Summary

  • Linux Mint 22.3 (Zena) has been released to the main channel — stable build after beta.
  • Cinnamon 6.6 revamps the app menu: sidebar, smaller categories, and hideable elements for focus.
  • Also: audio improvements, new system icons, better troubleshooting, and pauseable TimeShift snapshots.

For those Windows 10 users hesitant to transition to Windows 11 or feeling fatigued by recent developments from Microsoft, exploring the world of Linux presents a refreshing alternative. The vast array of Linux distributions can be overwhelming, leading to what some might call decision paralysis. Yet, among these options, Linux Mint stands out as a highly recommended choice. Its user-friendly interface closely resembles that of Windows, making it an ideal gateway for newcomers to the Linux ecosystem. Even seasoned users may find it a reliable daily driver.

Linux Mint has just unveiled its latest update, Linux Mint 22.3, affectionately dubbed Zena. This release brings a host of appealing features designed to enhance user experience.

Linux Mint 22.3 (Zena) should make your audio better

Alongside a lot of other tweaks

The details of this release can be found in the Linux Mint 22.3 (Zena) release notes. Having been available in beta for some time, it is now ready for a broader audience. A standout feature of this update is the upgrade to Cinnamon 6.6, the desktop environment that gives Linux Mint its familiar Windows-like appearance. While Cinnamon can be installed on other distributions, it comes pre-configured with Linux Mint, making it particularly accessible for newcomers.

One of the most significant enhancements in Cinnamon 6.6 is the redesigned application menu, which serves as the Linux Mint equivalent of the Windows Start menu. This update introduces a fresh layout that includes:

The Cinnamon application menu was redesigned and given a new layout. It features a sidebar with sections for your avatar, places, and favorite applications. The category section was made smaller and less noticeable to keep more focus on the apps. In the preferences, it is possible to hide some of the elements to make the menu smaller or to dedicate the sidebar to only show places, bookmarks, or favorite apps. Special directories are treated individually and separately from other bookmarks.

In addition to the Cinnamon upgrade, Linux Mint 22.3 brings new system icons, enhanced troubleshooting tools, and useful tweaks across its applications, including the ability to pause TimeShift snapshots. For those eager to explore this latest version, a guide on how to install Linux Mint is readily available to help you get started.