Thanks to Linux Mint blog, I have learned that it is now available for download, the Linux Mint 18.1 Serena Xfce Edition Beta, based on Ubuntu LTS 16.04 and the desktop environment Xfce 4.12. It has support until the year 2021, it also comes loaded with updated software, a large number of improvements and new features.
Linux Mint 18.1 Serena Xfce Edition Features
This edition is made up of Linux kernel 4.4 kernel with linux-firmware 1.157.5, it also includes the MDM (Mint Display Manager) 2.0 login manager, as well as the entire X-Apps suite (Xviewer, Xreader, Xplayer, and Xed).
It is worth noting the update of the Whisker application menu to version 1.6.2, which will allow you to enjoy category keyboard navigation, web search, updated translations and various bug fixes.
The update manager has also been tweaked, adding a new column to show the origin of the packages, in the same way, now the kernel updates are highlighted.
In the same way, it has been replaced Banshee by Rhythmbox, plus features have been tweaked at the theme and folder level.
You can view in depth the features of this version from here.
Download Linux Mint 18.1 Serena Xfce Edition Beta
To download the Beta you must meet the following requirements, it is also not recommended for production environments until it is a stable version.
System Requirements
- 512MB RAM (1GB recommended for comfortable use).
- 9 GB of disk space (20 GB recommended).
- Graphics card capable of resolution greater than 800 × 600 (1024 x 768 recommended).
- DVD drive or USB port.
Notes:
- The 64-bit ISO can boot with the BIOS or UEFI.
- The 32-bit ISO can only boot with the BIOS.
- The 64-bit ISO is recommended for all modern computers (Almost all computers sold in the last 10 years are equipped with 64-bit processors).
Upgrade instructions
- This BETA version may contain critical bugs, it is recommended that it be installed for testing purposes only and to help report bugs to the Linux Mint team before the stable release.
- It will be possible to upgrade from this beta version to the stable version.
- It will also be possible to update from Linux Mint 18. Update instructions will be published next month after the stable version of Linux Mint 18.1.
- You can download the ISOs from Xfce BETA (32-bit) y Xfce BETA (64-bit).
Without a doubt, lovers of light desktops and Linux Mint stability today should celebrate, the availability of this Beta augurs that very soon we will have a stable version that we can use daily. Remember that once the ISO has been installed in a controlled environment, the guide to What to do after installing Linux Mint 18.1 "Serena".