Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom

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Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom Table of contents:- Mint’s Philosophy: Why It Still Resonates “Zara” in Context: The End of a Naming Cycle Editions for Every Taste Under the Hood: Built for the Long Haul Modest Requirements, Wide Reach What’s New in “Zara” Installation and Upgrade Paths Everyday Usability: The Mint Experience Security and Privacy Community and Support Why “Zara” Matters in 2025 Conclusion Linux Mint has always been more than just an operating system. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt truly at home on a computer — a place where the desktop works with you, not against you. With Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” , the team delivers a release that is both reassuringly familiar and quietly ambitious, refining the experience without losing sight of what makes Mint special. This is not a release that chases trends for the sake of it. Instead, “Zara” is a confident, measured step forward — a release that builds on a rock‑solid foundation, ...
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LastOSLinux: The Smoothest Way to Switch from Windows to Linux

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LastOSLinux: The Smoothest Way to Switch from Windows to Linux

LastOSLinux: The Smoothest Way to Switch from Windows to Linux

Table of contents:-

A Bit of History and What Makes It Unique

Getting Started: Install and Set Up

How It Compares: Mint (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce)

Gaming and Windows Apps

In Summary

LastOSLinux is a fresh and user-friendly Linux distribution crafted specifically for people making the leap from Windows. It builds on the solid foundation of Linux Mint’s Cinnamon 22 (based on Ubuntu), already famous for its stability and ease of use. What sets LastOSLinux apart is its Windows-style appearance, pre‑installed compatibility tools, and curated app/game store—a thoughtful package designed to make newcomers feel right at home.

A Bit of History and What Makes It Unique

Launched in mid‑2024 by developer Glenn Chugg (alias LiveFreeDead), LastOSLinux evolved through betas and release candidates, culminating in its first full public ISO in March 2025. The latest version, 2025‑05‑25, confirms that the project is actively developed and supported.

What makes LastOSLinux special?

  • It mimics the Windows interface: bottom taskbar, familiar Start-style menu, and "neon" theming complete with a blue yin-yang start emblem.

  • An updated version of the custom "LL Store" app, rewritten in a cross-platform language, delivers a rich catalogue of native Linux apps, Windows installers, portable apps, and games.

  • Wine (version 9) is pre-installed, allowing many Windows executables to run immediately—no setup required.

  • The "LiveOS" feature can restore backups in live mode, increasing confidence for system explorers.

Under the surface, it’s pure Mint—users gain the same drivers, updates, and software ecosystem, but with a friendlier face for Windows refugees.

Getting Started: Install and Set Up

  1. Download the ISO (approx. 4 GB) via SourceForge or the official website.

  2. Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or Ventoy.

  3. Boot into the live desktop (supports both UEFI and BIOS systems).

  4. Launch the familiar Calamares installer. It handles partitioning (including encrypted or LVM setups), user creation, and system configuration with intuitive sliders and menus.

  5. Once installed, you’ll land in a desktop that looks and behaves like Windows—but with Mint’s stability and polish.

Package management remains Mint-style: Update Manager, Software Manager, plus full apt support. GPU and peripheral drivers are the same hassle-free installs Mint users enjoy.

Getting Support

Support resides primarily on the LastOSLinux forum, hosted at the project’s domain, offering announcements, tutorials, and troubleshooting threads. For broader issues, Mint and Ubuntu resources typically apply well—drivers, software, fonts, codecs, and more follow the same procedures. Bugs can be reported through the SourceForge issue tracker. For newcomers, the forum’s “How To Videos” section is a helpful starting point.

How It Compares: Mint (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce)

  • Mint Cinnamon vs LastOSLinux: Both share the same core system, but LastOSLinux adds the Windows-like theme, LL Store, Wine, and preloaded apps. Mint gives users a cleaner setup, while LastOS adds convenience for Windows migrations.

  • Mint MATE/Xfce: These editions are lighter and suitable for older machines. LastOS is Cinnamon-only, meaning it's more demanding—but visually closer to Windows.

  • Overall: Performance, update cadence, hardware support, and software availability are identical across all Mint editions. LastOS simply layers a new interface and compatibility tools on top.

A Brief Word on ChaletOS

ChaletOS was another Xubuntu-based distro aiming for a Windows-like interface, but its development stalled—its last stable release in 2016, and it is no longer maintained or receiving security updates. Users are strongly advised to choose actively supported systems like Mint, Zorin, or LastOS instead.

Gaming and Windows Apps

LastOSLinux is optimised for both:

  • Wine (already installed): Launch many Windows EXEs directly, even silent installers packaged in the LL Store.

  • LL Store's “Free Mega Games Pack”: Offers dozens of open-source and freeware titles, tested to run via Wine.

  • Steam + Proton: Installable via Flatpak or .deb; once GPU drivers are in place, you can enjoy modern Windows-only games without further tweak.

  • Portable Windows apps: IrfanView, WinRAR, old utilities—many of these are pre-categorised in the LL Store for easy use.

In Summary

LastOSLinux offers a familiar beginning for Windows users, but underneath it’s a rock-solid Ubuntu/Mint system. You get a managed experience, immediate access to Windows software and games, and a gentle learning curve—while remaining part of Linux’s broader ecosystem.

  • Pros: Windows-style UI, instant Wine support, curated Windows tools, backed by Mint/Ubuntu stability.

  • Cons: Heavier than lightweight spins, independent project (smaller team), minor updates & support may take longer.

If you’re nervous about switching systems but keen to explore Linux without losing comfort, LastOSLinux is worth a close look. And if something feels off, you can easily fall back to Mint Cinnamon or another flavour.

Disclaimer

This overview is based on publicly available data, hands-on testing, and community feedback. All product names are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Users are urged to back up important data, use any operating system at their own discretion, and proceed cautiously—particularly when switching or dual-booting.

References
Location: Dagenham, UK

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