I'll do that. Is there a linux mint like distro that is more secure?
Discussion
That depends on your usecase. Granted this isn't a comprehensive list. One of these, oe none of these may be best for you.
However if you are looking for a reasonably secure and private Linux distro.
Here are 12 These Linux Distributions that have a decent track record for being somewhat trustworthy. Just remember to always verify, because software like the ocean never stays still, or safe forever.
Debian (Cinnamon Edition is most like Mint)
OpenSUSE - MicroOS
Trisquel
Parabola
Alma Linux
PopOS
Void Linux
Alpine Linux
Ubuntu
Qubes
Tails
Try each one of them out in a virtual machine firsr if you can. Use virtualbox, gnome boxes, or virt-manager. They offer many different desktop environments too.
Just remember It is like trying on shoes. See which Linux distro above has the best fit and feels most comfortable for you. If anyone thinks I have missed one, please let me know.
I have already tried Pop, open suse, garuda, puppy, tails, ubuntu, manjaro, My favorite was Garuda but the help window was iffy at times. Mint audio sucks with my sony headset and simply won't play nice with Pipewire. So I am on pulse audio. If I time stamp my files to a hard drive and I use a fresh install linux would I be able to flash it on my new install?
Just want to make sure we are on the same page. Some verbage you are using is causing some confusion for me. So I need clarification.
Are you asking if you can export all of your files onto an external hard drive. Do a clean install of a new Linux distro to wipe away any Linux Mint shenanigans. Then import all the files from the external hard drive back onto the fresh Linux installation with a new distro?
If so, yes, no problem. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Lots of different ways to do this.
If no, please elaborate further to help me understand your inquiry.
I have done a timeshift and yes it uses BTRFS.
If you are using timeshift for a backup solution it really is intended for the root file system. Even though there is still an option to include the home directory. It can just get messy over time and eat up a lot of hard drive space if you don't frequently remove your old backups.
My suggestion in your situation is to use Restic for your home directory contents. Which has all of your user files and some of your desktop environment configurations. Timeshift for your root directory and everything else on your system. Keep them separated.
Then you could just keep restic exported encrypted external backups of your home directory contents with all your stuff in it. Gracefully use restic to import and restore backups back into your newly installed Linux distro. Quickly and efficiently without a fuss.
Then again you also have the tried and true lazy route. Which sometimes doesn't always go as planned with very large transfers.
Open up the file manager, drag, and drop the files to the external hard drive at the mounted location. Install the new Linux distro. Open up the file manager again. Then copy back over the files onto the new system. Good to go.