This is a self-explanatory topic.
The “linux mint for raspberry pi” is a workaround guide that will walk you through the steps of installing Linux Mint on your Raspberry Pi.
Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions right now (in the top 5 according to Distrowatch). Mint is a wonderful alternative for Linux newbies on PC, since it is based on Ubuntu and uses Cinnamon for the desktop experience (but not only). Unfortunately, there isn’t a Linux Mint version for the Raspberry Pi, but there is a method to come close.
Because Linux Mint is only available for x64 architectures, it will not operate on a Raspberry Pi. However, since it’s built on Ubuntu and most apps are available in the official repository, you may manually install everything to obtain a comparable experience.
That’s precisely what this essay will accomplish! I spent some time testing this, and to be honest, I’m not impressed. Yes, there are some differences if you’re accustomed to Linux Mint, but overall, it’s very similar (and the closest it can be).
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Is it possible to install Linux Mint on a Raspberry Pi?
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Because Linux Mint is only available for x85-64 CPUs, and the Raspberry Pi has an ARM processor, it will not operate on it. Cinnamon on Ubuntu, which is accessible on Raspberry Pi, is the closest answer available.
What’s the best way to accomplish it on a Raspberry Pi?
Most Linux distributions, as you may know, are based on one another. Ubuntu is based on Debian, as is Linux Mint, Raspberry Pi OS is based on Debian, and so on. Developers obviously don’t simply change the name without altering anything else, but if your system is built on the same foundation, you can typically obtain a comparable experience with only a few modifications.
That’s the plan here: install the nearest accessible distribution and attempt to replicate the experience. In reality, I followed their own forums’ recommendations:
All of Linux Mint’s applications should function on the Raspberry Pi 4, but you’ll have to compile it from source.
xenopeek xenopeek xenopeek (Linux MINT)
We don’t need to assemble anything from source, but the goal is to have all of Linux Mint’s software running on Ubuntu Server. Let’s have a look at how to accomplish it.
The purpose is to install Linux Mint on a PC.
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I’m not a Linux Mint specialist. I’ve always used Ubuntu, but Linux Mint has never been my primary Linux distribution. So, first and foremost, I wanted to see what it looked like and what makes it “unique.”
To do so, I installed Linux Mint on a virtual machine on my PC and made note of the default programs.
Although it does not seem to be the regular Ubuntu, it has many of the same applications:
- Firefox, Thunderbird, and Transmission are examples of web browsers.
- LibreOffice is a free office suite.
- Rythmbox (sound/video)
What we really need is:
- Cinnamon is the desktop environment.
- A comparable theme: Linux Mint’s default theme is “Mint-Y,” and we’ll check if we can locate it on Ubuntu.
- And maybe a few programs such as Warpinator, Timeshift, Synaptic, Hexchat, and so on.
Let’s see how far we can take this concept!
Linux Mint on Raspberry Pi is a viable option.
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The purpose of this post is not (only) to inform you that installing Linux Mint on a Raspberry Pi is impossible, but also to provide a workaround. The plan was to install Ubuntu Server first, followed by all of the Linux Mint software.
If you want to attempt it on your own, these are the steps to take.
Install Ubuntu on your computer (Server)
First and foremost, we must begin with anything. Because Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, it makes sense to begin with installing Ubuntu. I’ll be quick since I already have a guide on how to install Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi. Essentially, you have two options:
- Install Ubuntu Desktop on your computer: The simple way, however by the conclusion of the instruction, your SD card will be stuffed with worthless programs. You don’t need to install GNOME first if your objective is to utilize Cinnamon.
- Install Ubuntu Server as follows: It’s a little more difficult and chaotic, but the SD card will only hold what you need. I had some problems with the configuration of my desktop environment, but I’ll show you how to solve them.
I’m leaning toward the second choice. Because Ubuntu is already a little sluggish on the Raspberry Pi, I’m not convinced installing the full program library is a wise idea. In any case, choose one and save it to a fresh SD card:
- If you don’t already have it, download and install Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Select “Choose OS” from the drop-down menu.
- “Other general-purpose OS” > “Ubuntu” follows.
- Choose the image that matches your Raspberry Pi model (Desktop or Server).
- Wait a few minutes after flashing it to your SD card.
The first boot will be on Ubuntu Server.
“ubuntu” is the default login, and “ubuntu” is also the default password. You may either use SSH to perform everything from your PC or log in straight on the screen (SSH is enabled by default). The system will prompt you to change your password after your first login.
After that, proceed as you would with any new operating system:
- If necessary, change the network setup.
- Update your operating system: apt update sudo apt upgrade sudo
- sudo reboot is a command that will restart your computer.
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You’ll receive a visual wizard to assist you with everything if you install the Desktop version (language, time zone, network settings, create the first user and updating the system).
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Cinnamon is a desktop environment that you may install.
It’s now time to set up a desktop environment on your computer (or another one if you have the Desktop version). Cinnamon must be installed, and there are various options for doing so:
- The most basic setup is as follows: Install the “cinnamon” package: cinnamon sudo apt install It will just include the bare minimum of apps.
- sudo apt install cinnamon-core installs the necessary components.
- Alternatively, the whole installation: “cinnamon-desktop-environment” is the name of the package. cinnamon-desktop-environment sudo apt install
Depending on your Internet connection and the applications you wish to utilize, choose your decision. I tested both the minimum and complete versions, and they both run well on the Raspberry Pi 4. You will save time by not having to search for each program using apt or synaptic, but it will take longer to install and is likely to be heavier.
You may reboot your machine when the installation is complete.
Cinnamon is a great way to start your session.
Following the installation, you’ll be presented with the standard Ubuntu login screen. You’ll probably encounter an error here if you installed Ubuntu server.
It will not function if you attempt to log in directly. I got the following problem every time I tried:
To repair it, go to the top-right Ubuntu icon and choose “Cinnamon Software Rendering”:
By the way, if you installed Ubuntu Desktop first, you’ll need to do this as well, otherwise you’ll be logged in with the default desktop environment.
You may get a blank screen after that; I’m not sure why, but it should function after a reboot (power off or SSH reboot). It’s most likely anything that doesn’t initialize properly. After that, you should be able to view your session, which looks like this by default:
Install the programs that are missing.
When you install the full version of cinnamon, you’ll receive all of the desktop programs you’ll need (Firefox, LibreOffice, and so on), which may be plenty. However, if you want a lighter version or if you require anything special, you may use Synaptic to install the missing programs.
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Synaptic is a package manager that resembles the Raspberry Pi OS’s “Add/Remove Software” functionality. Use the search engine to find and download the programs you need. There’s nothing complex about this. If you want further assistance, please see my Ubuntu guide.
If you know the names of the packages, apt is obviously your buddy. To install the most crucial ones, open a terminal and type: firefox sudo apt-get install thunderbird libreoffice timeshift redshift transmission of synaptic information hexchat
Setting up your appearance
There are a few adjustments you can do to make it appear like Linux Mint from there:
- Change the background: The default Debian wallpaper clashes with our project. To conceal the cunning, use the standard Linux Mint wallpaper or any other.
- Installing a new theme is simple: By default, Linux Mint uses the Mint-Y theme, which is darker than Ubuntu’s default. In the main menu, go to Preferences > Themes. Then you may install the one you want in the Add/Remove menu. “Moonstone” comes the closest to the original in my opinion.
- Install the same icons as Linux Mint: If you really want to go all out, you may install the same icons as Linux Mint. I used UbuntuBuzz’s guide and it worked well.
After accomplishing all of this, you should be able to install Linux Mint on your Raspberry Pi in no time:
Going a step farther
For me, having access to comparable programs in a similar desktop environment qualifies this trial as a success. I realize that some of you may be more finicky if you’re accustomed to it on your computer, but I’m certain that you’ll figure out how to get everything else installed from there.
By the way, you don’t need to switch to Ubuntu to install Cinnamon; you can do the same thing on Raspberry Pi OS. Except for a few programs that may be missing or in an earlier version, the same instruction should work on Raspberry Pi OS.
If Raspberry Pi and Ubuntu are of interest to you, you should read the following articles:
Resources for the Raspberry Pi
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The “is raspbian linux” is a workaround to install Linux Mint on Raspberry Pi. This guide will help you get past the limitations of the Raspberry Pi’s hardware and software.
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