Today in Open Source: Download the release candidate of Linux Mint 16. Plus: Will preloads help Linux? And the top five Linux games Linux Mint 16 Release Candidate There’s been quite a lot of anticipation for the next version of Linux Mint. The release candidate for Linux Mint 16 (MATE and Cinnamon) is now available for download, according to DistroWatch. Clement Lefebvre has announced that the release candidate for Linux Mint 16 is out and ready for testing: “The team is proud to announce the release of Linux Mint 16 ‘Petra’ RC. Linux Mint 16 is the result of six months of incremental development on top of stable and reliable technologies. This new release comes with updated software and brings refinements and new features to make your desktop even more comfortable to use.” Download Linux Mint 16: Linux Mint 16 Cinnamon 64-bit DVDLinux Mint 16 MATE 64-bit DVD More at DistroWatch The Linux Mint site has a list of new features for MATE and for Cinnamon. Check them out to see what’s new in Linux Mint 16. Will Preloaded Linux Solve Problems? TechRepublic thinks that pre-loading Linux could solve a lot of problems. I don’t believe Linux will ever reach the masses with its current delivery system. The average user doesn’t want to have to buy a PC with an operating system and then install another over it (or beside it). The average user also doesn’t want to have to deal with the issues surrounding secure boot or worry about partitioning a drive. Ultimately, the average user just wants to buy a PC and use it. Period. To that end, someone (probably Canonical) has to work some magic with a vendor and get a Linux-based PC that people want — really want. This PC must be completely an out-of-the-box experience geared for the average user. More at TechRepublic I’m not a huge fan of the idea of preloading, though I do think it has its place. Linux, like any other operating system, has a range of users. Some are more hands-on, and some just want to turn on the computer and use it. If preloads help broaden the user base of Linux then they could be a very good thing. The Top Five Linux Games The Escapist has a look at the top five Linux games. For the first time in the history of Linux gaming, we have the trifecta: video game engines, digital distribution, and finally hardware manufacturers all working together. More at The Escapist What’s your take on all this? Tell me in the comments below. Open Source