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

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, introduces thoughtful improvements, and reaffirms Mint’s commitment to user freedom, privacy, and long‑term stability.

Mint’s Philosophy: Why It Still Resonates

Since its debut in 2006, Linux Mint has been guided by a simple but powerful philosophy:

Ease of use – sensible defaults, intuitive menus, and a desktop that feels familiar to anyone coming from Windows or macOS.
Stability – basing releases on Ubuntu’s Long Term Support (LTS) versions, ensuring years of security updates and predictable behaviour.
Practicality – shipping with multimedia codecs, a curated set of applications, and tools that make everyday tasks easier.
Respect for the user – no forced updates, no telemetry, and no unnecessary complexity.

This philosophy has earned Mint a loyal following. It’s not just about software — it’s about trust.

“Zara” in Context: The End of a Naming Cycle

Linux Mint’s codenames follow an alphabetical sequence of female given names ending in “a”. “Zara” is the final name in this cycle, making it a symbolic milestone. It’s a name that suggests brightness, elegance, and confidence — fitting for a release that polishes and perfects rather than overhauls.

Editions for Every Taste

Mint 22.2 comes in three main desktop editions, each catering to different preferences:

Cinnamon – The flagship edition, offering a modern, feature‑rich desktop environment with advanced customisation options. Developed primarily by the Mint team, Cinnamon represents their vision of the ideal Linux desktop.
MATE – A continuation of the classic GNOME 2 desktop, MATE offers a traditional layout, low resource usage, and a no‑nonsense approach to computing.
Xfce – The lightest of the three, Xfce is ideal for older hardware or users who prefer speed and simplicity over visual effects.

All three editions share the same underlying base, software repositories, and system tools, so the choice comes down to personal preference and hardware capability.

Under the Hood: Built for the Long Haul

Linux Mint 22.2 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of software and benefiting from five years of upstream security updates. Mint extends this with its own updates until 2029, making “Zara” a safe choice for long‑term use.

The kernel version shipped with “Zara” brings improved hardware support, better power management, and performance optimisations. These are particularly noticeable on newer laptops, where battery life and responsiveness see incremental but welcome gains.

Modest Requirements, Wide Reach

Mint’s ability to run well on modest hardware is one of its enduring strengths. The minimum requirements for “Zara” are:

2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
20GB disk space (100GB recommended)
1024×768 resolution display

These modest requirements mean Mint can breathe new life into older machines while still feeling snappy on modern systems.

What’s New in “Zara”

While Mint’s development philosophy avoids flashy gimmicks, “Zara” introduces a series of refinements that improve the overall experience:

Updated Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktops with performance tweaks, bug fixes, and subtle UI improvements.
Refreshed system tools that make configuration more straightforward, from managing updates to setting up printers.
Updated software stack, ensuring compatibility with the latest applications and security standards.
Visual polish in icons, themes, and window borders, making the desktop feel more cohesive and modern.

These changes may seem small in isolation, but together they create a desktop that feels faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable to use.

Notes (Rounded Corners) & Software Manager (Help added to explain the difference between Flatpak and system packages)

Installation and Upgrade Paths

For new users, installing Mint 22.2 is straightforward. The ISO images are available via official mirrors and torrents, and the Mint team strongly recommends verifying downloads using SHA256 checksums and GPG signatures to ensure authenticity.

Upgrading from the BETA or from Linux Mint 22/22.1 is equally simple, with the Update Manager guiding the process. The upgrade path is designed to be non‑destructive, preserving user data and settings while replacing system components with their updated versions.

Linux Mint 22.1 Update Manager - Upgrade Available

Linux Mint 22.1 Upgrade to 22.2 Complete

Everyday Usability: The Mint Experience

One of Mint’s greatest achievements is making Linux feel natural for everyday computing. Out of the box, “Zara” includes:

LibreOffice for document editing and spreadsheets
Firefox for web browsing
Celluloid for media playback
Timeshift for system snapshots and easy rollback
Mint’s own tools like the Update Manager, Software Manager, and Driver Manager

These tools are designed with clarity in mind, avoiding jargon and presenting options in plain language. The result is a system that empowers users without overwhelming them.

Security and Privacy

Mint’s approach to security is pragmatic. Updates are easy to apply, and the Update Manager clearly indicates which updates are important. Timeshift integration means you can take a snapshot before applying updates, giving you a safety net if something goes wrong.

Privacy is equally important. Mint does not include telemetry or background data collection. What happens on your machine stays on your machine — a refreshing stance in an era of increasing data harvesting.

Community and Support

The Linux Mint community is one of its greatest assets. From the official forums to active subreddits and countless YouTube tutorials, help is never far away. The project’s funding model relies on donations and sponsorships, and the team is transparent about how funds are used.

Why “Zara” Matters in 2025

In a landscape where many operating systems are moving towards cloud integration, subscription models, and reduced user control, Linux Mint stands out as a champion of local computing, user autonomy, and open‑source values.

“Zara” is not just another point release — it’s a reaffirmation of Mint’s core principles:

Freedom – No vendor lock‑in, no forced updates, no hidden data collection.
Stability – A dependable platform for work, study, and creativity.
Accessibility – A system that is easy to install, learn, and master.

Conclusion

Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” is a confident, well‑rounded release that builds on the project’s strengths while introducing meaningful refinements. It’s a distribution that respects its users, values stability, and delivers a desktop experience that feels both modern and familiar.

Whether you’re a first‑time Linux user or a long‑time Mint fan, “Zara” offers a platform you can trust — one that will be supported and improved for years to come.

Disclaimer:
Linux® is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trade names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article, based on official Linux Mint sources, but readers are encouraged to consult the original documentation for the most up‑to‑date information.

References:

Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Release Announcement

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