7 ms·

Zorin OS 18

82 points by pentagrama 1y ago

askonomm 1y ago
I'm a little confused: does it have its own DE, or is it just a heavily modified Gnome?
- debo_ 1y ago
  It's Gnome.
- jeroenhd 1y ago
  It's a heavily themed Gnome distro with extra extensions and branded apps to supplement the experience. Some themes are free, others (like the IMO rather complete Windows and macOS lookalike themes) require the paid version of the OS. I think that's an excellent way to get financial support for a product like this. There are also some other nice-to-have integrations, like a pre-installed detection mechanism for certain setup.exes that will suggest Linux alternatives rather than opening them in the pre-installed Wine runtime.
andsoitis 1y ago
> Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows Keep in mind that Zorin is a Linux-based OS and can't run Windows apps.
- ivan_gammel 1y ago
  >can't run Windows apps. Wine?
  - turtletontine 1y ago
    For the median Windows user who wants to try something new, running native Windows apps really truly needs to be no fuss and “just work.” This has been, erm, not exactly my experience with Wine. I don’t mean that as a dig at Wine, I know it’s technically impressive and incredibly valuable. Granted, I haven’t tried to use it in years, and I’m sure it’s improved a lot in that time. But if I set a family member up with a Linux distro, I’d be shocked frankly if they figure out how to use Windows on their own.
- alsetmusic 1y ago
  > Improved support for Windows software: Windows App Support includes significant improvements that allow you to run even more Windows-native apps and games than ever before. It’s now powered by the latest WINE version 10. You can learn more about the Windows App Support feature here.
  - echelon_musk 1y ago
    > Linux-based operating systems were generally built for engineers by engineers, with little consideration for regular users. We decided to fix this. [0] I am extremely sceptical that any normal Windows user would have the patience to use WINE to get Windows software working. Sadly this feels like this distro is subject to exactly the problem they claim to solve. I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort. Until then, the incentives will simply never align. [0] https://zorin.com/about https://zorin.com/about
    - jerf 1y ago
      "I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort." Dunno, I used to think that, but between Microsoft putting significant effort into degrading the Windows 11 experience and ever more stuff moving to the web, I'm not so sure about that anymore. My house is nearly full Linux now. The major thing that gets the gaming computer booted into Windows now is VR, and my oldest son is sometimes annoyed by needing to use Windows for some theater tech stuff. So it's not like we don't still have some things Linux can't do. But increasingly at our house it is the Windows-only stuff we find the annoying exception rather than the other way around. It's nowhere near as impossible as it was 15-20 years ago. The falling Windows is getting awfully close to meeting the rising Linux.
    - wishfish 1y ago
      >I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort. I think you're correct, but I also think this has already happened. Valve has put large amounts of money and development time into Linux. With a huge success. Gaming on Linux is very close to being as easy as it is on Windows. That removes a barrier for many home users. I do wish there was more commercial software. Getting Photoshop ported over would be the last hurdle for me personally. Everything else I can do through Steam, various open source programs like Calibre, Electron apps, and Web.
s_dev 1y ago
It's made by two Ukrainian brothers in Ireland. It's a franken debian. Which a lot of Linux users don't like for a variety of reasons but I think that debate is of a wider scope than this one submission. The main Dev/Maintainer for Linux Mint 'Clem' is also based in Ireland. So these are the only two Linux distros I know of to be associated with the Irish tech scene which is small.
- Redster 1y ago
  It seems like it's franken-Ubuntu, if https://zorin.com/os/details/ https://zorin.com/os/details/ is to be believed.
  - conorcleary 1y ago
    Ubuntu is Debian-based, but I don't know how much leap-frogging occurred
sylens 1y ago
I'm really impressed at the amount of attention to detail and polish went into making this a nice transition point for Windows users. The idea that if someone tries to launch the Microsoft Office installer, it will gently redirect them to either LibreOffice or Office 365 on the web, is a great idea to enhance the overall user experience.
Arch485 1y ago
I don't use Zorin anymore, (I'm a dirty Ubuntu plebian) but I used to use it and it's great. The only thing I liked about Windows 11 was it's slick UI, and Zorin is basically the only Linux distro that replicates that without a ton of hassle. Zorin Connect is also awesome if you use your PC to watch TV on your TV. If you're thinking of abandoning Windows, (which, honestly, who isn't these days) Zorin is a good choice.
- jeroenhd 1y ago
  > Zorin Connect is also awesome if you use your PC to watch TV on your TV Zorin Connect is a fork of KDE Connect. If you're on KDE, you can use the standard KDE connect app to the same effect. I haven't tested it recently, but I'm pretty sure the Zorin Connect app will work with normal KDE Connect computers as well. If you're on Gnome (like default Ubuntu) you could use plain KDE Connect but I find its UI integration rather lacking, as with all KDE applications on Gnome. However, there are re-implementations like good old GSConnect (https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1319/gsconnect/ https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1319/gsconnect/) or Valent (made by the same person who made GSConnect, https://valent.andyholmes.ca/ https://valent.andyholmes.ca/) will replicate most of the Zorin Connect functionality as well. If you're on something else, pick whatever KDE Connect implementation works best for your desktop, there are plenty of options and most of them work seamlessly!
- constantcrying 1y ago
  IMO KDEs design is actually superior to anything Microsoft is offering. It is a great desktop experience, even with stock settings. Certainly better than everything Ubuntu does.
  - knowitnone3 1y ago
    I haven't used it yet be KDE Linux(still in testing) looks to be promising immutable distro
    - ac29 1y ago
      Fedora has had an immutable KDE distribution for a while: https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite/ https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite/
deleted 1y ago
[deleted]
layer8 1y ago
Given the positioning as an alternative to Windows 11 (and presumably macOS), I would have hoped that it didn’t chase the latest GUI design fashions.
- adastra22 1y ago
  Well the latest gui design fashion is chasing Windows 7’s Aero look…
  - Sparkle-san 1y ago
    MacOS liquid glass is just Windows Vista.
    - domoregood 1y ago
      This
    - Razengan 1y ago
      www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mac+OS+X+Aqua
  - shortrounddev2 1y ago
    God we can only hope so
  - deleted 1y ago
    [deleted]
  - Razengan 1y ago
    Windows 7 chased macOS's Aqua look...
- kachapopopow 1y ago
  it actually has all the themes even win95, not sure if they still maintain it tho.
debo_ 1y ago
My favorite set-and-forget distro. I've migrated several non-techie family members off Windows onto Zorin and they've had zero issues. The elderly folks in particularly seem to find the UI easier than Windows, mainly because I switch them to the "windows-95" like desktop arrangement.
temperceve 1y ago
Zorin 18 is greeeaaat! Been a long time user.
jestinjoy1 1y ago
I am using Zorin in my Computer Lab. It works well on legacy hardware. I am running Zorin on Intel Dual Core processor, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD.
4b11b4 1y ago
Got my grandma a desktop from Free Geek (great org here in Portland, OR). Been running Zorin for many years and I basically gave her no instruction.
- tracker1 1y ago
  Before she passed, one of my Grandmothers was on Ubuntu for about a decade. I did have to stop by to run updates and install the handful of (windows) games she liked (worked in wine without issue). She had a few games from the late 90's she liked (cards, etc) and I was surprised how well they worked. She didn't need much hand holding at all, just a working browser and shortcuts for what she needed. Setting up Variety and a folder of cute cat/puppy photos to rotate was a pretty big win for her as well.
1970-01-01 1y ago
>With Zorin OS, your next computer can be the one you already own. It’s designed to be the perfect Windows replacement for everyday users, professionals, and everyone in between. Sorry for sounding curt, but this is yet another flavor of the week distribution that claims it's the best choice for everyone. It's exactly what everyone has needed for decades.. There's nothing wrong with making yet another distro, but call it what it is: another shade of brown. It will not, ever, evolve itself beyond what hasn't already been delivered by the top distros. Users discard it when they're having issues and the next flavor of the week distribution is popular. Or the rug is pulled and the distro simply rots away. This is the defacto progression for Linux distros. It is nowhere close to a full replacement for everyone, let alone Windows 10.
- tracker1 1y ago
  I don't run Zorin or Elementary, but have looked at them... they've been around for several years now and have put a lot of effort into being a good option for the typical user. A LOT of people are just fine with a working browser and maybe Steam for their games. Most people aren't doing a lot of tinkering and in concert breaking things doing so. It's a perfectly reasonable option. Beyond this, having had catastrophic fails in both Windows and Macs over the years, the typical user isn't equipped to handle them either.
sroerick 1y ago
I have not tried Zorin, but it is near the top of distros I would give to a "set it and forget it" non-techie. Anybody have a top 5 list for distros in this realm? I'm an Artix / OpenBSD guy these days and I feel like I'm too far down the rabbit hole to know what's good for new folks.
- rootsu 1y ago
  I have installed Zorin on my parent's 10 year old computer. They use it for browsing the internet and some video calls. Zorin works like a charm, and they have not had any major issues.
- Timsky 1y ago
  ArchLinux is the best alternative for yesterday's Windows 10 user
  - markstos 1y ago
    How so? Arch is much more technical and does not even come with a graphical package manager by default.
  - drnick1 1y ago
    I love Arch, but suggesting that even an above average Windows 10 user migrate to Arch without prior Linux experience is just irresponsible. They may be left with an unusable machine if they format their "C:" drive but don't manage to properly install Arch and a DE. Mint or even plain Debian seem far better for this, and updating such systems is usually more predictable.
- 10729287 1y ago
  Debian. I’m not trolling, it’s easy to install, very stable, and KDE, while allowing everything to be customized, is awesome out of the box. It’s way more oldschool than what I’m seeing of Zorin there but for the oldschoolers the feeling of owning his computer again has no price. I’ve been a pop!os user too for quite a long time and it’s very polished, but too fisherpricish for a desktop to me.
anonymousiam 1y ago
Namesake? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Zorin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Zorin "Zorin forms a plan to destroy his only competition in Silicon Valley by triggering a massive earthquake in the San Andreas Fault at high tide, causing the valley to flood. Such a disaster would effectively wipe out all computer companies competing against Zorin in the world microchip market and leave him as the leading supplier of microchips; it would also kill millions of people."
- brycewray 1y ago
  > The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorin_OS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorin_OS

Zorin OS 18

82 points by pentagrama 1y ago

askonomm 1y ago

I'm a little confused: does it have its own DE, or is it just a heavily modified Gnome?

debo_ 1y ago
It's Gnome.
jeroenhd 1y ago
It's a heavily themed Gnome distro with extra extensions and branded apps to supplement the experience. Some themes are free, others (like the IMO rather complete Windows and macOS lookalike themes) require the paid version of the OS. I think that's an excellent way to get financial support for a product like this. There are also some other nice-to-have integrations, like a pre-installed detection mechanism for certain setup.exes that will suggest Linux alternatives rather than opening them in the pre-installed Wine runtime.

andsoitis 1y ago

> Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows Keep in mind that Zorin is a Linux-based OS and can't run Windows apps.

ivan_gammel 1y ago
>can't run Windows apps. Wine?
- turtletontine 1y ago
  For the median Windows user who wants to try something new, running native Windows apps really truly needs to be no fuss and “just work.” This has been, erm, not exactly my experience with Wine. I don’t mean that as a dig at Wine, I know it’s technically impressive and incredibly valuable. Granted, I haven’t tried to use it in years, and I’m sure it’s improved a lot in that time. But if I set a family member up with a Linux distro, I’d be shocked frankly if they figure out how to use Windows on their own.
alsetmusic 1y ago
> Improved support for Windows software: Windows App Support includes significant improvements that allow you to run even more Windows-native apps and games than ever before. It’s now powered by the latest WINE version 10. You can learn more about the Windows App Support feature here.
- echelon_musk 1y ago
  > Linux-based operating systems were generally built for engineers by engineers, with little consideration for regular users. We decided to fix this. [0] I am extremely sceptical that any normal Windows user would have the patience to use WINE to get Windows software working. Sadly this feels like this distro is subject to exactly the problem they claim to solve. I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort. Until then, the incentives will simply never align. [0] https://zorin.com/about https://zorin.com/about
  - jerf 1y ago
    "I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort." Dunno, I used to think that, but between Microsoft putting significant effort into degrading the Windows 11 experience and ever more stuff moving to the web, I'm not so sure about that anymore. My house is nearly full Linux now. The major thing that gets the gaming computer booted into Windows now is VR, and my oldest son is sometimes annoyed by needing to use Windows for some theater tech stuff. So it's not like we don't still have some things Linux can't do. But increasingly at our house it is the Windows-only stuff we find the annoying exception rather than the other way around. It's nowhere near as impossible as it was 15-20 years ago. The falling Windows is getting awfully close to meeting the rising Linux.
  - wishfish 1y ago
    >I think the only way desktop Linux will ever approach something an "ordinary" computer user could use is if a corporation puts significant money behind the development effort. I think you're correct, but I also think this has already happened. Valve has put large amounts of money and development time into Linux. With a huge success. Gaming on Linux is very close to being as easy as it is on Windows. That removes a barrier for many home users. I do wish there was more commercial software. Getting Photoshop ported over would be the last hurdle for me personally. Everything else I can do through Steam, various open source programs like Calibre, Electron apps, and Web.

s_dev 1y ago

It's made by two Ukrainian brothers in Ireland. It's a franken debian. Which a lot of Linux users don't like for a variety of reasons but I think that debate is of a wider scope than this one submission. The main Dev/Maintainer for Linux Mint 'Clem' is also based in Ireland. So these are the only two Linux distros I know of to be associated with the Irish tech scene which is small.

Redster 1y ago
It seems like it's franken-Ubuntu, if https://zorin.com/os/details/ https://zorin.com/os/details/ is to be believed.
- conorcleary 1y ago
  Ubuntu is Debian-based, but I don't know how much leap-frogging occurred

sylens 1y ago

I'm really impressed at the amount of attention to detail and polish went into making this a nice transition point for Windows users. The idea that if someone tries to launch the Microsoft Office installer, it will gently redirect them to either LibreOffice or Office 365 on the web, is a great idea to enhance the overall user experience.

Arch485 1y ago

I don't use Zorin anymore, (I'm a dirty Ubuntu plebian) but I used to use it and it's great. The only thing I liked about Windows 11 was it's slick UI, and Zorin is basically the only Linux distro that replicates that without a ton of hassle. Zorin Connect is also awesome if you use your PC to watch TV on your TV. If you're thinking of abandoning Windows, (which, honestly, who isn't these days) Zorin is a good choice.

jeroenhd 1y ago
> Zorin Connect is also awesome if you use your PC to watch TV on your TV Zorin Connect is a fork of KDE Connect. If you're on KDE, you can use the standard KDE connect app to the same effect. I haven't tested it recently, but I'm pretty sure the Zorin Connect app will work with normal KDE Connect computers as well. If you're on Gnome (like default Ubuntu) you could use plain KDE Connect but I find its UI integration rather lacking, as with all KDE applications on Gnome. However, there are re-implementations like good old GSConnect (https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1319/gsconnect/ https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1319/gsconnect/) or Valent (made by the same person who made GSConnect, https://valent.andyholmes.ca/ https://valent.andyholmes.ca/) will replicate most of the Zorin Connect functionality as well. If you're on something else, pick whatever KDE Connect implementation works best for your desktop, there are plenty of options and most of them work seamlessly!
constantcrying 1y ago
IMO KDEs design is actually superior to anything Microsoft is offering. It is a great desktop experience, even with stock settings. Certainly better than everything Ubuntu does.
- knowitnone3 1y ago
  I haven't used it yet be KDE Linux(still in testing) looks to be promising immutable distro
  - ac29 1y ago
    Fedora has had an immutable KDE distribution for a while: https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite/ https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite/

deleted 1y ago

[deleted]

layer8 1y ago

Given the positioning as an alternative to Windows 11 (and presumably macOS), I would have hoped that it didn’t chase the latest GUI design fashions.

adastra22 1y ago
Well the latest gui design fashion is chasing Windows 7’s Aero look…
- Sparkle-san 1y ago
  MacOS liquid glass is just Windows Vista.
  - domoregood 1y ago
    This
  - Razengan 1y ago
    www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mac+OS+X+Aqua
- shortrounddev2 1y ago
  God we can only hope so
- deleted 1y ago
  [deleted]
- Razengan 1y ago
  Windows 7 chased macOS's Aqua look...
kachapopopow 1y ago
it actually has all the themes even win95, not sure if they still maintain it tho.

debo_ 1y ago

My favorite set-and-forget distro. I've migrated several non-techie family members off Windows onto Zorin and they've had zero issues. The elderly folks in particularly seem to find the UI easier than Windows, mainly because I switch them to the "windows-95" like desktop arrangement.

temperceve 1y ago

Zorin 18 is greeeaaat! Been a long time user.

jestinjoy1 1y ago

I am using Zorin in my Computer Lab. It works well on legacy hardware. I am running Zorin on Intel Dual Core processor, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD.

4b11b4 1y ago

Got my grandma a desktop from Free Geek (great org here in Portland, OR). Been running Zorin for many years and I basically gave her no instruction.

tracker1 1y ago
Before she passed, one of my Grandmothers was on Ubuntu for about a decade. I did have to stop by to run updates and install the handful of (windows) games she liked (worked in wine without issue). She had a few games from the late 90's she liked (cards, etc) and I was surprised how well they worked. She didn't need much hand holding at all, just a working browser and shortcuts for what she needed. Setting up Variety and a folder of cute cat/puppy photos to rotate was a pretty big win for her as well.

1970-01-01 1y ago

>With Zorin OS, your next computer can be the one you already own. It’s designed to be the perfect Windows replacement for everyday users, professionals, and everyone in between. Sorry for sounding curt, but this is yet another flavor of the week distribution that claims it's the best choice for everyone. It's exactly what everyone has needed for decades.. There's nothing wrong with making yet another distro, but call it what it is: another shade of brown. It will not, ever, evolve itself beyond what hasn't already been delivered by the top distros. Users discard it when they're having issues and the next flavor of the week distribution is popular. Or the rug is pulled and the distro simply rots away. This is the defacto progression for Linux distros. It is nowhere close to a full replacement for everyone, let alone Windows 10.

tracker1 1y ago
I don't run Zorin or Elementary, but have looked at them... they've been around for several years now and have put a lot of effort into being a good option for the typical user. A LOT of people are just fine with a working browser and maybe Steam for their games. Most people aren't doing a lot of tinkering and in concert breaking things doing so. It's a perfectly reasonable option. Beyond this, having had catastrophic fails in both Windows and Macs over the years, the typical user isn't equipped to handle them either.

sroerick 1y ago

I have not tried Zorin, but it is near the top of distros I would give to a "set it and forget it" non-techie. Anybody have a top 5 list for distros in this realm? I'm an Artix / OpenBSD guy these days and I feel like I'm too far down the rabbit hole to know what's good for new folks.

rootsu 1y ago
I have installed Zorin on my parent's 10 year old computer. They use it for browsing the internet and some video calls. Zorin works like a charm, and they have not had any major issues.
Timsky 1y ago
ArchLinux is the best alternative for yesterday's Windows 10 user
- markstos 1y ago
  How so? Arch is much more technical and does not even come with a graphical package manager by default.
- drnick1 1y ago
  I love Arch, but suggesting that even an above average Windows 10 user migrate to Arch without prior Linux experience is just irresponsible. They may be left with an unusable machine if they format their "C:" drive but don't manage to properly install Arch and a DE. Mint or even plain Debian seem far better for this, and updating such systems is usually more predictable.
10729287 1y ago
Debian. I’m not trolling, it’s easy to install, very stable, and KDE, while allowing everything to be customized, is awesome out of the box. It’s way more oldschool than what I’m seeing of Zorin there but for the oldschoolers the feeling of owning his computer again has no price. I’ve been a pop!os user too for quite a long time and it’s very polished, but too fisherpricish for a desktop to me.

anonymousiam 1y ago

Namesake? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Zorin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Zorin "Zorin forms a plan to destroy his only competition in Silicon Valley by triggering a massive earthquake in the San Andreas Fault at high tide, causing the valley to flood. Such a disaster would effectively wipe out all computer companies competing against Zorin in the world microchip market and leave him as the leading supplier of microchips; it would also kill millions of people."

brycewray 1y ago
> The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorin_OS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorin_OS