Hi Framework Community,
I want to share a proposal I recently sent to the Linux Mint team for LMDE 7 that could greatly benefit Framework hardware users, OEMs, creators, and advanced Linux enthusiasts.
This builds on LMDE’s Debian stability and adds virtualization, clustering, OEM deployment, and creator-focused features — with special attention to Framework laptops and desktops.
Why this matters
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Turns LMDE into a turnkey hybrid workstation and virtualization platform
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Appeals to OEMs, creators, IT admins, and advanced users
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Offers minimal builds, OEM customization, and immutable OS options
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Adds Framework hardware support and modern workstation features out of the box
Proposed LMDE 7 Feature Enhancements
| Feature | Description | Implementation Notes | Priority (1–13) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmox VE Kernel Option | Select during install for virtualization, ZFS, Ceph, clustering | Add selectable kernel in installer | 13 | Enterprise virtualization without extra steps |
| Minimum Build Mode | Base-only LMDE install like Ubuntu minimal | Tasksel-based DE choice | 13 | Clean starting point for OEMs/creators |
| LMDE + Proxmox Hybrid Build | Pre-configured workstation + virtualization | Preload PVE kernel, Ceph/ZFS/Btrfs | 12 | Ideal for mission-critical workloads |
| Advanced File Systems | ZFS, Btrfs, Ceph install options | GUI setup for mirror/RAID | 12 | Data redundancy for critical work |
| Image-Based/Immutable OS | rpm-ostree-style snapshots, rollbacks | Atomic updates, instant restore | 12 | Fast disaster recovery |
| Framework Hardware Support | Drivers + USB expansion drive install | Preloaded driver stack | 11 | Expands hardware compatibility |
| OEM App Wizard | Choose apps and store (Flatpak, AppImage, repo) | Chrome, Mission Control, Steam, CAD tools | 10 | Minimal bloat, maximum flexibility |
| NetworkManager Default | Enable by default | Easier Wi-Fi bridging for Proxmox VMs | 9 | Seamless networking |
| Virtio-FS GUI | Graphical host–VM folder sharing | GTK/Qt interface | 9 | Faster data exchange |
| Looking Glass Support | Low-latency VM display capture | Include KVM/IVSHMEM setup | 9 | Smooth Windows-on-LMDE integration |
| SSH Preconfigured | Enable at install, optional key-based | Simple installer toggle | 8 | Ready for remote admin |
| Custom Theme Hooks | Hex color theming (IOR GREEN) and logo options | Cinnamon/Gtk defaults | 8 | OEM branding ready |
| Lucky 13 Defaults | Default alarms/screensavers at 13 minutes | Cinnamon & GNOME Clocks | 8 | Personal touch & branding |
| RustDesk Built-In | Secure remote desktop, self-hostable | Server installer option | 8 | Privacy-focused access |
| Google Chrome Option | Install via app wizard | Download in installer | 6 | Popular browser choice |
| Steam + CAD Tools Option | Toggle install | Flatpak or repo | 6 | Gaming & professional use |
| Wi-Fi Routing to Local Network | Share host Wi-Fi with VMs | NetworkManager integration | 5 | Simple VM connectivity |
Workstation Examples
1. Framework Desktop Proxmox Hybrid
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OS: LMDE 7 + Proxmox VE kernel
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CPU: AMD or Intel high-core count
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GPU: Radeon Pro Duo with Looking Glass passthrough
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Storage: ZFS mirror on NVMe + Ceph HDD array
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Use Case: CAD, virtualization lab, NAS
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Software: Chrome, Steam, CAD suite, RustDesk, Mission Control, SSH
2. Framework Laptop 16 Creator Setup
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OS: LMDE 7 minimal + OEM App Wizard
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CPU/GPU: Ryzen 9 7940HS + RX 7700S
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Storage: NVMe, Btrfs snapshots
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Use Case: Portable editing + VM passthrough to eGPU via Looking Glass
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Software: Adobe CC (Windows VM), CAD tools, Chrome, Virtio-FS
3. Clustered LMDE + Proxmox Nodes
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OS: LMDE 7 minimal + PVE kernel
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Networking: 10GbE + NetworkManager bridges, Meshtastic, OpenWrt
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Storage: Ceph pool across nodes
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Use Case: Edge computing, HA workloads, mobile NAS box
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Software: RustDesk, SSH, VM orchestration, Chrome
Next Steps
I’ve also created mockups for:
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Proxmox kernel selection in the LMDE installer
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OEM App Wizard with app and store selection
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Theme customization screen with IOR GREEN accents and 13-minute presets
Chris (CMAX) Maksym
Post your ideas too and constructive feedback.