Linux Mint vs Rocky Linux

Linux Mint and Rocky Linux offer distinct advantages for different users. This page explores their features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Linux Mint Icon

Linux Mint

The comfortable choice

  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong multimedia support
  • Based on Ubuntu/Debian
  • Active community support
  • Less suited for enterprise
  • Can be resource-heavy on older hardware
Best for Desktop simplicity
Rocky Linux Icon

Rocky Linux

Enterprise ready

  • Enterprise-grade stability
  • Binary compatibility with RHEL
  • Strong community support
  • Regular security updates
  • Less desktop-focused features
  • Smaller software repository compared to Ubuntu-based distros
Best for Enterprise environments

TL;DR: Pick Linux Mint for easy desktop use. Pick Rocky Linux for enterprise stability.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Mint

Linux Mint provides an intuitive and familiar interface, especially for former Windows users.

Linux

Rocky Linux is designed more for IT professionals familiar with enterprise environments.

Desktop feel

Mint

Linux Mint offers a polished and customizable desktop experience with Cinnamon.

Linux

Rocky Linux focuses less on desktop aesthetics, aiming more for functionality and stability.

Stability

Mint

Linux Mint is stable for general desktop use, receiving regular updates.

Linux

Rocky Linux prioritizes long-term stability, especially in enterprise settings.

Updates

Mint

Mint follows Ubuntu's release cycle, providing regular updates and a stable experience.

Linux

Rocky Linux adopts a conservative update policy, focusing on security and stability.

Software access

Mint

Mint has access to a vast repository of software thanks to its Ubuntu base.

Linux

Rocky Linux has a smaller but enterprise-focused software repository.

Privacy

Mint

Linux Mint respects user privacy and doesn't include data collection tools.

Linux

Rocky Linux also values privacy, with no built-in tracking or data collection.

Community & docs

Mint

Linux Mint benefits from a vibrant community and thorough documentation.

Linux

Rocky Linux has a growing community and comprehensive documentation focusing on enterprise needs.

Gaming

Mint

Linux Mint supports gaming through compatibility with Steam and other platforms.

Linux

Rocky Linux is not primarily focused on gaming but can run games with additional setup.

Pros & cons summary

Linux Mint

Pros

  • Linux Mint offers a user-friendly interface that is intuitive for former Windows users.
  • The distro provides strong multimedia support out of the box, including codecs for various media formats.
  • Being based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint benefits from a vast repository of software and community support.
  • The active community around Linux Mint ensures regular updates and support.
  • Linux Mint's built-in tools like Update Manager and Software Manager enhance user experience.

Cons

  • While great for personal use, Linux Mint lacks some of the enterprise-level features found in other distros.
  • On older hardware, Linux Mint can be resource-intensive, affecting performance.
  • The Cinnamon desktop environment, although elegant, may not be as lightweight as other options.

Rocky Linux

Pros

  • Rocky Linux offers enterprise-grade stability, making it ideal for business environments.
  • It maintains binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring robust software support.
  • The community-driven nature of Rocky Linux provides strong support without corporate influence.
  • Rocky Linux focuses on regular security updates, keeping systems secure.
  • Its conservative approach to updates ensures a stable environment for critical applications.

Cons

  • Rocky Linux is less focused on desktop features, which may not appeal to home users.
  • The software repository is smaller compared to Ubuntu-based distros, which may limit access to some applications.
  • The learning curve may be steeper for users unfamiliar with RHEL-based systems.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Linux Mint

Its user-friendly interface eases the transition for Windows users.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: Either

Both distros have extensive documentation and resources for learning.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: Linux Mint

Its lightweight variants like Xfce support older systems better.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: Linux Mint

Offers better support for gaming platforms like Steam.

🏢

Work/professional use

Pick: Rocky Linux

Its enterprise-grade stability is ideal for professional environments.

🖥️

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Linux Mint

It provides a straightforward and hassle-free desktop experience.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the relationship between Linux Mint and Rocky Linux?

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, while Rocky Linux is a RHEL fork. They serve different user bases.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

Linux Mint is more beginner-friendly thanks to its user-friendly design and familiar interface.

How do they compare in terms of performance and speed?

Linux Mint can be resource-intensive on older hardware, while Rocky Linux is optimized for stability.

Can I try these distros before installing?

Yes, both Linux Mint and Rocky Linux offer live environments for testing before installation.

Are these distros compatible with most software?

Linux Mint has broader software compatibility due to its Ubuntu base, whereas Rocky Linux focuses on enterprise software.

How is hardware support for these distros?

Linux Mint generally offers broader hardware support, while Rocky Linux is stable on certified enterprise hardware.

What are their release cycles like?

Linux Mint follows Ubuntu's semi-annual cycle, while Rocky Linux adheres to RHEL's longer release cycle.

Is it easy to switch between these distros?

Switching involves reinstalling as they have different bases; however, both have well-documented installation processes.

Compare another pair?

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