Gallium vs Linux Mint: What are the differences?
**Introduction:**
Gallium OS and Linux Mint are both popular Linux distributions, each with its own unique features and characteristics. In this comparison, we will explore the key differences between Gallium OS and Linux Mint.
**1. Desktop Environment:** Gallium OS is designed to run efficiently on Chromebooks and other low-resource devices, using the lightweight Xfce desktop environment. Linux Mint, on the other hand, offers a choice of various desktop environments such as Cinnamon, Mate, and Xfce, catering to a wider range of user preferences.
**2. Target Audience:** Gallium OS is primarily tailored towards users of Chromebooks seeking a more robust and versatile operating system. Linux Mint, on the other hand, caters to a broader audience of desktop and laptop users, offering a user-friendly environment for both beginners and advanced users.
**3. Release Cycle:** Gallium OS follows a rolling release model, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and updates as soon as they are available. Linux Mint follows a traditional fixed release cycle, providing stable versions with long-term support.
**4. Package Management:** Gallium OS uses the Debian package management system, while Linux Mint utilizes the Ubuntu package management system. This can affect the availability of software packages and ease of package installation on each system.
**5. Community Support:** Linux Mint has a large and active community of users and developers, providing extensive support and resources for troubleshooting and customization. Gallium OS, being a more niche distribution, may have a smaller but dedicated community.
**6. Default Applications:** Gallium OS comes with a minimal set of pre-installed applications, focusing on essential tools for productivity. Linux Mint includes a comprehensive suite of applications out of the box, catering to various needs such as multimedia, office, and system utilities.
In Summary, Gallium OS and Linux Mint differ in terms of desktop environment, target audience, release cycle, package management, community support, and default applications.