Set up Mint and Ubuntu on a 4-partition drive while keeping W10 and W11 active.
Set up Mint and Ubuntu on a 4-partition drive while keeping W10 and W11 active.
I might attempt Linux again later. The reason I tried multiple operating systems was because this computer originally came with W10. Similar to four of my machines, it lacks TPM. I wanted to discover how to handle pre-TPM systems once W10 becomes outdated. I installed W11 to test a TPM alternative, but still preferred keeping W10 as a backup in case Microsoft removes that approach. W10 is now considered obsolete since its partition merged with W11. My trial with Mint was limited to just W11 and Mint itself. Next time I'll install Linux simply as the sole operating system, which should make things easier. I don’t want to manage virtual environments or other issues. The goal is for the PC to operate straightforwardly: power on → boot into OS → select the desired application via icon. For Windows, the main challenge is overcoming its bloat and privacy concerns. My hope was Linux would be less complex from the start, so it should be simpler. Yes, many have mentioned NTFS, but Windows just chooses its format without user input. If Linux supports ext4, why offer other options? Once again, there should be a basic mode plus an advanced one for those familiar with settings. I may not grasp the difference between distribution and environment. The version I downloaded was Mint-Cinnamon Edition. My idea is that Cinnamon, Mate, and Xfce represent different interfaces (like environments), while Ubuntu, Mint, etc., are actual distributions. This also highlights another Linux issue: too many choices leading to analysis paralysis. In the past, I struggled to decide which OS to try. This time, I chose Mint-Cinnamon because it was said to be closest to Windows and beginner-friendly. This machine will also serve as a media PC for my family, so I didn’t want drastic changes from what Windows users are used to. Thanks for your support and understanding.
Desktop settings and distributions differ. Mint is a package that comes with several desktop environments. The standard option is Cinnamon, which I really like—I used to run Mint. However, the team behind Mint supports Mate, XFCE, and Debian Edition too. Ubuntu ships with a customized version of Gnome by default. On their site, they call these different desktop styles "flavours" of Ubuntu. For example, Kubuntu is essentially Ubuntu itself. Instead of Gnome, KDE serves as the main desktop experience. The confusion arises because both run on Ubuntu, yet their look and feel vary significantly. Overall, Mint remains a solid pick. It's built around well-documented and supported Ubuntu, even with a Cinnamon version available. A sign of its popularity is the existence of an Ubuntu Cinnamon edition. It shows how much the community values Mint and its alternatives. There’s still a stigma in asking for help, especially when it comes to technical questions. Often the response is RTFM—just ignore it. The issue is that some people don’t learn by trial and error. Personally, I need guidance before trying something new. A lot of times I watch tutorials, read instructions, practice, and then revisit them after hitting a snag. This process can be tiring, especially when the reading demands are high. I’m aware my comprehension isn’t perfect, even for simple commands. I often have to dig through instructions multiple times. Still, I find it enjoyable because I enjoy the learning journey. Others may not have the time or patience to troubleshoot over the weekend, which is understandable.