Using Linux Mint for everyday activities
Windows 10 has reached End of Life, and Microsoft no longer supports it with free security upgrades. If the user’s current computer does not meet the system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, they are faced with the possibility of purchasing a new computer. Linux is a free and open source operating system, with multiple distributions available. This course presents the option of using Linux Mint as an alternate operating system.
What you’ll learn
- Evaluate Linux Mint using a Live USB; “try before you buy”.
- Install Linux Mint on a permanent basis, either as a second operating system or standalone.
- Install additional applications, using different methods.
- Learn about additional useful features in Cinnamon Spices: Desklets, Applets and Actions.
- Network a mix of Linux and Windows PC’s to share files on a home network.
Course Content
- Introduction –> 2 lectures • 17min.
- Creating and Using a Live USB Drive –> 5 lectures • 36min.
- Installing Linux Mint as a Permanent Installation –> 3 lectures • 12min.
- Appearance Settings –> 2 lectures • 11min.
- A Deeper Dive Into Linux Mint –> 4 lectures • 31min.
- Installing Applications (“Apps”) –> 12 lectures • 1hr 23min.
- Additional Features – Cinnamon Spices –> 4 lectures • 28min.
- Networking Linux and Windows PC’s –> 7 lectures • 31min.
- Additional Resources –> 1 lecture • 7min.
Requirements
Windows 10 has reached End of Life, and Microsoft no longer supports it with free security upgrades. If the user’s current computer does not meet the system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, they are faced with the possibility of purchasing a new computer. Linux is a free and open source operating system, with multiple distributions available. This course presents the option of using Linux Mint as an alternate operating system.
The course will lead the user through the process of downloading Linux Mint, and evaluating it on a trial basis. If the user decides to make the change permanent, instructions are provided for installation either as a second operating system (“dual boot”), or a full install as the only operating system.
Once installed, the course will cover:
– Tuning the appearance and convenience settings on the desktop.
– The file structure of the Linux operating system, compared with Windows.
– Backup and Restore functions of the Operating System, using TimeShift.
– Stopping an unresponsive app using System Monitor.
– Learning about app repositories, and installing apps using different methods.
– Additional features of the Cinnamon desktop, called Applets, Desklets and Actions.
– Accessing and sharing files over the network between a mix of Linux and Windows computers.
Linux Mint serves as an easy transition from Windows. The course learning applies to any other Linux distribution.