Zorin OS

Overview

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution released in 2009, designed for users or newcomers transitioning from Windows/macOS to Linux. It provides a user-friendly, secure, and privacy-respecting alternative, and comes with a customized GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop. It offers Core (free), Lite (free, for older hardware), Education (free, for schools), and Pro (paid) editions, and supports Ubuntu LTS for long-term updates.

History and Development

• Founded: Founded in 2008 by Artyom and Kyrill Zorin in Dublin, Ireland.
• First release: Zorin OS 1.0, released on July 1, 2009.
• Key Milestones:
  • Zorin OS 16 (2021): Added Zorin look and feel, support for in-place upgrades.
  • Zorin OS 17.1–17.3 (2024–2025): Enhanced Wine, LibreOffice, Zorin Connect, and touchscreen support.
  • Zorin Grid: Planned enterprise tool, not released as of March 2025.
• Company: Zorin OS Technologies Limited, focused on simplicity and ease of use.

Main Features

1. Customizable Desktop: GNOME 3 (Core) or XFCE 4 (Lite) with Zorin skin for Windows/macOS-like themes.
2. Editions: Core, Lite (discontinued after 18), Education, Pro (paid).
3. Windows Compatibility: Some Windows apps support Wine/PlayOnLinux.
4. Media Codecs: Pre-installed for easy playback of multimedia files.
5. Zorin Connect: Sync notifications and files with Android.
6. Performance: Runs on 15+ year old hardware (Lite: 1GB RAM).
7. Security/Privacy: Linux kernel, minimal data collection.
8. Updates: Supported until 2027 (version 17.3) or 2029 (Lite 18).

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Easy to use for Windows/macOS users.
• High performance even on older hardware.
• Strong focus on security and privacy.
• Powerful free version.
• Active community, regular updates.

Limitations

• Limited Windows app compatibility via Wine.
• Slightly higher learning curve for Linux features.
• Firewall disabled by default.
• Pro version requires payment.
• Zorin Grid is not yet released.

Summary

Zorin OS is an easy-to-use, high-performance Linux distribution that is perfect for Windows/macOS migration users and Linux beginners. Although Windows application support and default firewall settings are its shortcomings, its customizable interface, long-term support, and privacy focus make it very versatile.