Zorin OS
Zorin OS Logo
Desktop of main version
Zorin OS 16.1 Core desktop with XFCE 4 desktop environment
DeveloperZorin Group
Written inC, C++, Python, D, Java
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen-source
Initial release2009
Latest release16.3 Edit this on Wikidata[1] / 27 July 2023; 11 days ago (27 July 2023)
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/

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It uses a GNOME 3 and XFCE 4 desktop environment by default, although the desktop is heavily customized in order to help users transition from Windows and macOS easily.[2][3] Wine and PlayOnLinux are supported,[4] allowing users to run compatible Windows software, like Microsoft Office. Its creators maintain three free editions of the operating system, and sell a professional edition.[5]

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 or apt install 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[6][7][8] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.[9] As with all GNOME-based desktop environments, the look and feel of the desktop can be modified using GNOME extensions.[10]

Editions

Zorin OS is available in various editions:[11]

The Lite editions are streamlined to work on older computers and use XFCE instead of GNOME.[12]

The Pro edition is available for download with a purchase through the project's website. It offers additional layout themes for different operating systems, including both Windows 11 and "Windows Classic" (Windows 7) themes, a collection of wallpapers to choose from, and comes preinstalled with popular FOSS programs such as Blender, in-house software for managing passwords, and software for casting content to Miracast-compatible screens. The Pro edition provides installation technical support as well.

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.[13]

History

The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.[14]

Zorin OS was initially released on 1 July 2009. Since version 16.3, the system's upgrade tool can be used to upgrade existing installations; earlier versions required users to do a clean install.

Versions

Version Date Based on Features/Notes
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 1.0 1 July 2009 Initial release
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS Limited Edition '09 7 December 2009
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 2 1 January 2010 Introduces five varieties: Core, Gaming, Multimedia, Educational, Ultimate[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 3 10 June 2010 Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Zorin OS Look Changer added, installation slideshow tutorial[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 4 22 December 2010 Ubuntu 10.10 Improved file manager, performance improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 5 6 June 2011 Ubuntu 11.04 Core and Ultimate available; new theme, updated software, Zorin-specific program improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 5.1 23 August 2011 Updated Linux Kernel, aesthetic updates[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6 18 June 2012 Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Core and Ultimate available; new desktop environment, "Zorin Look Changer"[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.1 8 November 2012 Updated kernel and software, security updates[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.2 27 February 2013 "Zorin Menu" update, stability improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.3 14 May 2013 Updated kernel[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 7 10 June 2013 Ubuntu 13.04 Core and Ultimate available; updated software, Linux kernel 3.8, design overhaul[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 6.4 28 August 2013 Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Updated kernel and software[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 8 27 January 2014 Ubuntu 13.10 Core and Ultimate available; updated software, UI improvements, Zorin theme changer[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 9 15 July 2014 Ubuntu 14.04 LTS Core and Ultimate available; stability improvements, Firefox support, more themes[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 10 1 August 2015 Ubuntu 15.04 Default application refresh, performance and security improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 11 3 February 2016 Ubuntu 15.10 Core and Ultimate available; new default applications, desktop user experience overhaul[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12 18 November 2016 Ubuntu 16.04 LTS New Zorin Desktop, activities overview, search revamp[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.1 27 February 2017 Bug fixes, new desktop features, performance improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.2 8 September 2017 Desktop refinements, performance and stability improvements[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.3 16 March 2018 Wine compatibility built-in, Direct3D 10 and 11 support[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 12.4 13 September 2018 Linux kernel 4.15, performance improvements, software update process streamlining[15]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 15 5 June 2019 Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Performance improvements, Zorin Connect (Android sync notifications), New desktop theme, Touch Layout functions, Flatpak support, new System font Inter introduced (skipped 3 versions from version 12)[1]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 15.2 5 March 2020 Stronger security and hardware compatibility[1]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 15.3 8 September 2020 Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security.[1]
Old version, no longer maintained: Zorin OS 16 17 August 2021 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Visual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Flatpak support out of the box.[16]
Current stable version: Zorin OS 16.1 10 March 2022 Stronger security and better hardware compatibility.
Current stable version: Zorin OS 16.2 27 October 2022 Ease of use and software updates.
Current stable version: Zorin OS 16.3 27 July 2023 "Zorin OS Upgrader" tool added; updated software packages; same kernel version as Ubuntu 22.04. [17]

Special functions

Zorin Connect

With Zorin Connect, an Android phone can be synchronized with the PC. Pictures and files as well as the clipboard are transferred in both directions. Notifications from the cell phone can be displayed on the PC. The cell phone can also be used as a remote keyboard, mouse (touchpad) and presenter.

The exchange happens directly over an encrypted Internet connection, so there is no need to store data in a cloud.

Zorin Grid

Zorin Grid is software for installing and maintaining Zorin OS within a network. This is done from a central computer, so that the processes do not have to be performed individually on each device. The software is especially aimed at companies and schools. At the moment, however, it is still under development.[18][19]

Security

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

Zorin Grid has options to improve security.

Reception

Zorin OS has been praised for its intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;[20][21][22] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout,[21] install NVIDIA drivers, and navigate the software store.[23]

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b c d Zorin OS (27 October 2022). "Zorin OS 16.2 Has Landed". Zorin Group.
  2. ^ "Zorin OS: The Linux Distribution for Windows XP and 7 Fans". linux.com. The Linux Foundation. 2016-02-24.
  3. ^ "10 reasons to try Zorin OS 9, the Linux OS that looks like Windows". pcworld.com. PC World. 2014-07-30.
  4. ^ "Zorin OS: Install Apps". Zorin OS. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  5. ^ Phillip, Watt (2015-08-29). Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business. Apress. p. 218. ISBN 9781484211304.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ "Zorin OS". DistroWatch.com. 2018-08-28. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ "Zorin OS Review - An alternative to macOS and Windows". www.fosslinux.com/. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  10. ^ Clarke, Gavin (2021-11-07). "Torvalds: I want to be nice, and curse less, but it's just not in me". TheRegister.com. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
  11. ^ Johnston, Mike (5 December 2016). "Zorin OS 12 Review". CMS Critic. Retrieved 27 October 2018.((cite web)): CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ Moore, Shawn (2019-12-17). "Zorin OS Lite Review - 15.1 Lite Edition". CMS Critic. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
  13. ^ "Zorin OS Pro - Zorin OS". Zorin. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  14. ^ Prakash, Abhishek (November 2017). "Zorin OS: From the Hobby Project of Two Teenagers to a Growing Startup - It's FOSS". It's Foss. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t "Zorin news releases". DistroWatch.com. Unsigned Integer Limited. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  16. ^ "Introducing Zorin OS 16: Test the Beta Today". 16 April 2021.
  17. ^ "Zorin OS 16.3 Is Released". blog.zorin.com. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  18. ^ "Zorin Grid - Manage all of your computers. As easily as one". Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  19. ^ "Zorin Grid Lets You Remotely Manage Multiple Zorin OS Computers". 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  20. ^ Bidwell, Jonni (22 February 2017). "Zorin OS 12 Core". TechRadar. Future plc. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  21. ^ a b "Zorin OS 12 Review: LinuxAndUbuntu Distro Review Of The Week". LinuxAndUbuntu. 2 November 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ Germain, Jack M. (2021-10-08). "Zorin OS 16: Better GNOME With Much More Simplicity". LinuxInsider. Retrieved 2022-08-26.

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