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by Patrik
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution designed to make the transition from Windows or macOS as smooth as possible. Its interface is clean, familiar, and customizable, making it especially appealing to newcomers exploring Linux for the first time.
Key Features
User-friendly desktop:
Zorin OS offers layout options that resemble popular operating systems. This helps users feel at home without needing to relearn everyday tasks.
Performance and stability:
Built on Ubuntu, Zorin OS benefits from a solid foundation and broad hardware compatibility. It typically runs well even on older or low-performance computers.
Built-in software selection:
The system includes essential applications for browsing, office work, media, and communication. Additional software can be installed easily through the built-in Software Center.
Why Choose Zorin OS?
Zorin OS is ideal for users who want a secure, modern operating system with minimal setup. It eliminates much of the technical complexity often associated with Linux, focusing instead on simplicity and productivity. This makes it well-suited for personal use, education, or organizations looking for a low-maintenance system.
Getting Started
You can try Zorin OS via a live USB before installing it. This allows you to explore the interface, check hardware compatibility, and decide whether it fits your needs. When ready, the installer guides you through the process step-by-step, requiring no advanced knowledge.
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Zorin OS is a beginner-friendly Linux distribution that you can test without installing it permanently. The easiest way: run it directly from a USB stick.
Steps to create a bootable Zorin OS USB:
-
Download Zorin OS ISO
Get the correct version (Core for modern PCs, Lite for older ones) from the official Zorin OS website. -
Install Rufus (or similar tool)
Rufus is a free and simple program to create bootable USB drives. -
Prepare your USB stick
Use a stick with at least 8 GB. All data will be erased, so back up first. -
Write the ISO to USB
In Rufus, select your USB stick and the downloaded ISO file.
Choose GPT for modern PCs, MBR for older ones.
Click Start to create the bootable drive. -
Adjust BIOS settings if needed
Enter BIOS (often with F2, F12, or DEL during startup).
Some systems require switching boot mode (UEFI/Legacy) to recognize the USB. -
Boot and test Zorin OS
Restart your computer, open the boot menu, and select the USB stick.
You can now try Zorin OS in live mode or install it permanently later.
Within minutes, you can explore Zorin OS risk-free, without changing your existing system.
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Zorin OS is a beginner-friendly Linux distribution with a Windows-like interface. It runs fast, is easy to install, and supports many Windows apps through Wine.
Prepare Installation Media
- Download the Zorin OS Core ISO from the official website.
- Use Rufus to create a bootable USB stick.
- Check your disk layout (MBR or GPT) via Windows Disk Management.
Create Space for Zorin OS
- Shrink your Windows partition to free space (e.g., 100 GB).
- Leave it unformatted — it will be prepared during installation.
Install Zorin OS (Dual-Boot)
- Boot from the USB (use F2/F11/F12/ESC/DEL depending on your PC).
- Select “Try or Install Zorin OS.”
- Choose “Something else” to manually select the free partition.
- Format it as ext4 and set it as root ( / ).
- Complete the installation and remove the USB when prompted.
- On reboot, choose between Windows and Zorin OS via the boot menu.
First Look & Features
- Windows-style desktop with a clean layout.
- Quick theme switching (light/dark), easy display scaling, and clear settings.
- Comes with Brave Browser; others can be installed anytime.
- Wine allows running many familiar Windows programs.
Why Try Zorin OS?
A smooth, familiar, and safe way to explore Linux — without giving up Windows.
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Zorin OS is known as a sleek, modern Linux distribution designed to help Windows or macOS users transition smoothly to Linux. However, the video highlights why this strong visual impression doesn't automatically make Zorin OS the best choice for beginners—especially when compared to Linux Mint.
Where Zorin OS shines:
- Very appealing design: The interface, animations, and workspace view look more modern than many other Linux systems.
- Strong start menu search: It not only shows installed apps but also applications available for installation.
- No Snap requirement: Like Linux Mint, Zorin OS avoids installing Snap packages by default.
- Solid basic features: Batch renaming, modern default apps, and an overall simple user experience.
Where Zorin OS falls short:
- Outdated base system: The current release is built on a two-year-old Ubuntu LTS base. This can lead to compatibility or update issues in the long run.
- Fewer features than Linux Mint: This is especially noticeable in the file manager, system settings, and productivity features (e.g., hot corners, dual-pane view, editor options).
- Weak performance in virtual machines: VirtualBox guest additions did not function reliably during testing.
- Less mature ecosystem: Linux Mint offers deeper system integration, its own tools, a larger user base, and typically a more stable long-term development track.
Conclusion:
Zorin OS is beautiful and user-friendly, but not as feature-rich or mature as Linux Mint. For absolute beginners or users who want to be productive right away without configuration, Linux Mint is usually the more dependable choice.
If modern design is a priority and you don’t mind a few limitations, Zorin OS is still worth trying—ideally side-by-side with Mint.
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