 Zorin OS
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| Founded: |
July 1, 2009 (edit) |
| Version: | 16 (edit) |
| Release Date: | August 17, 2021 (edit) |
| Next Release: | 17, expected 2022/23 (edit) |
| Platform(s): | Linux, (X86, PPC, ISO) (edit) |
| Packaging: | DEB (edit) |
| Interface(s): |
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| Derivative of: | Ubuntu (edit) |
| Home Page: | http://zorinos.com/ (edit) |
Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows and macOS users who want to have easy and smooth access to Linux. It is based on Ubuntu, and uses a customized version of Gnome and the Avant Window Navigator which they call the 'Zorin Desktop'.
History
Zorin OS 1.0 was released July 1, 2009, and was based on Ubuntu 9.04.
The most recent release, Zorin OS 16, was released on August 17, 2021 and is based on Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS. The new release brings many updated features including a refreshed GUI, new touchpad gestures, the ability to easily sideload applications made for Windows, and more.
Release Versions
| Version | Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | July 1, 2009 |
| Limited Edition '09 | December 7, 2009 |
| 2.0 | January 1, 2010 |
| 3.0 | June 10, 2010 |
| 4.0 | December 22, 2010 |
| 5.0 | June 6, 2011 |
| 6.0 | December 31, 2012 |
| 7.0 | October 16, 2013 |
| 8.0 | February 21, 2014 |
| 9.0 | July 15, 2014 |
| 10.0 | August 1, 2015 |
| 11.0 | February 3, 2016 |
| 12 | November, 2016 |
| 15.3 | September 8, 2020 |
| 16 | August 17, 2021 |
Features
Zorin Appearance
Zorin OS has some distinctive features that set it apart from other Linux distributions. The most renowned one is the purposeful attempt to provide a Windows-like experience by default, although through the use of the Zorin Appearance, users can choose the theme that best suits them. With Zorin OS 16, users have the option to choose between a variety of appearance styles including styles which mimic Windows 10, macOS, the now-defunct Windows 10X, and others.
Zorin uses the Avant Window Navigator (AWN) on top of a Gnome 3 base. The Zorin Menu is a plugin for AWN, and changes depending on the layout selected.
With a 2.4GB ISO, Zorin offers nearly every piece of software a user could want for, including not only the basics (LibreOffice, Firefox, etc.) but also more advanced software like GIMP, OpenShot Video editor, VLC Media Player, and Wine. Users also have access to the Ubuntu Software Center.
Zorin OS comes pre-installed with many media codecs to help users avoid having to install these themselves, a task which is a major roadblock for new Linux users.
Editions
Zorin OS comes in four different editions. Users can choose between:
- Core - "For basic use on modern computers."
- Lite - "For basic use on low-spec PCs up to 15 years old."
- Pro - "Unleash your computer."
- Education - "21st century learning."
* Price: $39 USD
As of October 2021, Zorin OS 16 Lite, Pro Lite, and Education are under development, with 15.3 still publicly available. Other editions of Zorin OS are on 16.
