Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Linux Mint VS Plasma Bigscreen

Compare Linux Mint VS Plasma Bigscreen and see what are their differences

Linux Mint logo Linux Mint

Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Plasma Bigscreen logo Plasma Bigscreen

Launcher controllable using voice or TV remote.
  • Linux Mint Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-13
  • Plasma Bigscreen Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-08

Linux Mint features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Linux Mint offers a user-friendly interface that is often considered intuitive and easy to use, especially for users who are transitioning from Windows. The desktop environment (Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce) closely mimics the traditional Windows UI.
  • Low Hardware Requirements
    Linux Mint can run efficiently on older or less powerful hardware, making it an excellent choice for extending the life of older computers.
  • Software Manager
    The built-in Software Manager provides an easy way to install, update, and remove software. It features a large repository of applications that are easy to browse.
  • Community Support
    Linux Mint has a strong and active community that provides ample support and documentation, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Pre-installed Software
    It comes with a wide array of pre-installed software, including productivity tools, multimedia applications, and system utilities, which means users can start working immediately after installation.
  • Security and Privacy
    Linux Mint offers better security and privacy compared to many other mainstream operating systems, thanks to its Linux base and the ability to control updates and software installations.

Possible disadvantages of Linux Mint

  • Learning Curve
    While Linux Mint is user-friendly, those new to Linux may still face a learning curve, particularly when it comes to using the command line for more advanced tasks.
  • Limited Professional Software
    Some professional-grade software, particularly in areas like graphic design, video editing, and certain professional services, may not be available or may require workarounds to install and run.
  • Gaming
    Despite improvements, gaming on Linux Mint is not as seamless as on Windows. A smaller library of available games and potential compatibility issues may deter gamers.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Although Linux Mint is compatible with a wide range of hardware, there are instances where users might encounter driver issues or lack of support for certain peripheral devices.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    The release cycle of Linux Mint is slower compared to some other distributions, which means it may take longer for users to receive the latest features and updates.
  • Software Ecosystem
    While Linux Mint has a substantial array of applications available, it doesn’t quite match the breadth and depth of software available for Windows or macOS. Some software may need to run via compatibility layers like Wine.

Plasma Bigscreen features and specs

  • Open Source
    Plasma Bigscreen is open source, allowing users to customize and modify the software as they see fit. This also ensures greater transparency and security as the code can be audited by the community.
  • Voice Control Integration
    The inclusion of Mycroft AI for voice control provides a hands-free experience, enabling users to navigate and use the system with voice commands.
  • Community Support
    Being part of the KDE community means regular updates and a wealth of online resources and forums to help users troubleshoot and discuss new features.
  • Customization
    Users can personalize their experience extensively, from the user interface to the functionalities offered by the platform.
  • Linux-Based
    Built on a Linux platform, Plasma Bigscreen offers robustness, security, and efficient performance compared to some proprietary systems.

Possible disadvantages of Plasma Bigscreen

  • Limited App Ecosystem
    Compared to more established TV platforms, Plasma Bigscreen has a more limited selection of available apps, which might not suit all users' needs.
  • User-Friendliness
    While it offers extensive customization, the platform might be complex for non-technical users to set up and operate efficiently.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Since it is built primarily for Raspberry Pi devices, users might face compatibility issues with other hardware.
  • Dependency on Mycroft AI
    Though voice control is a pro feature, it heavily relies on Mycroft AI, which may not perform as consistently as other more established voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Analysis of Linux Mint

Overall verdict

  • Linux Mint is considered a solid choice for both beginners transitioning from other operating systems and experienced users looking for a stable and reliable Linux distribution. Its ease of use, extensive documentation, and active community support make it a favorable option.

Why this product is good

  • Linux Mint is often praised for its user-friendly interface, stability, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware. It's based on Ubuntu, which means it benefits from a vast community and extensive software repositories. Users appreciate its Cinnamon desktop environment for being intuitive and similar to the traditional Windows layout, making it approachable for those new to Linux.

Recommended for

  • New users looking to transition from Windows or macOS
  • Users seeking a stable and reliable everyday operating system
  • Developers and tech enthusiasts who appreciate customization potential
  • Users with older hardware who need a lightweight yet capable OS

Linux Mint videos

Reviewed: Linux Mint 19.3 "Tricia" (Cinnamon Edition)

More videos:

  • Review - Linux Mint 19.2 "Tina" Review (Cinnamon Edition)
  • Review - Feature Complete? - Linux Mint 19.1 Review

Plasma Bigscreen videos

Plasma Bigscreen OS for the Raspberry Pi 4 Open Source Smart TV OS! Quick Look

More videos:

  • Review - KDE Plasma Bigscreen Review
  • Review - Plasma Bigscreen. A dedicated TV OS for Raspberry Pi 4.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Linux Mint and Plasma Bigscreen)
Linux Distribution
100 100%
0% 0
Video
0 0%
100% 100
Linux
97 97%
3% 3
Operating Systems
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Linux Mint and Plasma Bigscreen

Linux Mint Reviews

  1. Best linux distro

    i have used about 2years linux mint and i really like it look and feel

    Competitors: Ubuntu, Windows 10
    Pros:    Easy to use|Easy user interface|Easy customizability|Secure
    Cons:    Slow

10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
For most of the Desktop users who move from Windows to Linux, their first preference would be the popular Mint. It is because of the user-friendly Cinnamon interface and out-of-the-box multimedia support. Also, it is based on Ubuntu, although Debian Linux Mint is also available, still the Ubuntu derived Mint is more common among the users. You will have Software Manager to...
The 5 Best Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Linux Mint is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendliness. You can configure Linux Mint to enhance your privacy, and, when combined with the Cinnamon desktop environment, it offers a smooth and familiar user experience. As with any Linux distribution, Linux Mint offers open source code, but also comes with antivirus capabilities, making it easier for you to...
12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
Linux Mint has established itself as one of the best distros for beginner Linux users, thanks to Cinnamon’s simplicity (Linux Mint’s desktop environment) and ease of use. It’s an Ubuntu-based operating system that’s good for day-to-day usage and gaming. The Windows-like feel of Mint makes users switching from Windows feel at home and is one of the main selling points of the...
Source: beebom.com
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Debian is known for its commitment to open source principles, stability, and extensive package management system. It serves as the foundation for various other Linux distros such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Debian is widely used in both desktop and server environments.
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Linux Mint is also based on Ubuntu and is now an established alternative. The operating system is based on specially designed desktop environments and comes with important software pre-installed. The system is considered stable and user-friendly. Hardware support, useful security tools, and a practical file manager are available. For (former) Windows users, Linux Mint is...
Source: www.ionos.com

Plasma Bigscreen Reviews

We have no reviews of Plasma Bigscreen yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Linux Mint seems to be a lot more popular than Plasma Bigscreen. While we know about 431 links to Linux Mint, we've tracked only 25 mentions of Plasma Bigscreen. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Linux Mint mentions (431)

  • From Mint to NixOS: Why a Long-Time Linux User Made the Switch
    Early on, I quickly found my home with Linux Mint and its Cinnamon desktop. As the saying goes, "You don't choose a Linux desktop; the desktop chooses you." Built on top of a stable foundation with a rich package infrastructure, Cinnamon provided a familiar experience that bridged the gap from Windows. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • The Switch to Linux and the Beginning of My Self-Hosting Journey
    Linux Mint or Ubuntu cinnamon Desktop is less specialized, and has a GUI very similar to legacy Windows. https://ubuntucinnamon.org/ (recommended for new players) https://linuxmint.com/ (recommended for students) Ubuntu Desktop 24 LTS: Kernel 6.0.8 will work on older GPU/Laptop hardware, but OS will be deprecated in 2029 Ubuntu Desktop 26 LTS will be out in a few months: Will be supported till 2038, but note... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Introduction to Linux for Data Engineers
    Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint provides a user-friendly experience with a focus on multimedia support. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • MS confirms it will give the FBI your Windows PC data encryption key if asked
    Https://linuxmint.com/ Every bad day for microsoft is anothe glorious day for linux. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Microsoft gave FBI set of BitLocker encryption keys to unlock suspects' laptops
    That's literally like asking "What car has the best driving experience?". There is no one answer. If you want something that "just works," Linux Mint[1] is a great starting point. That gets you into Linux without any headache. Then, later when bored, you can branch out into the thousands[2] of Linux distributions that fill every possible niche [1] https://linuxmint.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
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Plasma Bigscreen mentions (25)

  • Almost Half of LG Smart TV Apps Have Residential Proxy SDKs
    This, but LibreELEC or other Kodi distributions suck, it's basically limited to local playback. Until recently, the best solution was to run a full Linux DE, but now there is Plasma Bigscreen[0] for that. This is basically a DE optimized for couch use with a remote. [0] https://plasma-bigscreen.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Show HN: AT4K Launcher TV Inspired Launcher for Android TVs
    This seems interesting, can something like this be created for Linux too? What is the technical stack behind it, I would be curious how you make a launcher in the first place, can it only be made in Java/Kotlin or say something in flutter as well and in which language is this coded in? I would also be interested in any resources which helped you out in the way. I would love something like this but for Linux,... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Microsoft Copilot AI Comes to LG TVs, and Can't Be Deleted
    I wonder if it is possible to install a standard Linux distro on LG TVs. There is KDE Plasma Bigscreen for a TV-like experience on such distros. https://plasma-bigscreen.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Mperfect, Linux-powered, DIY smart TV is the embodiment of ad fatigue
    I think Plasma Bigscreen is trying to do so: https://plasma-bigscreen.org/ Haven't heard any news about it for a while, but it looks a bit like "Android TV except not Android". - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Roku explores taking over HDMI feeds with ads
    You could get a SFF PC like the other reply mentioned, and install something like Plasma Bigscreen[1] on it. [1](https://plasma-bigscreen.org/). - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Linux Mint and Plasma Bigscreen, you can also consider the following products

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

LibreELEC - LibreELEC is ‘Just enough OS’ for Kodi, a Linux distribution built to run Kodi on current and...

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Android TV - Android TV is a version of Android made for TV's

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.

Kodi - Kodi is an award winning free and open source media player that got its start on the Xbox console.