14 DAY TRIAL // An update for Linux Mint 17.1 is in the works and the developers are making some big improvements to the system, like a new MDM Setup tool that lets users pick the login window.
Most of the Linux operating systems usually choose a specific design for the login window and stick with it. Developers rarely let users choose details about the login window, and at most they only allow them to modify the background.
On the other hand, Linux Mint developers are pulling all the stops for their 17.1 update and they have already made a ton of modifications, including the possibility to change that green theme into something else. Installing new themes wasn't difficult, but now it's a lot easier.
The MDM Setup tool has been redesigned
The ability to change the login window design is not something new. Linux Mint already had it, but developers have redesigned the MDM Setup tool to better serve their purpose. Users will have access to a much greater number of options, as you can see from the attached screenshot.
"The new layout is similar to mintDesktop, with icons in the sidebar to access the different parts of the tool. The concept of 'greeters' was confusing to users so it was replaced by a simpler theme selection. All themes (HTML and GDM) as well as the GTK greeter are now available from the same list. It's also worth noting the addition of a new button (the one with the cog) to launch the login screen and thus quickly visualize the active theme," says the leader of the Linux Mint project, Clement Lefebvre.
As you can expect, this particular option will be ready for deployment in Linux Mint 17.1 Cinnamon, which is the default flavor. The MATE version of the distribution uses a desktop environment built by another team.
When is the next update for Linux Mint 17 due?
If you follow the Linux Mint project closely, you might have seen the large number of new features that will be added. You might be wondering when they are going to launch it. The answer is that there is no official date just yet, but Clement Lefebvre has hinted that they are trying to make it available in November.
In the meantime, you can get the latest Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon from Softpedia and install it. When the update for the system lands, you will just upgrade the OS and all the features will be in place.