Repurpose an Old PC With Linux Mint or Debian + Cinnamon

A complete, beginner-friendly walkthrough

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This guide walks you through the entire process, from installation to full customization, using clear steps and beginner-friendly explanations.

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SECTION 2 — Choosing Your Linux Base System

You have two excellent options for this project, and both work beautifully with the Cinnamon desktop.

Option 1: Linux Mint (Beginner-Friendly)

Linux Mint is one of the easiest and most welcoming Linux distributions for new users. It comes with Cinnamon by default and includes a full suite of tools to get you started quickly.

Why choose Mint?

• Easy installer: Simple, guided installation process
• Cinnamon built-in: No extra setup needed for the desktop environment
• Familiar layout: Comfortable for users coming from Windows
• Good community: Great documentation and user support
• Safety net: Includes Timeshift for system snapshots

Mint is the best choice if you want a smooth, guided experience.

Option 2: Debian (Stable & Clean)

Debian is known for rock-solid stability and a clean, minimal setup. Cinnamon is available as an optional desktop environment during installation.

Why choose Debian?

• Stability: Extremely reliable over long periods
• Minimalism: Less preinstalled software, more control
• Flexibility: Lets you build your system your way
• Longevity: Perfect for long-term use

Debian is ideal if you want a system that stays fast and predictable for years.

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SECTION 3 — Installing Linux Mint (Step-by-Step Guide)

Linux Mint is one of the easiest Linux distributions to install. Here’s how to get it running on your repurposed PC.

3.1 — Download Linux Mint

Visit the official Linux Mint website and download the latest Cinnamon Edition ISO.

3.2 — Create a Bootable USB

Use a tool like Balena Etcher, Rufus, or Ventoy to write the ISO to a USB stick (8GB or larger).

3.3 — Boot From the USB

Insert the USB into your old PC and boot from it. Use your system’s boot menu key (often F12, F10, F2, or ESC) to select the USB drive.

3.4 — Try or Install Linux Mint

You’ll land on a live desktop where you can test Mint before installing. When you’re ready, click Install Linux Mint to begin.

3.5 — Choose Language & Keyboard

Select your preferred language and keyboard layout, then proceed to the next step.

3.6 — Install Multimedia Codecs

Mint will ask if you want to install codecs for media playback. Choose Install multimedia codecs for the best experience with video and audio.

3.7 — Installation Type

For most users, the simplest choice is:

• Erase disk and install Linux Mint: Wipes the drive and installs Mint as the only operating system.

If you want dual-booting with another OS or manual partitioning, choose Something else and configure partitions manually.

3.8 — Create Your User Account

Enter your:

• Name
• Computer name
• Username
• Password

Choose whether to log in automatically or require a password each time.

3.9 — Installation Progress

Mint will now copy files and configure your system. This may take several minutes depending on your hardware.

3.10 — Restart Into Your New System

When the installer finishes, click Restart Now and remove the USB when prompted. Your PC will reboot into your new Linux Mint installation.

3.11 — Welcome to Cinnamon

After logging in, you’ll see the Cinnamon desktop — clean, modern, and ready to customize.

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SECTION 4 — Installing Debian With the Cinnamon Desktop

Debian is known for stability and long-term reliability. Installing it with Cinnamon gives you a clean, fast system that you can customize just as deeply as Mint.

4.1 — Download Debian

Visit the official Debian website and download the 64-bit PC (amd64) installer ISO.

4.2 — Create a Bootable USB

Use Balena Etcher, Rufus, or Ventoy to write the ISO to a USB stick (8GB or larger).

4.3 — Boot From the USB

Insert the USB and boot from it using your system’s boot menu key (often F12, F10, F2, or ESC).

4.4 — Start the Debian Installer

At the boot menu, choose Graphical Install to start the guided setup.

4.5 — Select Language, Location, and Keyboard

Debian will walk you through selecting your language, location, and keyboard layout. Follow the prompts to continue.

4.6 — Configure Network

If you’re connected via Ethernet, Debian will usually detect it automatically. For Wi-Fi, select your network from the list and enter your password.

4.7 — Set Up User Accounts

You’ll be asked to create:

• Root password: You can set this, or leave it blank to disable direct root login.
• Regular user account: Your everyday login user with a password.

4.8 — Partitioning the Disk

For most users, the easiest option is:

• Guided — use entire disk: Debian will automatically partition and use the whole drive.

4.9 — Select Desktop Environment

On the Software Selection screen:

• Uncheck GNOME
• Check Cinnamon
• Ensure standard system utilities remains checked

This ensures your Debian system will use Cinnamon as its desktop environment.

4.10 — Install the GRUB Bootloader

When prompted, choose Yes to install the GRUB bootloader to the primary drive so your system can boot properly.

4.11 — Finish Installation & Reboot

Once installation completes, remove the USB stick and reboot the system.

4.12 — Welcome to Debian Cinnamon

After logging in, you’ll see a clean Cinnamon desktop ready for customization.

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SECTION 5 — First Boot Into the Cinnamon Desktop

Whether you installed Mint or Debian, your first boot into Cinnamon will feel clean and familiar, especially if you’ve used Windows before.

5.1 — The Login Screen

After rebooting, you’ll arrive at the login screen. Enter your password to access your new system.

5.2 — The Welcome Screen

Cinnamon (especially on Mint) often greets you with a Welcome window that may include:

• Documentation: Links to help and guides
• Driver manager: For proprietary drivers (Mint)
• Update manager: For system updates
• Desktop layout options: Quick layout choices

This is a great place to get oriented and explore your options.

5.3 — The Cinnamon Desktop Layout

The default Cinnamon layout usually includes:

• Bottom panel: Works like a taskbar
• Menu button: On the left side of the panel
• System tray: On the right, with clock, volume, and network icons
• Desktop icons: Depending on the distribution’s defaults

It’s intuitive, especially for users coming from Windows.

5.4 — Update Your System

Before customizing anything, make sure your system is up to date.

On Linux Mint: Open the Update Manager from the panel and apply available updates.

On Debian: Open the Terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

5.5 — Check for Drivers (Mint Only)

Linux Mint includes a Driver Manager that can automatically detect and install proprietary drivers for graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and more. It’s a simple way to improve performance and compatibility.

5.6 — Explore System Settings

Open System Settings from the menu. This is your control center for:

• Themes: Overall appearance
• Fonts: Text style and size
• Window effects: Animations and behavior
• Backgrounds: Desktop wallpaper
• Applets & desklets: Panel and desktop widgets

This is where your customization journey starts.

5.7 — Take a Snapshot (Mint)

Linux Mint includes Timeshift, a system snapshot tool. Configure it now so you can roll back changes if something breaks while experimenting with themes and extensions.

5.8 — You’re Ready to Customize

With updates installed and the system stable, you’re ready to dive into Cinnamon Spices and start shaping your desktop experience.

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SECTION 6 — Customizing Your System With Cinnamon Spices

Cinnamon Spices is the official customization hub for the Cinnamon desktop. It’s a community-driven collection of add-ons that let you transform your system without needing to write code.

Spices are broken into four main categories:

• Themes: Change how your system looks
• Applets: Add tools and indicators to your panel
• Desklets: Place widgets directly on your desktop
• Extensions: Modify how Cinnamon behaves under the hood

6.1 — Accessing Cinnamon Spices

You can access Cinnamon Spices in two main ways:

• Through System Settings: Open Themes, Applets, Desklets, or Extensions, then use the built-in download or add/remove tabs.
• Through the website: Visit the official Cinnamon Spices site to browse screenshots, ratings, comments, and details.

6.2 — Installing Themes

Themes control the look of windows, panels, menus, controls, and icons.

To install a theme:

• Open System Settings → Themes
• Go to the Add/Remove or Download tab
• Browse available themes and click Install
• Return to the main Themes screen and apply the new theme components

6.3 — Installing Applets

Applets add functionality to your panel. Common examples include weather, system monitors, enhanced menus, and productivity tools.

To install an applet:

• Open System Settings → Applets
• Go to the Download tab and install an applet
• Switch to the Manage tab and enable it

6.4 — Installing Desklets

Desklets sit directly on your desktop and are great for quick-glance information like clocks, notes, and monitors.

To install a desklet:

• Open System Settings → Desklets
• Go to the Download tab and install a desklet
• Enable it in the Manage tab and position it on the desktop

6.5 — Installing Extensions

Extensions modify deeper behaviors in Cinnamon, such as panel layout, window management, and special features.

To install an extension:

• Open System Settings → Extensions
• Go to the Download tab and install an extension
• Enable it in the Manage tab

6.6 — Updating Spices

Cinnamon includes an updater for Spices, which keeps your themes and add-ons secure and compatible with the latest Cinnamon version. Check for Spices updates regularly in System Settings.

6.7 — Safe Customization Tips

• Make one change at a time: It’s easier to see what you like and what causes issues.
• Test new themes: Use them for a bit before installing more.
• Keep Spices updated: Outdated add-ons can cause glitches.
• Be cautious with extensions: Install only well-maintained ones.
• Use Timeshift (Mint): Take a snapshot before major changes.

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SECTION 7 — Themes, Applets, Desklets, Extensions (Deep Dive)

This section helps you understand how each type of customization fits into your workflow and visual style.

7.1 — Themes

Themes control the overall visual style of your system. You can customize:

• Window borders: How the edges and title bars look
• Controls: Buttons, sliders, menus, and form elements
• Icons: Folder and application icons
• Desktop theme: Panels, menus, and pop-ups
• Cursors: Mouse pointer appearance

Many themes mimic macOS or Windows 11, while others offer completely unique styles. You can mix components from multiple themes to create your own look.

7.2 — Applets

Applets live on your panel and give you quick access to information and tools. They can dramatically improve productivity and usability.

Popular applet categories include:

• System monitors: CPU, RAM, network, and disk usage
• Weather: Local forecasts and conditions
• Menus: Enhanced application launchers
• Productivity tools: Timers, notes, to-do lists
• Media controls: Audio player controls and volume tools

7.3 — Desklets

Desklets sit directly on your desktop and are perfect for at-a-glance information and visual flair.

Common desklets include:

• Clocks: Analog, digital, or world clocks
• Sticky notes: Quick reminders and lists
• Calendars: Simple monthly views
• System monitors: Real-time usage stats
• Photo frames: Rotating images or backgrounds

7.4 — Extensions

Extensions are more advanced and can significantly change how Cinnamon behaves. They’re best used when you know what you want from your workflow.

Extensions can:

• Modify panel layout: Multiple panels, vertical panels, etc.
• Enhance hot corners: Trigger actions when you move the mouse to screen corners
• Change window management: Custom tiling behavior or snapping options
• Integrate workflows: Keyboard-driven setups, launchers, and more

Because extensions go deeper, stick with ones that are actively maintained.

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SECTION 8 — Before/After Examples

To give you an idea of what’s possible with Cinnamon, here are a few example transformation styles you can aim for.

8.1 — Minimalist Setup

This setup focuses on simplicity and focus:

• Clean panel: Few icons, no clutter
• Simple icons: Flat, neutral icon theme
• Neutral colors: Light or dark theme with muted tones
• Subtle transparency: Slightly transparent panel and menus

Perfect if you want a calm, distraction-free workspace.

8.2 — macOS-Inspired Setup

This setup mimics the feel of macOS:

• Top panel: Moved from bottom to top
• macOS-like theme: Rounded window buttons and light design
• Dock-style launcher: Plank or a similar dock for apps
• Elegant fonts: Smooth, readable font choices

Great for users who like the macOS aesthetic and workflow.

8.3 — Windows-Inspired Setup

This setup stays close to a Windows-style layout:

• Bottom panel: Classic taskbar arrangement
• Start-menu-like launcher: Menu applets that feel familiar
• Windows-style icons: Icon themes that resemble Windows
• Light or dark theme: Matching Windows 10/11 color schemes

Ideal for users transitioning from Windows who still want a familiar feel.

8.4 — Fully Custom Setup

This setup is where you make the system truly yours:

• Custom icons: Choose a unique icon pack
• Color palette: Match your favorite colors or brand
• Multiple desklets: Clocks, notes, and monitors arranged how you like
• Tailored workflow: Panels, hotkeys, and applets arranged around how you work

This is the sweet spot of Cinnamon: your desktop doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

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SECTION 9 — Final Thoughts & Tips

Repurposing an old PC with Linux Mint or Debian and the Cinnamon desktop isn’t just a technical project — it’s a creative one. You’re taking hardware that might have been forgotten and turning it into a fast, modern, personalized machine that reflects your style and your workflow.

Whether you chose Mint for its beginner-friendly approach or Debian for its rock-solid stability, Cinnamon gives you a desktop that’s clean, customizable, and incredibly flexible. With Cinnamon Spices, themes, applets, desklets, and extensions, you can build a system that feels familiar, futuristic, minimalist, or completely unique.

Final Tips

• Keep your system updated: Regular updates improve security and stability.
• Explore one customization at a time: It’s easier to learn and troubleshoot.
• Use Timeshift (Mint): Take snapshots before bigger changes.
• Learn a few terminal basics: Simple commands can make you more confident and capable.
• Join the community: Forums, chats, and guides are full of people happy to help.
• Have fun: Treat this like a creative project, not an exam.

Your Old PC Has a New Life Now

You didn’t just install an operating system — you built a machine that’s uniquely yours. Fast, modern, customizable, and ready for anything.