1. LINUX MINT 13 Introduction Linux Mint is a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use. The minimum requirements to run Linux Mint are… x86 processor (32-bit or 64-bit) 512 Mb RAM (1 Gb recommended) 5 Gb of free disc space Graphics card capable of 800×600 resolution DVD drive or USB port (-for installation media) http://linuxmint.com/rel_maya.php http://linuceum.com/Distros/osIntroToMint.php

2. Advantages According to Linuceum, there are 3 major strengths… Mint works straight out of the box: everything you need is already there in the distribution, meaning you don't have to spend time installing additional applications (unless you want to). It's based on Ubuntu, which means that the majority of sofware available for Ubuntu will also work on Mint. It's community based, which means that any Linux developers out there (and there are many) can contribute to the codebase. Often, this means fixes are available quicker than distros maintained by companies (such as Ubuntu and Fedora) - which generally only release updates twice a year. http://linuceum.com/Distros/osIntroToMint.php

3. Disadvantages Drawbacks with using Mint are minimal… It is not Ubuntu! Although based on it, Mint differs in many ways from it's sibling, so not everything out there for Ubuntu will work with Mint. Also, the latest version of Mint will not be based on the latest version of Ubuntu: it is invariably some way behind (e.g. one or two releases) Mint has a conservative approach to new technologies so, if you like to keep up with leading edge technologies - or flashy desktops - then you may be better suited to a distro such as Fedora instead Limited software is available to use with it http://linuceum.com/Distros/osIntroToMint.php

4. Installing from a CD/DVD/USB Download the ISO file from the website and burn bootable media to disk Insert the bootable CD/DVD/USB and restart your computer. Now, it should automatically boot from boot media (pendrive or CD or DVD). Then click on install button Select your installation type Select a partitian to install to Follow Linux installers instruction Restart on Completion - installation process will be completed with 15 to 30 minutes http://blog.sudobits.com/2011/11/30/how-to-install-linux-mint-12-using-live-usb-or-cd-dvd/

5. Why use Linux Mint over Windows 7? Linux Mint is FREE Linux Mint is targeted less by hackers and viruses Do not need as much memory to run Linux It is customisable Being community-driven, users are encouraged to send feedback to the project so that their ideas can be used to improve Linux Mint and therefore improvements and updates can often be provided on a more frequent basis.

6. Recommendations Other Operating System platforms such as Windows are much more widely used, so if you are only a casual computer user sticking with the platform you are familiar with is a good idea. If you do want to try out Linux as an alternative, opt for the dual boot when installing Linux to give you the option of switching between the two operating systems.

7. Conclusion Linux Mint is the 4th most widely used home operating system behind Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS and Canonical's Ubuntu. It is a free, safe, reliable alternative option for users.