktop when you don’t update often enough. Uma is seeing the full implementation of that
feature. Now, by default, Update Manager will remind you about available kernel and security-related
updates if they sit in the queue for seven or more logged-in days (or 15 calendar days).
That announcement rubbed some readers the wrong way, with speculation arising that Linux
Mint was imitating Microsoft’s approach to operating system updates. Linux users love
their freedom, and they felt that the update notifications feature would be too obtrusive
and reminiscent of Windows 10’s infamous forced updates.
Of course, we’re talking about snoozable notifications, not forced updates and reboots.
They’re meant to simply ensure that you’re not forgetting about critical upgrades. Additionally,
as you can see in the above screenshot, the notifications are completely configurable.
You can increase or decrease the number of days there, or, if you prefer, disable Update
Manager entirely.
If you’ve come over to Mint from Windows, you’ll find Uma’s new Sticky Notes app
to be a familiar sight. It allows you to create and save sticky notes that remain on your
desktop as long as you allow Sticky Notes to run in the background.
One nice feature is that you can organize notes in collections that you can then hide
and show whenever you need them. That means that you could have one collection for work
while you’re on the clock and another for off-duty personal notes.
The app replaces Gnote, so if you prefer that application, you’ll have to install it yourself
in Uma.
Warpinator for Android
While it’s not technically a change to Mint itself, it’s worth noting that with this
release, the Mint team is promoting an Android port of Mint’s popular Warpinator tool.
The app is capable of speedy file transfers over the local network, and the Android edition
means that you can copy files between your Linux and Android devices with ease.
How Do I Get Mint 20.2? You can head over to the Linux Mint downloads
page to download the official ISO. As usual, you can choose from three desktop environments:
Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. After making your pick, write it to a USB drive and take a gander
with a live boot before installing.
If you’re already running Mint 20 or 20.1, you should also find the upgrade available
in your Update Manager. Be sure to follow the Mint team’s guide to upgrading safely.
Mint 20 and above will see long-term support until April of 2025, however, so choosing
not to upgrade shouldn’t cause any problems.
If you’re on Mint 19.x, it’s possible to upgrade to 20 and then progress to 20.2.
Be prepared for a long and complex process, however. You might be better off with a complete
overwrite, and systems older than Mint 19 must go that route.
Finally, if you use the Debian-based edition of Mint, LMDE 4, you’ll find all of the
package changes for 20.2 ported to your system as well.
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