Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It uses a GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop environment as default, although the desktop is heavily customized in order to help Windows and macOS users transition to Linux easily.[3][4] Wine and PlayOnLinux can be easily installed in Zorin OS,[5] allowing users to run compatible Windows software for ease of transition from Windows. Zorin OS's creators maintain 3 free editions of the operating system, and a "Pro" edition for purchase.[6]

Zorin OS
Zorin OS 15 desktop
DeveloperZorin Group
Written inC, C++, Python, D, Java
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen-source
Initial release2009
Latest releaseZorin OS 16.1[1] / 10 March 2022 (2022-03-10)
Latest previewZorin OS 16[2] / 15 April 2021 (2021-04-15)
Repository
Marketing targetPersonal computers
Available inOver 50 languages
Update methodSoftware Updater
Package managerAPT, dpkg, Snap, flatpak
Platformsx86_64
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux kernel)
UserlandGNU
Default
user interface		GNOME, Xfce
LicenseFree software + some optional proprietary device drivers
Official websitezorin.com/os/

The current releases are Zorin OS 16.1 Pro, Zorin OS 16.1 Pro Lite, Zorin OS 16.1 Core, Zorin OS 16.1 Core Lite, Zorin OS 16.1 Education and Zorin OS 16.1 Education Lite. The new editions continue to use the Ubuntu-based Linux kernel and GNOME or XFCE interface.[7]

Features

Zorin OS is fully graphical, with a graphical installer. For stability and security, it follows the long-term releases of the main Ubuntu system. It uses its own software repositories as well as Ubuntu's repositories. These repositories are accessible through the common "apt-get" commands via the Linux terminal, or a GUI-based software manager that provides an app store-like experience for users who don't wish to use the terminal.

The OS also comes with a number of desktop layouts or themes to modify the desktop environment - The themes let users change the interface to resemble those of Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu[8][9][10] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.[11] As with all GNOME-based desktop environments, the look and feel of the desktop can be modified easily using GNOME extensions.

Free vs Pro Editions

The Zorin team offers various flavors of Zorin OS available to users. There are two free versions called "Core" and "Lite", with "Pro" versions of these available for download with a purchase through the project's website.

The Pro versions offer extra layout themes for different operating systems, including both a Windows 11 and "Windows Classic" themes, and comes preinstalled with popular FOSS programs such as Blender, in-house software for managing passwords, casting content to Miracast-compatible screens, and more. These programs could also be installed individually for free.

Finally, the Pro editions of Zorin OS also provide a collection of commissioned wallpapers to choose from, and installation technical support.

Zorin OS Pro can be installed on multiple computers with one license, except for businesses and schools that must purchase a license for each PC the OS is installed onto.[12]

About

The Zorin OS company is based in Dublin, Ireland. The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin.[13]

History

Zorin OS was initially released on 1 July 2009. Earlier versions required users to do a clean install, but since version 12.4, the system's update manager can be used to upgrade existing installations.

Version history
VersionDate Based onFeatures/NotesRef(s)
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 1.01 July 2009 Initial release[14]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS Limited Edition '097 December 2009
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 21 January 2010 5 different varieties: Core, Gaming, Multimedia, Educational, Ultimate
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 310 June 2010 Ubuntu 10.04 LTSZorin OS Look Changer added, installation slideshow tutorial
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 422 December 2010 Ubuntu 10.10Improved file manager, performance improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 56 June 2011 Ubuntu 11.04Core and Ultimate available; new theme, updated software, Zorin-specific program improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 5.123 August 2011Updated Linux Kernel, aesthetic updates
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 618 June 2012 Ubuntu 12.04 LTSCore and Ultimate available; new desktop environment, "Zorin Look Changer"
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.18 November 2012Updated kernel & software, security updates
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.227 February 2013"Zorin Menu" update, stability improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.314 May 2013Updated kernel
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 710 June 2013 Ubuntu 13.04Core and Ultimate available; updated software, Linux kernel 3.8, design overhaul
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.428 August 2013 Ubuntu 12.04 LTSUpdated kernel and software
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 827 January 2014 Ubuntu 13.10Core and Ultimate available; updated software, UI improvements, Zorin theme changer[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 915 July 2014 Ubuntu 14.04 LTSCore and Ultimate available; stability improvements, Firefox support, more themes
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 101 August 2015 Ubuntu 15.04Default application refresh, performance & security improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 113 February 2016 Ubuntu 15.10Core and Ultimate available; new default applications, desktop user experience overhaul
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 1218 November 2016 Ubuntu 16.04 LTSNew Zorin Desktop, activities overview, search revamp[16]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.127 February 2017Bug fixes, new desktop features, performance improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.28 September 2017Desktop refinements, performance and stability improvements
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.316 March 2018Wine compatibility built-in, Direct3D 10 & 11 support[17]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.413 September 2018Linux kernel 4.15, performance improvements, software update process streamlining[18]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 155 June 2019 Ubuntu 18.04 LTSPerformance improvements, Zorin Connect (Android sync notifications), New desktop theme, Touch Layout functions, Flatpak support, New System font[1]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 15.25 March 2020Stronger security and hardware compatibility[1]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 15.38 September 2020Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security.[1]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 1617 August 2021 Ubuntu 20.04 LTSVisual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Flatpak support out of the box.[2]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 16.110 March 2022Stronger security and better hardware compatibility.

Security

Zorin OS comes with the Uncomplicated Firewall installed, although it is not enabled by default.

Reception

Zorin OS has been praised for its intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;[19][20][21] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout, install NVIDIA drivers, and navigate an easy and intuitive software center.

Notes and references
  1. Zorin OS (March 10, 2022). "Zorin OS 16.1 Released & Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine". Zorin Group.
  2. Zorin OS (16 April 2021). "Introducing Zorin OS 16: Test the Beta Today". Zorin Group.
  3. "Zorin OS: The Linux Distribution for Windows XP and 7 Fans". linux.com. The Linux Foundation. 2016-02-24.
  4. "10 reasons to try Zorin OS 9, the Linux OS that looks like Windows". pcworld.com. PC World. 2014-07-30.
  5. "Zorin OS: Install Apps". Zorin OS. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  6. Phillip, Watt (2015-08-29). Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business. Apress. p. 218. ISBN 9781484211304.
  7. Johnston, Mike (5 December 2016). "Zorin OS 12 Review". CMS Critic. Retrieved 27 October 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. "Zorin OS-Home". Zorin OS. Retrieved 19 March 2016. Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for newcomers to Linux. It's based on Ubuntu Linux....The Look Changer lets you change your desktop to look and act like either Windows 7, XP, 2000, Ubuntu Unity, Mac OS X or GNOME 2 for ultimate ease of use.
  9. "Zorin OS". DistroWatch.com. 2018-08-28. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  10. Speed, Richard (14 August 2018). "Linux 4.18 arrives fashionably late while Zorin OS shines up its Windows". The Register. Situation Publishing. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  11. "Zorin OS Review - An alternative to macOS and Windows". www.fosslinux.com/. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  12. "Zorin OS Pro - Zorin OS". Zorin. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  13. Prakash, Abhishek. "Zorin OS: From the Hobby Project of Two Teenagers to a Growing Startup - It's FOSS". itsfoss.com. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  14. "Zorin news releases". DistroWatch.com. Unsigned Integer Limited. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  15. Zorin OS (27 January 2014). "Zorin OS 8 Core and Ultimate are here". Zorin Group. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  16. Zorin OS (18 November 2016). "Zorin OS 12 Core and Ultimate Are Here: Our Biggest Release Ever". Zorin Group. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  17. Zorin OS (15 March 2018). "Zorin OS 12.3 Released – A Stronger, More Versatile System". Zorin Group. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  18. Zorin OS (13 August 2018). "Zorin OS 12.4 Released – More Secure and Compatible than Ever Before". Zorin Group. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  19. Bidwell, Jonni (22 February 2017). "Zorin OS 12 Core". TechRadar. Future plc. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  20. "Zorin OS 12 Review: LinuxAndUbuntu Distro Review Of The Week". LinuxAndUbuntu. 2 November 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  21. Fagioli, Brian (14 August 2018). "Zorin OS 12.4 Linux distribution is here – switch from Microsoft Windows 10 now!". betanews. BetaNews, Inc. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
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