Zorin OS
{{Short description|Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Zorin OS
| logo = Zorin Logomark.svg
| logo_size = 65px
| logo caption = Logo
| logo alt = The logo for Zorin OS.
| screenshot = File:Zorin OS 17.3 Desktop.png
| screenshot_alt = Desktop of 16.1 Core
| caption = Zorin OS 17.3 desktop with the GNOME desktop environment
| collapsible =
| version of =
| developer = Zorin Group
| programmed in = C, C++, Python, D, Java
| working state = Current
| source model = Open-source{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
| released = 2009
| discontinued =
| latest release version = Zorin OS 17.3
| latest release date = March 26 2025
| marketing target = Personal computers
| language = Over 50 languages
| update model = Software Updater
| package manager = APT, dpkg, Snap, flatpak
| supported platforms = x86_64
| kernel type = Monolithic (Linux kernel)
| userland = GNU
| license = Free software + some optional proprietary device drivers
| website = {{URL|https://zorin.com/os/}}
| support status =
| other articles =
}}
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions.{{cite book|last1=Phillip|first1=Watt|title=Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business|publisher=Apress|page=218|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V1l4CgAAQBAJ&q=%22Zorin+OS%22&pg=PA218|isbn=9781484211304|date=2015-08-29}} It uses a GNOME and XFCE 4 desktop environment by default, although the desktop is heavily customized for users more familiar with Windows and macOS.{{cite web |url=https://www.linux.com/learn/zorin-os-linux-distribution-windows-xp-and-7-fans |title=Zorin OS: The Linux Distribution for Windows XP and 7 Fans |website=linux.com |publisher=The Linux Foundation |date=2016-02-24 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2458046/10-reasons-to-try-zorin-os-9-the-linux-os-that-looks-like-windows.html |title=10 reasons to try Zorin OS 9, the Linux OS that looks like Windows |website=pcworld.com |publisher=PC World |date=2014-07-30 }}
Features
Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions{{cite web|last1=Johnston|first1=Mike|date=5 December 2016|title=Zorin OS 12 Review|url=https://www.cmscritic.com/zorin-os-review/|access-date=27 October 2018|publisher=CMS Critic|language=en}} including versions using XFCE for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Shawn |date=2019-12-17 |title=Zorin OS Lite Review - 15.1 Lite Edition |url=https://www.cmscritic.com/reviews/zorin-os-lite-review-15-1-version/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=CMS Critic |language=en}} Zorin OS follows the long-term releases of the main Ubuntu system and uses its own software repositories as well as Ubuntu's repositories. The desktop environment themes can resemble those of Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu{{cite web|title=Zorin OS-Home|url=https://zorinos.com/|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=Zorin OS|quote=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.}}{{cite web|date=2018-08-28|title=Zorin OS|url=https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=zorin|access-date=25 October 2018|website=DistroWatch.com|language=en}}{{cite web|last1=Speed|first1=Richard|date=14 August 2018|title=Linux 4.18 arrives fashionably late while Zorin OS shines up its Windows|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/14/zorin_and_linux/|access-date=27 October 2018|website=The Register|publisher=Situation Publishing|language=en}} and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.{{Cite web|title=Zorin OS Review - An alternative to macOS and Windows|url=https://www.fosslinux.com/45399/zorin-os-review-alternative-macos-windows.htm/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=www.fosslinux.com/|date=4 May 2021 |language=en-US}} Zorin OS Lite, the XFCE-based edition for older computers, will be supported through versions 17 and 18, with updates until June 2029, and is expected to be discontinued from version 19. {{cite web
|title=The Future of Zorin OS Lite
|url=https://help.zorin.com/docs/getting-started/getting-zorin-os-lite/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330020530/https://help.zorin.com/docs/getting-started/getting-zorin-os-lite/
|archive-date=2025-03-30
|website=Zorin OS Blog
|publisher=Zorin Group
|date=2024-04-16
|access-date=2025-04-05
}}
In January 2020, the developers announced plans to release Zorin Grid, which would be software for installing and maintaining Zorin OS within a network, aimed at companies and schools.{{cite web | url=https://zorin.com/grid/| title=Zorin Grid - Manage all of your computers. As easily as one.| accessdate=2023-02-27}}{{cite web | url=https://itsfoss.com/zorin-grid/| title=Zorin Grid Lets You Remotely Manage Multiple Zorin OS Computers| date= 2020-01-16| accessdate=2023-02-27}} {{As of|2025|03}}, the software is unreleased.{{Cite web |title=Zorin Grid |url=https://zorin.com/grid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608114914/https://zorin.com/grid/ |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=Zorin |language=en}}
History
The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.{{cite news |last1=Prakash |first1=Abhishek |title=Zorin OS: From the Hobby Project of Two Teenagers to a Growing Startup - It's FOSS |url=https://itsfoss.com/zorin-os-interview/ |access-date=15 September 2020 |newspaper=It's Foss|date=November 2017 }}
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. 17.3 is the most recent version.
=Versions=
{{Version |l |show=111111}}
| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" | ||
| Version | Date
! Base !Kernel version | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 1.0}} | 1 July 2009
| | | Initial release |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS Limited Edition '09}} | 7 December 2009
| | | |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 2}} | 1 January 2010
| | Introduces five varieties: Core, Gaming, Multimedia, Educational, Ultimate{{cite web |title=Zorin news releases |url=https://distrowatch.com/index.php?distribution=zorin |access-date=27 October 2018 |website=DistroWatch.com |publisher=Unsigned Integer Limited}} |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 3}} | 10 June 2010
| | Zorin OS Look Changer added, installation slideshow tutorial |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 4}} | 22 December 2010
| | Improved file manager, performance improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 5}} | 6 June 2011
| rowspan="2" |Ubuntu 11.04 | | Core and Ultimate available; new theme, updated software, Zorin-specific program improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 5.1|show=}} | 23 August 2011
| | Updated Linux Kernel, aesthetic updates |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 6}} | 18 June 2012
| rowspan="4" |Ubuntu 12.04 LTS | | Core and Ultimate available; new desktop environment, "Zorin Look Changer" |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 6.1}} | 8 November 2012
| | Updated kernel and software, security updates |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 6.2}} | 27 February 2013
| | "Zorin Menu" update, stability improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 6.3}} | 14 May 2013
| | Updated kernel |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 7}} | 10 June 2013
| | Core and Ultimate available; updated software, Linux kernel 3.8, design overhaul |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 6.4}} | 28 August 2013
| | Updated kernel and software |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 8}} | 27 January 2014
| | Core and Ultimate available; updated software, UI improvements, Zorin theme changer |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 9}} | 15 July 2014
| | Core and Ultimate available; stability improvements, Firefox support, more themes |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 10}} | 1 August 2015
| | Default application refresh, performance and security improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 11}} | 3 February 2016
| | Core and Ultimate available; new default applications, desktop user experience overhaul |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 12}} | 18 November 2016
| rowspan="5" |Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | 4.4.0-xx | New Zorin Desktop, activities overview, search revamp |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 12.1}} | 27 February 2017
| 4.8.0-xx | Bug fixes, new desktop features, performance improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 12.2}} | 8 September 2017
| 4.10.0-xx | Desktop refinements, performance and stability improvements |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 12.3}} | 16 March 2018
| 4.13.0-xx | Wine compatibility built-in, Direct3D 10 and 11 support |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 12.4}} | 13 September 2018
| 4.15.0-xx | Linux kernel 4.15, performance improvements, software update process streamlining |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 15}} | 5 June 2019
| rowspan="4" |Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | 4.18.0-xx | 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) |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 15.1}}
|12 December 2019 |5.0.0-xx |Zorin Connect upgrade, LibreOffice 6.3, GameMode, manually scheduled Auto Theme feature, enable/disable panel's dynamic background opacity, adjust transparency based on window proximity or maximization, Sans Forgetica font introduced.{{Cite web |title=Zorin OS 15.1 is Released: A Better Way to Work, Learn and Play |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2019/12/12/zorin-os-15-1-is-released-a-better-way-to-work-learn-and-play/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=blog.zorin.com |language=en}} | ||
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 15.2}} | 5 March 2020
| 5.3.0-xx | Stronger security and hardware compatibility |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 15.3}} | 8 September 2020
| 5.4.0-xx | Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security. |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 16}} | 17 August 2021
| rowspan="4" |Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | 5.11.0-xx | Visual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Flatpak support out of the box.{{cite web |date=16 April 2021 |title=Introducing Zorin OS 16: Test the Beta Today |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2021/04/15/introducing-zorin-os-16-test-the-beta-today/}} |
| {{Version|o|Zorin OS 16.1}} | 10 March 2022
| 5.13.0-xx | Stronger security and better hardware compatibility. |
| {{Version|co|Zorin OS 16.2}} | 27 October 2022
| 5.15.0-xx | Ease of use and software updates. |
| {{Version|co|Zorin OS 16.3}} | 27 July 2023
| 5.15.0-xx | "Zorin OS Upgrader" tool added; updated software packages; same kernel version as Ubuntu 22.04.{{Cite web |title=Zorin OS 16.3 Is Released |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2023/07/27/zorin-os-16.3-is-released/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=blog.zorin.com |language=en}} |
| {{Version|co|Zorin OS 17}} | 20 December 2023
| rowspan="4" | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |6.2.0-xx | |
| {{Version|co|Zorin OS 17.1}} | 7 March 2024
|6.5.0-xx | Wine 9.0 and [https://usebottles.com Bottles] bundled in Windows App Support, [https://github.com/lupantano/readingstrip Reading Strip], [https://logseq.com Logseq], LibreOffice 24.2, Thumbnails for more file formats, New Window Placement option, updated Linux Kernel and Graphics Stack with the same Version found in Ubuntu 23.10, better hardware support.{{Cite web |title=Zorin OS 17.1 Is Released |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2024/03/07/zorin-os-17.1-is-released/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=blog.zorin.com |language=en}} | |
| {{Version|co|Zorin OS 17.2}} | 19 September 2024
| rowspan="2" | 6.8.0-xx | Updated Linux Kernel with the same Version found in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Additional window management and theming settings. Software updates, e. g. LibreOffice 24.8.{{Cite web |title=Zorin OS 17.2 Has Landed |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2024/09/19/zorin-os-17.2-has-landed/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=blog.zorin.com |language=en}} | |
| {{Version|c|Zorin OS 17.3}} | 26 March 2025
|Zorin OS 17.3 has improved performance and has updated hardware support also redesigned software store. better desktop layouts, better accessibility, and connection with Android and Windows Devices with the Zorin Connect app. Brave is the default web browser.{{Cite web |title=Zorin OS 17.3 is Here |url=https://blog.zorin.com/2025/03/26/zorin-os-17.3-is-here/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=blog.zorin.com |language=en}} |
Reception
Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;{{cite web |last1=Bidwell |first1=Jonni |title=Zorin OS 12 Core |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/zorin-os-12-core |website=TechRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=27 October 2018 |language=en |date=22 February 2017}}{{cite web |title=Zorin OS 12 Review: LinuxAndUbuntu Distro Review Of The Week |url=http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/zorin-os-12-review-linuxandubuntu-distro-review-of-the-week |website=LinuxAndUbuntu |access-date=27 October 2018 |language=en |date=2 November 2017}}{{cite web |last1=Fagioli |first1=Brian |title=Zorin OS 12.4 Linux distribution is here – switch from Microsoft Windows 10 now! |url=https://betanews.com/2018/08/14/zorin-os-124-linux/ |website=betanews |publisher=BetaNews, Inc |access-date=27 October 2018 |language=en |date=14 August 2018}} as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.{{cite web |title=Zorin OS 12 Review: LinuxAndUbuntu Distro Review Of The Week |url=http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/zorin-os-12-review-linuxandubuntu-distro-review-of-the-week |website=LinuxAndUbuntu |access-date=27 October 2018 |language=en |date=2 November 2017}}{{Cite web |last=Germain |first=Jack M. |date=2021-10-08 |title=Zorin OS 16: Better GNOME With Much More Simplicity |url=https://www.linuxinsider.com/story/zorin-os-16-better-gnome-with-much-more-simplicity-87296.html |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=LinuxInsider |language=en-US}}
Notes and references
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
- {{DistroWatch|zorin|NAME=Zorin OS}}
{{Ubuntu}}
{{Linux distributions}}
{{Linux}}
{{Operating system}}