Cinnamon Is Linux Mints Default Choice | Generated by AI
Question: What is the difference between the Cinnamon version and the normal version in Linux Mint?
Answer:
In Linux Mint, there is no single “normal” version. What people usually call the “normal” one is the Cinnamon edition, because it is the flagship and default desktop environment of Linux Mint.
Linux Mint mainly differs by desktop environment, not by core system. All editions share the same Linux base (Ubuntu LTS), package manager, kernel, and software repositories.
Below is a clear comparison.
1. Cinnamon Edition (Default / Flagship)
What it is
- Cinnamon is a desktop environment developed by the Linux Mint team
- Designed to feel familiar to users coming from Windows
Key characteristics
- Modern but traditional desktop layout (taskbar, start menu, system tray)
- Highly polished and tightly integrated with Mint tools
- Best overall user experience in Mint
Pros
- Most features and visual effects
- Best support and testing from Mint developers
- Familiar workflow (Windows-like)
- Excellent customization (themes, applets, desklets)
Cons
- Uses slightly more CPU/RAM than other editions
Best for
- Beginners
- Daily desktop users
- Windows switchers
- Most people (recommended choice)
2. MATE Edition (Lighter, Traditional)
What it is
- Based on GNOME 2 (older Linux desktop style)
Key characteristics
- Very stable and conservative
- Less animations and effects
Pros
- Lower resource usage than Cinnamon
- Extremely stable
- Familiar to long-time Linux users
Cons
- Looks more dated
- Fewer modern UI features
Best for
- Older computers
- Users who prefer classic Linux desktops
- Stability-focused users
3. Xfce Edition (Lightweight)
What it is
- Minimal and lightweight desktop environment
Key characteristics
- Fastest and lowest memory usage
- Very simple visuals
Pros
- Excellent performance on weak hardware
- Highly stable
- Minimal distractions
Cons
- Least visually appealing by default
- Fewer integrated Mint features
Best for
- Very old or low-spec machines
- Performance-first users
4. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Cinnamon | MATE | Xfce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Mint | Yes | No | No |
| Resource Use | Medium | Low | Very Low |
| Visuals | Modern | Classic | Minimal |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mint Integration | Best | Good | Basic |
5. So what is “normal” Linux Mint?
If someone says:
- “Normal Linux Mint” → they almost always mean Cinnamon
- It is the version shown on the official website and recommended by the Mint team
Recommendation
-
Choose Cinnamon unless:
- Your computer is very old → choose Xfce
- You prefer old-school Linux → choose MATE
If you want, I can also explain:
- Cinnamon vs GNOME vs KDE
- Which edition is best for programming
- RAM/CPU usage benchmarks
- How to switch desktops after installation