Mint is the way to go.
You have to realize, I'm using Linux to run tools. Therefore, it all depends on what release those tools work under.
What I'm finding that the ONLY way I can manage this is to maintain different virtual machines with the EXACT version and release of Linux that these tools were created with.
I'm sure Mint is great, running stand-alone, running the apps it comes with. But that isn't the situation technical professionals find themselves in.
I installed Linux Mint 14 Cinnamon on my sister’s “old” laptop. It’s actually better than my work laptop but she replaced it because it got slow. IOW it got a virus.
I managed to install the VPN client and was able to use RDesktop to tunnel into my Windows machine at work.
Chjeers, and exactly... only gripe I have about Mint.. is NO encryption ... :p but I still use it, no one can change my mind ;)
( I encrypt the non-boot... only way around Mint’s only weakness)..