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.[1][2] Wine and PlayOnLinux are supported,[3] 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.[4]
 The logo for Zorin OS | |
 Zorin OS 16.1 Core desktop with GNOME desktop environment | |
| Developer | Zorin Group |
|---|---|
| Written in | C, C++, Python, D, Java |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Initial release | 2009 |
| Latest release | 17.1 / March 7, 2024 |
| Repository | |
| Marketing target | Personal computers |
| Available in | Over 50 languages |
| Update method | Software Updater |
| Package manager | APT, dpkg, Snap, flatpak |
| Platforms | x86_64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | GNOME, Xfce |
| License | Free software + some optional proprietary device drivers |
| Official website | zorin |
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[5][6][7] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.[8] As with all GNOME-based desktop environments, the look and feel of the desktop can be modified using GNOME extensions.[9]
Editions
Zorin OS is available in various editions:[10]
- Pro (Paid)
- Pro Lite (Paid)
- Core (free)
- Lite (free)
- Education (without support) (free)
- Education Lite (without support) (free)
The Lite editions are streamlined to work on older computers and use XFCE instead of GNOME.[11]
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.[12]
History
The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.[13]
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
| Legend: | Old version, not maintained | Older version, still maintained | Current stable version | Latest preview version | Future release |
|---|
| Version | Date | Based on | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zorin OS 1.0 | 1 July 2009 | Initial release | |
| Zorin OS Limited Edition '09 | 7 December 2009 | ||
| Zorin OS 2 | 1 January 2010 | Ubuntu 9.10 | Introduces five varieties: Core, Gaming, Multimedia, Educational, Ultimate[14] |
| Zorin OS 3 | 10 June 2010 | Ubuntu 10.04 LTS | Zorin OS Look Changer added, installation slideshow tutorial[14] |
| Zorin OS 4 | 22 December 2010 | Ubuntu 10.10 | Improved file manager, performance improvements[14] |
| Zorin OS 5 | 6 June 2011 | Ubuntu 11.04 | Core and Ultimate available; new theme, updated software, Zorin-specific program improvements[14] |
| Zorin OS 5.1 | 23 August 2011 | Updated Linux Kernel, aesthetic updates[14] | |
| Zorin OS 6 | 18 June 2012 | Ubuntu 12.04 LTS | Core and Ultimate available; new desktop environment, "Zorin Look Changer"[14] |
| Zorin OS 6.1 | 8 November 2012 | Updated kernel and software, security updates[14] | |
| Zorin OS 6.2 | 27 February 2013 | "Zorin Menu" update, stability improvements[14] | |
| Zorin OS 6.3 | 14 May 2013 | Updated kernel[14] | |
| Zorin OS 7 | 10 June 2013 | Ubuntu 13.04 | Core and Ultimate available; updated software, Linux kernel 3.8, design overhaul[14] |
| Zorin OS 6.4 | 28 August 2013 | Ubuntu 12.04 LTS | Updated kernel and software[14] |
| Zorin OS 8 | 27 January 2014 | Ubuntu 13.10 | Core and Ultimate available; updated software, UI improvements, Zorin theme changer[14] |
| Zorin OS 9 | 15 July 2014 | Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | Core and Ultimate available; stability improvements, Firefox support, more themes[14] |
| Zorin OS 10 | 1 August 2015 | Ubuntu 15.04 | Default application refresh, performance and security improvements[14] |
| Zorin OS 11 | 3 February 2016 | Ubuntu 15.10 | Core and Ultimate available; new default applications, desktop user experience overhaul[14] |
| Zorin OS 12 | 18 November 2016 | Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | New Zorin Desktop, activities overview, search revamp[14] |
| Zorin OS 12.1 | 27 February 2017 | Bug fixes, new desktop features, performance improvements[14] | |
| Zorin OS 12.2 | 8 September 2017 | Desktop refinements, performance and stability improvements[14] | |
| Zorin OS 12.3 | 16 March 2018 | Wine compatibility built-in, Direct3D 10 and 11 support[14] | |
| Zorin OS 12.4 | 13 September 2018 | Linux kernel 4.15, performance improvements, software update process streamlining[14] | |
| 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) |
| Zorin OS 15.2 | 5 March 2020 | Stronger security and hardware compatibility | |
| Zorin OS 15.3 | 8 September 2020 | Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security. | |
| Zorin OS 16 | 17 August 2021 | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | Visual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Flatpak support out of the box.[15] |
| Zorin OS 16.1 | 10 March 2022 | Stronger security and better hardware compatibility. | |
| Zorin OS 16.2 | 27 October 2022 | Ease of use and software updates. | |
| Zorin OS 16.3 | 27 July 2023 | "Zorin OS Upgrader" tool added; updated software packages; same kernel version as Ubuntu 22.04.[16] | |
| Zorin OS 17 | 20 December 2023 | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | |
| Zorin OS 17.1 | 7 March 2024 | Ubuntu 23.10 | Wine 9.0 and Bottles bundled in Windows App Support, Reading Strip, Logseq, LibreOffice 24.2, Thumbnails for more file formats, New Window Placement option, same kernel version as Ubuntu 23.10, better hardware support.[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]