Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions. 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.
Features
Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions including versions using XFCE for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME. 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 and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from. 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.
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. As of March 2025[update], the software is unreleased.
History
The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.
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
Reception
Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process; as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.
