Linux Mint developers have presented the release of the distribution Linux Mint 22.1, which continues the development on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package base. While the distribution remains compatible with Ubuntu, it differs significantly in its approach to user interface organization and default application selection. The Linux Mint developers offer a desktop environment that follows the classic desktop organization norms, catering to users who prefer traditional desktop layouts over the GNOME 3 interface. Linux Mint 22 is available on DVD devices with Mate shells (3 GB), Cinnamon (3 GB), and XFCE (3 GB). This branch of Linux Mint is designated for Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, with updates scheduled until 2029.
The main changes in Linux Mint 22.1 include:
Modernized package management, linked to the APT package manager. Instead of using the tool aptdaemon, Linux Mint now employs its own service apptkit, which includes background processes and a DBUS interface for executing package management operations. The distribution has also replaced applications like GDEBI, SYNAPTIC, and APTURL with a new interface called captain, accessible from various applications while opening files with DEB extensions or utilizing the URL “APT://PKGNAME” as a processor.
The transition away from Aptdaemon has resolved localization and packaging transfer issues, eliminated the need for various patches, and streamlined the overall architecture. Moving to Aptkit has enabled features like a graphical rollback mode in the Software Sources application for reverting to previous package versions not available in Ubuntu repositories, as well as improved Wayland support and enhanced code execution in the Update Manager application.
