Linux Mint users received a very early Christmas present in September 2022 when it was announced that Linux Mint 21.1, codenamed "Vera," would arrive around the 2022 holiday season.

What's New in Linux Mint 21.1?

Linux Mint, a customized Ubuntu version will come with a raft of new features when it launches around Christmas 2022, according to a Linux Mint newsletter by team leader Clement Lefebvre. Lefebvre thanked the developers and donors to the project. It's not clear exactly which version 21.1 will be based on, but given that this is a point release, it will likely be based on Ubuntu 22.04 "Jammy Jellyfish" released earlier in 2022, since the existing Linux Mint 21 is based on that version.

A new tool to verify ISO downloads is making its debut in the new version. This allows users to automatically verify the downloads to make sure they weren't somehow replaced in a "man-in-the-middle" attack. The tool verifies the image against a checksum to ensure that it's a bit-for-bit exact copy. The tool automatically fills in the keys for Linux Mint.

Linux Mint 21 download page

The USB Stick Formatter now writes Windows images. This is likely an acknowledgment that many Linux users still run dual-boot systems with Linux and Windows or might find themselves pressed into service as informal IT support for friends and family. In both cases, this will make repairing any Windows installations easier.

There are also changes to the documentation covering how to reset passwords, disable Bluetooth on boot, and how to make Windows live or multiboot USB sticks.

The new version will also de-clutter the desktop by removing the Computer, Home, Trash, and Network desktop icons.

Hardware Support Tweaks

Some hardware support improvements will arrive with the new version. The Driver Manager utility is being overhauled with a "dummy device" and dummy packages to improve testing. The tool now runs in user mode, so users will no longer have to supply an administrative password.

The system also supports Debconf, which will improve support for NVIDIA graphics chips.

When Will Users Get Linux Mint 21.1?

Linux Mint 21.2 will land on "Christmas" in 2022, according to the newsletter. It's not clear if that means Christmas Day, December 25, or before or after that date. There's no mention of specific desktop environments, but it's likely that the next version will carry on the practice of being available in the default Cinnamon desktop as well as with MATE or Xfce versions available.

Some Welcome Tweaks for Linux Mint

The new version could likely be a welcome holiday gift for existing Linux mint users when it launches in December 2022. This version appears on track to continue the reputation for ease of use that has endeared it to so many Linux desktop users.