Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, developed to provide a user-friendly desktop environment that mimics the look and feel of Windows and macOS, making it accessible for beginners and those switching from proprietary operating systems.[1] Founded in 2008 by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin, the project released its first version, Zorin OS 1.0, on July 1, 2009, with the goal of bringing advanced Linux technology to everyday users through simplicity, speed, and customization.[2][3] Over the years, Zorin OS has evolved into major releases every two years, with the latest, Zorin OS 18, launched on October 14, 2025, based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and supported with updates until June 1, 2029.[4] The distribution is built on the Linux kernel—version 6.8 for Zorin OS 17.3 and 6.14 for Zorin OS 18—and uses GNOME Shell as its primary desktop environment in Core and Pro editions, with XFCE available in the Lite edition for lower-end hardware.[4] Key features include robust security through virus-resistant architecture and regular patches, strong privacy protections with no data collection, and compatibility with older computers dating back 15 years or more, helping reduce electronic waste.[1] It comes pre-installed with essential applications for productivity, multimedia, and web browsing, while supporting additional formats like Flatpak, Snap, AppImage, and even Windows executables via built-in Wine integration for seamless app compatibility.[4] Gaming is facilitated through tools such as Steam, Lutris, and Proton, and Zorin Connect enables integration with Android devices for file sharing and remote control.[1] Available in over 100 languages with accessibility options, Zorin OS offers editions tailored to different needs: the free Core and Lite editions for general and low-end hardware use, respectively, the paid Pro edition with advanced layouts and premium apps, and the Education edition for learning environments featuring specialized software for math, science, and coding.[1][5]Overview
Development and Goals
Zorin OS was founded in 2008 by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin in Dublin, Ireland, with the primary goal of making advanced technology accessible to everyone by creating a user-friendly Linux distribution.[6][7] The project originated as a hobby when the teenage brothers experimented with Ubuntu, leading to the development of an operating system designed to bridge the gap for users unfamiliar with Linux.[7] This initiative was formalized under Zorin OS Technologies Limited, an Irish company dedicated to leveraging open-source principles for broader adoption.[6] The core mission of Zorin OS is to provide a polished and intuitive alternative to proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS, prioritizing ease of use, privacy, security, and efficient performance on older hardware.[6][8] Unlike commercial OSes that often rely on data collection, Zorin OS emphasizes user control and transparency, with no telemetry or tracking built into the system.[8] It is built on Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) releases to ensure stability and long-term reliability.[7] The distribution focuses on delivering a familiar interface that requires no prior technical knowledge, enabling seamless transitions for beginners.[6] Zorin OS targets non-technical users, beginners, and individuals switching from Windows or macOS, particularly in light of events like the end-of-support for Windows 10 in October 2025.[6][7] Zorin OS 18, released on October 14, 2025, achieved over 1 million downloads in its first month, with over 78% coming from Windows users seeking a secure, privacy-respecting option without performance degradation on aging devices.[9] This audience includes those motivated by concerns over data privacy, rising hardware costs, and the need for a virus-resistant environment.[8] The business model sustains development through an open-source foundation, offering a free Core edition for broad accessibility alongside a paid Pro edition that provides additional software, layouts, and priority support to fund ongoing improvements.[8][10] Revenue from Pro purchases directly supports the small team and community contributors, aligning with the mission to expand Linux's desktop presence without compromising user freedom.[8][7]Editions
Zorin OS offers three main editions tailored to different user needs and hardware capabilities: Core, Pro, and Lite.[1][5] The Core edition is the free variant, providing essential applications such as LibreOffice for productivity, along with basic desktop layouts including Windows-like, Touch, Windows List-like, and GNOME Shell-like options via the Zorin Appearance tool.[1][10] It grants full access to the Ubuntu software repositories for additional package installations and is designed for general use on modern hardware.[4] The Pro edition is a paid upgrade priced at a one-time fee of $47.99, which includes everything in the Core edition plus premium desktop layouts (such as macOS-like and Windows 11-like themes), advanced customization tools, exclusive abstract wallpapers, a professional-grade creative suite with applications like a video editor and Photoshop-compatible image editor, and priority email technical support for one computer.[11][12] The Lite edition, intended for older hardware with limited resources, uses the Xfce desktop environment instead of GNOME and was available up to Zorin OS 18, but will be discontinued starting with version 19 in favor of an optimized GNOME configuration for better performance on low-end systems.[5][13] All current editions of Zorin OS 18 are based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring long-term support with software updates and security patches until 1 June 2029.[4][14]History
Founding and Early Years
In 2008, brothers Artyom Zorin (aged 12) and Kyrill Zorin (aged 14) initiated the development of Zorin OS in Ireland, drawing inspiration from Ubuntu 7.10's performance and flexibility while seeking to address its steep learning curve for users accustomed to Windows.[7] Self-taught through online resources, the duo aimed to create a more approachable Linux distribution by customizing the GNOME desktop environment to emulate familiar Windows XP and Vista interfaces, thereby easing the transition for newcomers.[6] Early prototypes emphasized user-friendly design elements. The brothers later conducted further development and testing while pursuing studies at Trinity College Dublin.[7] The project culminated in the first public release, Zorin OS 1.0, on July 1, 2009, which was based on Ubuntu 9.04 and introduced basic layout switching options alongside pre-installed multimedia codecs to enhance out-of-the-box usability.[2][15] This proof-of-concept version prioritized simplicity and accessibility, reflecting the founders' vision of making advanced Linux technology available to non-technical users without requiring extensive reconfiguration.[6] During these formative years, the Zorin brothers operated as a small team with limited resources, relying heavily on community contributions for essential tasks such as translations and bug fixes to sustain development.[7] Despite these constraints, their hobby project laid the groundwork for a distribution focused on seamless adoption, underscoring a commitment to ongoing accessibility goals.[6]Key Milestones and Releases
Zorin OS adopted a long-term support (LTS) model starting with version 6, released on June 18, 2012, and based on Ubuntu 12.04, which provided five years of security updates for enhanced stability.[16] Version 15 arrived on June 11, 2019, built on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, introducing refinements to the desktop environment and broader hardware compatibility while maintaining the LTS commitment until April 2023.[17][18] The Pro edition, offering paid advanced themes and additional software integrations, debuted with Zorin OS 16 on August 17, 2021, which used Ubuntu 20.04 LTS as its foundation and emphasized user-friendly transitions from other operating systems.[19][20] In July 2023, Zorin OS 16.3 introduced an in-place upgrade tool, enabling users to transition between major versions without full reinstallations, a feature that streamlined maintenance for existing installations.[21] Zorin OS 17, launched on December 20, 2023, and based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, enhanced Wine integration for better compatibility with Windows applications, alongside support extending until June 2027.[22] The latest major release, Zorin OS 18 on October 14, 2025, shifted to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with Linux kernel 6.14, incorporating a modernized GNOME-based design and integrated Zorin Connect for seamless mobile device synchronization.[3][14] As part of ongoing refinements, the Xfce-based Lite edition, aimed at older hardware, concluded with Zorin OS 18, with support continuing until June 2029 despite no further development.[5]Technical Features
Desktop Environment and Customization
Zorin OS primarily utilizes a customized version of the GNOME 46 desktop environment for its Core and Pro editions, providing an intuitive and modern graphical user interface that emphasizes ease of use for users transitioning from other operating systems.[3][4] The Lite edition (the final release in the Zorin OS 18 series, with support until June 2029) employs the XFCE 4 desktop environment to deliver a lighter alternative suitable for older hardware.[4][5] A key feature of Zorin OS is its flexible layout system, accessible through the Zorin Appearance application, which allows users to switch between predefined desktop interfaces that mimic popular operating systems. In the Core edition, users can select from layouts resembling Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS Sonoma, or Ubuntu, enabling a seamless adaptation for newcomers.[1][3] The Pro edition expands this to 12 layouts, including additional options such as Chrome OS-inspired designs and touch-friendly modes optimized for tablet or hybrid devices, along with new additions like compact panel and Linux Mint-like configurations.[11][3] The Zorin Appearance app serves as the central customization tool, offering straightforward controls for theme switching, icon pack selection, and GNOME extension management to personalize the interface without requiring advanced technical knowledge.[1][23] It also facilitates accent color adjustments and panel positioning to further tailor the visual experience. Zorin OS supports over 100 languages out of the box, including right-to-left script handling for languages like Arabic and Hebrew, ensuring global accessibility through integrated locale management.[1][23] To accommodate diverse hardware, Zorin OS incorporates performance optimizations such as low-resource configurations that enable smooth operation on systems as old as 15 years, meeting minimum requirements of a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 2 GB RAM, and 15 GB storage.[24][1] It includes support for Wayland as the default display server protocol in GNOME-based editions, enhancing security and efficiency, alongside fractional scaling options for high-DPI modern displays to maintain crisp visuals across varying screen resolutions.[3][4]Software Ecosystem and Compatibility
Zorin OS employs the Advanced Package Tool (APT) as its primary package management system, leveraging repositories from its Ubuntu 24.04 base for seamless access to a vast array of Debian packages (.deb files).[25] This setup ensures compatibility with Ubuntu's extensive software ecosystem, allowing users to install, update, and manage applications through the command line via commands likesudo apt update and sudo apt install.[25]
Complementing APT, the graphical Software application serves as a centralized store for discovering and installing software, integrating Zorin OS-specific repositories alongside Ubuntu's APT sources, Flathub for Flatpak packages, and the Snap Store for Snap packages.[25] Flatpak support enables distribution-agnostic, sandboxed applications that bundle dependencies, reducing conflicts and enhancing security, while Snap provides containerized apps with automatic updates.[25] Users can add Personal Package Archives (PPAs) for additional software via the terminal, broadening access to community-maintained packages without compromising the system's core repositories.[25]
The Core edition of Zorin OS includes a selection of pre-installed essential applications tailored for everyday productivity and multimedia use, such as the LibreOffice office suite for document editing compatible with Microsoft Office formats, the Firefox web browser for internet access, the GIMP image editor for graphics manipulation, and media players like VLC for audio and video playback.[1] The Pro edition builds on this foundation by incorporating premium applications, including an advanced office suite with enhanced Microsoft Office/365 compatibility, alongside tools like a professional video editor and audio workstation.[11]
For cross-platform compatibility, Zorin OS features built-in Windows App Support, which utilizes the Wine compatibility layer to execute many Windows executables (.exe) and installers (.msi) directly by double-clicking files in the file manager, provided the necessary dependencies are met.[26] This layer translates Windows API calls to POSIX equivalents, enabling a range of legacy Windows software to run natively without emulation overhead, though compatibility varies by application.[26] For gaming, the system recommends Lutris as a frontend for managing Wine-based installations and non-Steam titles, while Steam's Proton tool—integrated via Steam Play—facilitates running Windows games through a customized Wine variant optimized for performance.[27]
Additional integration features include Zorin Connect, which enables seamless synchronization between Zorin OS and Android devices over an encrypted local network, supporting file sharing, photo transfers, notification mirroring, and remote control of media playback or slideshows using the phone as a touchpad.[1] iOS integration is more limited but allows basic notification syncing via compatible third-party apps.[1]
Zorin OS provides robust hardware support for graphics cards, shipping with open-source drivers for both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs to ensure out-of-the-box functionality.[1] For AMD Radeon and newer GPUs, the pre-loaded AMDGPU and Radeon drivers handle rendering and compute tasks efficiently without additional configuration.[28] NVIDIA users can select a boot option with modern proprietary drivers during installation for optimal performance in graphics-intensive applications, while the open-source Nouveau driver serves as a fallback for basic operations.[29]
Installation and Support
System Requirements
Zorin OS offers editions tailored to different hardware capabilities, allowing it to run on computers as old as 15 years while providing a familiar experience for users migrating from Windows, especially following the end-of-life of Windows 10 in October 2025.[1][3] The Core, Pro, Education, and Lite editions have the following minimum system requirements: a 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, 2 GB of RAM, 15 GB of storage space for Core and Lite (32 GB for the Education edition and 40 GB for Pro, accounting for additional preinstalled software), and a display with at least 800 × 600 resolution.[24] The Lite edition, using the XFCE desktop environment and designed for reviving older personal computers from approximately 2005 onward, meets these minimum requirements but is optimized for lower-end hardware through its lightweight desktop.[24][5] Zorin OS exclusively supports 64-bit x86 architecture (Intel or AMD processors) and is compatible with both UEFI firmware and legacy BIOS systems, including Secure Boot on computers manufactured after 2011.[4][30][31]| Edition | Processor | RAM | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core (GNOME) | 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit Intel/AMD | 2 GB | 15 GB | 800 × 600 |
| Pro (GNOME) | 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit Intel/AMD | 2 GB | 40 GB | 800 × 600 |
| Education (GNOME) | 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit Intel/AMD | 2 GB | 32 GB | 800 × 600 |
| Lite (XFCE) | 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit Intel/AMD | 2 GB | 15 GB | 800 × 600 |
Installation Process
Zorin OS is available for download as an ISO file from the official website, with free editions such as Core and Education offered at no cost, while Pro and Pro Lite editions require a one-time purchase to access premium features and support the project's development.[10] Download mirrors are provided for faster access in different regions.[32] To ensure file integrity, users should verify the downloaded ISO against the provided SHA256 checksums using tools like thesha256sum command on Linux or CertUtil on Windows.[33]
Installation begins by creating a bootable USB drive from the ISO, requiring a USB flash drive of at least 4 GB for Core or Lite editions and 16 GB for Pro, Pro Lite, and Education editions.[34] The official guide recommends balenaEtcher for this process: download and launch the tool, select the ISO file, choose the target USB drive, and click "Flash!" to write the image.[34] On Windows, Rufus is a popular alternative that supports both UEFI and legacy BIOS modes for creating the bootable media.[35]
Insert the USB into the target computer and boot from it by accessing the boot device menu, typically via keys such as F12, Esc, Del, or F10 depending on the hardware manufacturer.[34] In the boot menu, select the USB drive and choose "Try or Install Zorin OS" to launch the live session, which allows testing the operating system without making changes to the hard drive.[34] If the system uses NVIDIA graphics, an alternative boot option with proprietary drivers may be selected for better compatibility.[34]
From the live session desktop, double-click the "Install Zorin OS" icon to start the graphical Ubiquity installer.[36] Follow the prompts to select language, keyboard layout, and time zone. An internet connection is recommended to download updates and proprietary drivers during installation.[34] For the installation type, options include erasing the entire disk for a clean install, automatic partitioning alongside an existing Windows installation to enable dual-booting, or manual partitioning via the "Something else" option for custom setups such as separate /home or encryption.[34] The dual-boot option automatically detects and resizes Windows partitions while preserving data.[34]
During user setup, create a username, password, and computer name; automatic login can be enabled for convenience.[34] Check the box to install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware if needed, particularly for NVIDIA or Broadcom drivers.[34] Confirm the summary and proceed; the process typically takes 10-20 minutes.[1] Upon completion, restart the computer, remove the USB, and boot into the installed system.
Post-installation, a first-run wizard guides users through initial setup, including selecting a desktop layout to mimic Windows, macOS, or other interfaces via the Zorin Appearance tool.[37] Updates are managed through the Software app (GNOME Software), where users can refresh the package list and install available security and feature updates.[37] For major version upgrades, such as from Zorin OS 17 to 18, an in-place upgrade is supported using the dedicated Zorin OS Upgrader application, preserving user data and settings without a full reinstall.[9]