Linux vs. RefreshOS
# Linux Mint vs. RefreshOS: Which Linux Distribution Is Best for Newcomers?
## ZDNET key takeaways
– Both Linux Mint and RefreshOS are great for all users.
– Each distro takes a different route, but arrives at the same place.
– Only one can claim the title of best distro for new Linux users.
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For years, Linux Mint has been one of the most widely recommended Linux distributions for those considering the open-source operating system. There are good reasons for this: Linux Mint is incredibly easy to use, highly secure and stable — and it has a friendly and welcoming community.
Although I’ve never adopted Mint as my default, I’ve used it plenty of times over the years and regularly tested it against itself (previous releases) and other Linux distributions. I know Linux Mint, and I get why so many stand firm that it’s the best distro for new users.
**Also:** 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
However, I reviewed RefreshOS recently and pronounced it a top contender for new Linux users. Shortly after that review, I decided to pit the fresh contender against the undisputed leader of Linux distributions for new users. How did RefreshOS stand up against Linux Mint? Read on to find out.
## Linux Mint: Who Is It For?
To say that Linux Mint is only for new Linux users would be a grievous error. After all, if Mint is good enough for my esteemed colleague, Steven Vaughan-Nichols (who claims the latest release is a masterclass in polish and quality-of-life fixes), it’s good enough for anyone.
To that end, it’s fairly easy to conclude that Linux Mint is the best of the best. For anyone looking to adopt an operating system that not only “just works” but “just works better than most,” Linux Mint is the way to go.
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But what makes Linux Mint so special? One might say the distro’s success begins with its Ubuntu-based foundation. Or maybe it’s the Cinnamon desktop, which sticks to the standard desktop metaphor of a panel, start menu, system tray, and clickable icons. Cinnamon is immediately familiar, no matter what desktop you’ve previously used.
I would argue, however, that Linux Mint’s specialness starts with the Welcome app. The Mint Welcome app walks users through the first steps of choosing desktop colors, setting up system snapshots, installing any additional drivers, introducing the update manager and system settings, quickly accessing the software manager, and even setting up the firewall. The same app also gets you quick access to documentation, help, and a way to contribute. It’s one of the best onboarding apps available. Period.
Linux Mint throws no surprises your way. It’s as straightforward as it gets. That simplicity permeates the entire OS, meaning Linux Mint is a viable option for anyone, regardless of Linux experience. Linux Mint has been this way for years.
**Also:** The best Linux distributions for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed
Linux Mint also includes all of the software you need to hit the ground running, including LibreOffice, Firefox, multimedia players, a fingerprint configuration tool, and much more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, open the Software Manager and search for it. And because the Flatpak universal package manager is installed, you can install one of thousands of apps, including proprietary software like Spotify and Slack.
Although Mint doesn’t include the latest Linux kernel, it performs well. This capability can be partially attributed to the lightweight Cinnamon desktop environment. No matter the reason, you’ll enjoy a zippy experience, even if you’re running Linux Mint on older hardware.
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Simply put: Linux Mint is for everyone.
## RefreshOS: Who Is It For?
And now we have a relative newcomer to the world of Linux: RefreshOS. This Debian-based distribution recently released version 3.0, which added serious polish while keeping the KDE Plasma desktop (version 6.3.6).
That polish gives the RefreshOS desktop one of the most elegant looks I’ve used in a while. This elegance is especially strong when using the RefreshOS Light theme. In fact, the developer even included an excellent hybrid theme that combines dark (for panel, menu, and window decorations) and light (for apps).
**Also:** The latest KDE Plasma 6.7 surprised me with features I didn’t expect from a point release
I’ve proclaimed KDE Plasma one of the finest desktop environments in all of computer-dom several times over the years, and I still stand by that claim. When you combine the stylish global themes from RefreshOS with KDE Plasma 6.3.6, you get a desktop that could easily stand toe-to-toe with the most beautiful environments on the market.
But beauty isn’t enough to lift RefreshOS over Linux Mint. The distro has to be as simple to use as it is elegant. Does RefreshOS pull off such a feat? For the most part, yes. My slight hesitation stems from the lack of a particular app.
Although RefreshOS does present the KDE Plasma Welcome app, the distro does not have a welcome app of its own. That omission shouldn’t hinder anyone, as the desktop is designed so that anyone can figure things out by simply exploring. However, for a brand-new Linux user, having that dedicated onboarding experience can make all the difference.
RefreshOS ships with a solid selection of default applications, though not quite as comprehensive as what you’ll find in Linux Mint out of the box. Users can fill any gaps through KDE’s Discover software center, which provides access to an extensive repository of applications.
RefreshOS takes a different approach from Linux Mint in several key areas. While Mint leans on its Ubuntu LTS foundation for rock-solid stability, RefreshOS builds on Debian to offer a system that feels fresh and modern from the very first boot. The KDE Plasma 6.3.6 desktop that RefreshOS ships with is remarkably polished, offering a level of visual refinement that many other distributions struggle to achieve.
Both distributions run well on modest hardware, though they take different paths to get there. Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop is known for its efficiency, while KDE Plasma — despite its reputation as a heavier desktop — has become increasingly lightweight in recent versions. In practice, both deliver smooth performance on systems with modest specifications.
## The Verdict
When it comes to choosing between Linux Mint and RefreshOS, the deciding factor ultimately comes down to what matters most to you as a user. If you value an unparalleled onboarding experience, a wealth of pre-installed software, a rock-solid Ubuntu foundation, and a community that has years of experience helping newcomers, Linux Mint remains the gold standard. Its Welcome app alone sets it apart from virtually every other distribution in terms of getting new users up and running with confidence.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the elegance of KDE Plasma, prefer a Debian-based foundation, and want a distribution that looks and feels modern from the very first time you boot it up, RefreshOS is a compelling choice that has earned its place as a serious contender in the beginner-friendly Linux space.
Linux Mint still holds the title of best distro for new Linux users — but RefreshOS has proven that the crown is ripe for the taking.
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*Original article by Jack Wallen, ZDNET — “Linux Mint vs. RefreshOS: The best Linux distro for new users may surprise you”*# RefreshOS vs. Linux Mint: Which Linux Distribution Is Best for New Users?
When it comes to choosing a Linux distribution for newcomers, the debate often comes down to a handful of well-established options. But a new contender is making waves in the Linux community — RefreshOS — and it might just edge out the long-reigning champion, Linux Mint, for the title of best distro for new users.
## A Fresh Take on the Desktop Experience
RefreshOS brings a polished and modern approach to the Linux desktop. One of its standout features is the replacement of the default KDE Plasma application menu with the Reload Menu. This menu includes a handy pin feature that allows users to keep the menu open — perfect for those times when you need to launch multiple applications without repeatedly opening and closing the menu. Simply click the pin icon to the right of the search bar, and the menu stays open until you choose to unpin it.
The Reload Menu also organizes applications into categories. Users can click “All Apps” to browse everything at a glance, and frequently used applications can be pinned to a Favorites section that appears right when the menu is first opened.
## Preinstalled Applications and Software Management
RefreshOS ships with a robust suite of preinstalled applications. Notably, Brave replaces Firefox as the default browser — a welcome change for privacy-conscious users. The distro also includes LibreOffice, GIMP, Thunderbird, multimedia viewers, sound and video editors, and more. In fact, RefreshOS comes with more preinstalled apps than Linux Mint.
Like Linux Mint, RefreshOS includes Flatpak preinstalled and configured for KDE Plasma, making software installation a straightforward point-and-click experience through KDE Discover.
## Performance and Stability
RefreshOS delivers performance on par with Linux Mint, thanks to the lightweight and efficient KDE Plasma desktop environment. Because RefreshOS is built on Debian, it inherits a level of stability that many other operating systems simply cannot match.
## The Verdict: A Bold Claim
So, which distribution wins the battle for new users? The answer may surprise many in the Linux community: RefreshOS takes the crown, even if only by a narrow margin.
This was not an easy decision. Linux Mint has long been considered the gold standard for Linux newcomers, and for good reason. However, KDE Plasma’s versatility gives RefreshOS a distinct advantage. For those new to Linux, KDE Plasma makes adoption intuitive and approachable. For seasoned users, it offers deep customization options that satisfy even the most demanding preferences.
Beyond functionality, RefreshOS is visually stunning. While some might argue that aesthetics shouldn’t factor into choosing a distribution, there’s no reason why Linux can’t compete with the modern, polished interfaces offered by Microsoft and Apple.
The choice was incredibly close, but resting solely on reputation didn’t feel right. Linux Mint has been everyone’s top choice for a long time, but in the ever-evolving world of Linux, there’s always something new on the horizon — and RefreshOS looms large.
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*Original article by Jack Wallen, ZDNET*
