14 DAY TRIAL // Clement Lefebvre published today the March 2017 edition of the Linux Mint monthly newsletter to inform users of the Ubuntu-based operating system about the latest and upcoming developments.
In the newsletter, the developer reveals the fact that the Xreader PDF and document viewer is undergoing a revamp to its user interface that should improve both the toolbar and the sidebar, add support for dark themes and symbolic icons, implement new buttons in the toolbar for fast switching between multiple view modes, as well as make it work on touch screens.
Another core component that is going through a major revamp is the Update Manager, which will soon get refined levels to better filter updates for various situations, as well as to stage and review them depending on their level. Furthermore, there will be a big help section implemented to teach users about every aspect of the entire system update process.
"Users will be given more information on how to find help, how to distinguish between mandatory and optional updates, security patches and bug fixes," said Clement Lefebvre. "More information will also be given on kernels and security updates and we will insist on the importance of security. There are a few developers and fanboys out there who are working very hard on giving us the reputation of an unsafe operating system."
Linux Mint 18.2 could ship with LightDM as default login manager
In other great news, it looks like work on the upcoming Linux Mint 18.2 operating system is ongoing, and there's a good chance that the LightDM display manager will be used as default login screen along with unity-greeter. This could mean that MDM (Mint Display Manager) might be retired. The team goes so far that they even created a tool (lightdm-settings) that makes configuring LightDM a breeze.
The implementation of LightDM in Linux Mint 18.2 could mean that there will be support for guest sessions, at least on the Cinnamon edition. It also looks like the Linux Mint devs are considering adopting Ubuntu's Unity Greeter as default greeter. In other news, Linux Mint 18.2 should improve support for Wacom tablets and add Netflix support in Mozilla Firefox.
