Zorin OS

Zorin OS a free Linux distribution designed for Linux beginners. It provides users with a computing environment that is quite similar to the desktop environments of the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X commercial operating systems. It is based on Ubuntu Linux, which says a lot about it already. Being declared the most popular free Linux operating system in the world, Ubuntu is targeted at the novice and standard desktop users.

Distributed as 64-bit Live CD

Zorin OS aims to be multi-functional, includes exclusive software, and it is distributed as a Live CD ISO image that supports only the 64-bit architecture. The system can be used directly from the Live media or installed on a local disk drive. The boot menu is not so different from other Linux operating systems and it allows users to start the live environment, start the installer, test the RAM, or boot the operating system that is already installed.

Astonishing desktop experience

The desktop experience in Zorin OS is quite astonishing. It features only a taskbar, which includes the main menu, the application launcher and the system tray area. The truth is that the desktop environment is actually a highly customized version of the GNOME window manager. So customized that only Linux experts will recognize it. Not to mention that it includes some eye-candy effects, which are not available by default on Windows or Mac OS X.

Default applications

Google Chrome is the default web browser, Nautilus can be used to manage your files, and Noise can be used to listen to your favorite tracks. In addition to the usual utilities (calculator, text editor, archive manager, etc.), Zorin OS comes with the Mozilla Thunderbird email client, Empathy instant messenger, OpenShot video editor, Cheese webcam app, Brasero CD/DVD burning tool, Totem (Video) video player, and the powerful LibreOffice office suite. Wine is also installed by default in case you want to run some Windows applications. The distribution uses the official Ubuntu software repositories, as well as their own sources.

Bottom line

Whether you are in the process of migrating from a Windows operating system, or you just want to get started with Linux, we strongly recommend to download and install Zorin OS on your personal computer and laptop. You won’t regret it!

What is new in this release:

• We have made major strides with the visual styling in Zorin OS. In addition to the refined & perfected desktop theme and the new default FreeSans desktop font, we have introduced a stunning new icon theme, its first major overhaul since Zorin OS 2.0.
• The Zorin Theme Changer has been expanded, with the inclusion of new theme colors: Green, Orange and Red alongside the classic Blue theme from previous versions of Zorin OS.
• With Zorin OS 10, we have refreshed the selection of default applications with the addition of a streamlined new Media Player, the gorgeous Geary Mail client, Calendar app and the new Activity Journal, which lets you see the files and documents you have worked with based on duration and the time throughout the day. Our existing app selection has also been treated with updates, bug fixes and design enhancements throughout.
• Zorin OS 10 is based on Ubuntu 15.04, and comes pre-installed with the updated Linux Kernel 3.19 and systemd for performance boosts, stronger security and improved hardware support.
• As always, Zorin OS 10 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.

What is new in version 9.1:

• This is a pre-release version of the next generation of Zorin OS. We have built it to get your feedback on what we have created so far.
• The main focus for Zorin OS 9 has been on stability and the refinement of Zorin OS's wide array of incredible features. Firstly, Zorin OS 9 includes a myriad of updated software and bug fixes to ensure that your computer runs better than ever. EFI support has also been added, making it easier to get Zorin OS on newer computers (64 bit only). In addition, we have introduced a new Blue desktop theme to the Zorin Theme Changer in complement to the Light and Dark themes. As Zorin OS 9 is based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS you can expect to receive continuous software updates until 2019, making it the ideal operating system for large-scale deployments.

What is new in version 8:

• We have introduced a myriad of changes in Zorin OS including updated software, improvements to the user interface and entirely new software. Zorin OS 8 includes a simpler and more beautiful Music player app, the Empathy Instant Messaging Client as well as the Zorin Theme Changer. We have created a beautiful new Dark theme in complement to a new and improved Light theme. We have created this simple app to switch between the two quickly and easily.
• We have revamped the look of the bootloader so that switching between operating systems looks better than ever.
• As always, Zorin OS 8 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers. In addition, we have now made it super easy to install the Zorin World Community Grid program in Zorin OS 8 to help humanity. Zorin OS 8 is based on Ubuntu 13.10.

What is new in version 8 RC:

• Zorin OS 8 includes a simpler and more beautiful Music player app, the Empathy Instant Messaging Client as well as the Zorin Theme Changer. Zorin OS 8 features a beautiful new Dark theme in complement to a new and improved Light theme. We have created this simple app to switch between the two quickly and easily.
• As always, Zorin OS 8 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers. Zorin OS 8 is based on Ubuntu 13.10.

What is new in version 7.1:

• Zorin OS 7.1 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 7 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and bug fixes. Zorin OS 7.1 Core and Ultimate are based on Ubuntu 13.04 and utilize the Zorin Desktop environment by default.

What is new in version 6.4:

• Zorin OS 6.4 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.3 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and bug fixes. As Zorin OS 6.4 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.

What is new in version 7:

• Zorin OS 7 brings about a plethora of changes and improvements such as a wide array of updated software, the Linux Kernel version 3.8, the introduction of new software (Pidgin replacing Empathy and Steam in Zorin OS 7 Ultimate) and an enormous design overhaul. We have given the brand a face-lift with our new logo. In addition to this, Zorin OS itself includes a brand new desktop theme.
• The Zorin Look Changer is integrated into Zorin OS 7, which allows users to choose between the Windows 7, XP and GNOME 2 graphical interfaces in Core as well as the Mac OS X, Unity and Windows 2000 interfaces in Zorin OS Ultimate. As always, Zorin OS 7 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and ease-of-use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager, Zorin Background Plus (Ultimate only) and other programs from our earlier versions.
• Zorin OS 7 is based on Ubuntu 13.04.

What is new in version 7 RC:

• Zorin OS 7 brings about a plethora of changes and improvements such as a wide array of updated software, the Linux Kernel version 3.8, the introduction of new software (Pidgin replacing Empathy and Geary Mail replacing Thunderbird) and an enormous design overhaul.
• We have given the brand a face-lift with our new logo. In addition to this, Zorin OS itself includes a brand new desktop theme which you can see here. You can take a look at the default Zorin OS 7 desktop here.
• As always, Zorin OS 7 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.
• Zorin OS 7 is based on Ubuntu 13.04.

What is new in version 6.3:

• The Zorin OS Team are pleased to announce the release of Zorin OS 6.3 Core, our operating system designed for Windows users. Zorin OS 6.3 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.2 with newly updated software and a newer kernel out of the box. As Zorin OS 6.3 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.
• Users who already have Zorin OS 6, 6.1 or 6.2 Core installed can update their system using the Update Manager to avail of the aforementioned updates and improvements in 6.3.

What is new in version 6.2:

• Zorin OS 6.2 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.1 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and Zorin Menu. Zorin Menu is our continuation of the GnoMenu start menu software which has been included in every version of Zorin OS before. The first release of Zorin Menu, included in Zorin OS 6.2 for the first time, provides lots of bug fixes to ameliorate the overall stability of Zorin OS. As Zorin OS 6.2 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.