Clement Lefebvre, father of the Linux Mint project, announced a few days ago that the upcoming Linux Mint 12 (Lisa) operating system will feature a new desktop interface built on top of the GNOME 3 desktop environment. So, we've downloaded a development version of the Linux Mint 12 distribution and took it for a test drive, to see that amazing new interface everyone is talking about, that Unity killer.
To our surprise, it appears that Linux Mint 12's new interface, called MGSE (Mint Gnome Shell Extensions) is actually a small modification of the GNOME 3's GNOME Shell interface.
You have two panels: the one on top is GNOME 3's one, which can't be removed (but it can be improved), and the bottom panel was added by the Linux Mint developers, providing a stylish Launcher Menu with built-in search and favorites, as well as a desktop switcher and notification center.
On the top panel you can access the GNOME 3 interface by clicking on the infinite sign on the left, the calendar, user settings and computer controls, network interface, volume control and sound settings, as well as tray icons for all supported apps.
On the bottom panel, you'll find a nice System Menu (Application Launcher) with favorites and built-in app search. The launcher features the main categories with subcategories listed on the right side. Also on the bottom panel, you can find a desktop switcher and notification panel.
Highlights of Linux Mint 12: · Linux kernel 3.0.0;
· GNOME 3.2.0;
· MGSE (Mint Gnome Shell Extensions)
· GNOME Tweak Tool (Advanced Settings);
· Mozilla Firefox 7.0.1;
· Mozilla Thunderbird 7.0.1;
· Pidgin Internet Messenger 2.10.0;
· Brasero 3.2.0;
· gEdit 3.2.0;
· Transmission BitTorrent client;
· XChat IRC client;
· APTonCD;
· Deja Dup backup tool;
· Domain Blocker tool;
· Gufw (ufw GUI) Firewall configurator;
· GParted;
· Banshee Music Player;
· Install Multimedia Codecs script;
· GDebi Package Installer;
· XTerm and UXTerm;
· Linux Mint Software Manager.
Dubbed Lisa, the final version of the Linux Mint 12 operating system will come in about two weeks, around November 20th. Until then, here are some nice screenshots we've took during our test drive. Enjoy and leave some comments for us, to know if you want Linux Mint to be the replacer of Ubuntu.
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Linux Mint 12 RC1 right now from Softpedia.
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