Linux Mint 21.3 beta now available for download with Cinnamon 6.0

Those looking for an entry-level distribution for Linux are advised to give Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop a try. This Linux distribution is well known for its stability, as it is based on Ubuntu versions with long term support (LTS) and uses the old X11 display server standard. However, an experimental Wayland session is now available for the first time in the form of the Linux Mint 21.3 beta, codenamed "Virginia".

Those wanting to try out the experimental Wayland session have to select "Cinnamon under Wayland" in the login screen; by default, Linux Mint 21.3 with Cinnamon 6.0 continues to use the Xorg server with the X11 protocol. When using the desktop with Wayland, a prerelease version of fractional scaling for Hi-DPI screens can be activated.

Linux Mint 21.3 "Virginia" is scheduled to be released in December this year and will continue to be based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Linux kernel 5.15 LTS and will receive security updates until 2027. For the first time, version 21.3 of this Linux distribution allows for the possible testing of advance functions of future Linux Mint versions via the 'Romeo' software repository.

New features of the Cinnamon 6.0 desktop include, among other things, the option of expanding the right-click menu of the Nemo file manager with plugins, as known from other areas such as applets and themes of the Cinnamon desktop. Furthermore, the Linux Mint team has updated the applets for sound and power management, there is a new desktop zoom gesture, and AVIF images are supported natively.

Those wanting to try out the beta version of Linux Mint 21.3 can download the ISO file here. As usual, beta versions are not intended for productive use, so testers are advised to use a virtual machine for risk-free testing.