I'm still kinda new to Linux (started using this year š ) I already made it to my main OS, even if I still missing some things which I used on Windows, anyway. What I wanted to ask you guys, what recommendations do you have for Linux Mint (Cinnamon)? In terms of security, optimization, (a way to make the UI looking modern ;-;) and privacy? I would be very interested in what you do guys to optimize your Linux setup :) I'm pretty technical, so there is nothing which could overwhelm me (probaly).
I like a lot of the answers youāve been getting so far, but I also wanted to add my 2Ā¢.
Iāve been using Linux 2005. Iāve done some distrohopping in my time, but have I also settled into Linux Mint (Cinnamon). My system says it was installed in 2019, but I think Iāve been pretty much exclusively on Mint since ~2015/2016 after #! stopped being developed.
IMHO, you donāt have to do much customizing. I will never insult someone who wants more security but unless youāre running a server directly exposed to the web, I think the defaults and keeping your install up to date is enough. For the most part, privacy has to do more with the individual apps you run and once again comes down to personal preference.
Linux Mint is relatively lean, so optimization isnāt really necessary (I know some people will exclaim they can get a leaner setup by building up from a minimal install, and while theyāre technically correct, I have no complaints with LM on a 12yo Thinkpad x201).
As for a āmodernā UI, Iām not sure what exactly youāre looking for. I know on Reddit there were a bunch of distrohopping subs and other subs to share your desktop setup/customizations. Those were a good source of inspiration for me. I donāt know if there are some communities like that on lemmy. Personally, I just use the Mint-L-Dark theme, change my background, and use Conky. You can change the theme, use Desklets and Applets, or even use an alternative dock. However, I would recommend if you want to do much more than that, you should just try to another distro thatās designed with the DE, customizations you want. While you can run KDE/Gnome/etc on Linux Mint, the experience can be a bit rough. If, after trying out multiple distros, you find none quite fit your needs, you can choose the one that is closest and customize from there. Or, you can install a minimal/server build and work up from there (though that can also be painful, since youāre almost making your own distro).