Let's Do a Detailed Review of Zorin -- Is This Good for Ex-Windows Users?

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores why many Windows users have migrated to Zorin OS following the end of support for Windows 10. Zorin OS, a user-friendly Linux distribution, mimics the look of Windows and Mac, easing the transition for new users. The speaker compares Zorin’s interface and installation process to Ubuntu, noting its ease of use and fewer prompts during installation. Zorin also offers flexible app installation and better codec management. However, it lags behind Ubuntu in updates. Overall, Zorin is recommended for Windows users seeking a simple Linux experience with enhanced privacy options.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zorin OS is designed to provide a Windows-like experience, making it easier for users migrating from Windows to Linux.
• 😀 Zorin 18 has surpassed 2 million downloads in 3 months, showing a strong user adoption rate.
• 😀 Zorin OS is a fork of Ubuntu, offering similar internal functionality but with a more user-friendly, customized desktop environment.
• 😀 The default look of Zorin is close to Windows 10/11, which reduces the initial learning curve for new users switching from Windows.
• 😀 Zorin OS simplifies app installation by automatically detecting and launching the appropriate installer for various formats like DEB, Snap, and Flatpak.
• 😀 Zorin offers a Pro version ($47.99) that includes extra apps and installation support for new users, which can be valuable for those unfamiliar with Linux.
• 😀 The Zorin OS installation process is straightforward with fewer prompts compared to Ubuntu, making it more user-friendly for beginners.
• 😀 One downside of Zorin is the slower release cycle compared to Ubuntu, with updates being about 1.5 years behind, which may affect users with newer hardware.
• 😀 Zorin OS includes some useful privacy features, such as limited telemetry and an option to opt-out during installation.
• 😀 The app store in Zorin is intuitive, allowing users to choose between different app formats (DEB, Snap, Flatpak), giving more control over software management.
• 😀 Zorin OS has a simpler codec installation process than Ubuntu, though it still requires some manual intervention for certain media codecs.

Q & A

Why is Zorin OS a popular choice for Windows users transitioning to Linux?

Zorin OS is popular among Windows users because it mimics the look and feel of Windows, making the transition to Linux less intimidating. The familiar interface helps users quickly adapt to Linux while still offering the advantages of a Linux-based system.

What are the key differences between Zorin OS and Ubuntu?

While Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu, it differs mainly in its desktop environment. Zorin modifies Ubuntu's GNOME desktop to resemble Windows or macOS, making it more visually familiar for new users. Zorin also offers smoother app installation and better user interface customizations compared to Ubuntu.

How easy is it to install Zorin OS for new Linux users?

Zorin OS has a very simple installation process, especially for beginners. It has fewer prompts during installation compared to Ubuntu, making it straightforward and easy to follow. The system checks the USB installation media before proceeding, but the steps are clear, and there’s little confusion for new users.

What are the main installation options for Zorin OS?

Zorin OS offers multiple installation versions, including a core version, a pro version (for $47.99), and an education version. The core version is suitable for most users, while the pro version includes extra features and support, including installation assistance for new users.

How does Zorin OS handle app installations compared to Ubuntu?

Zorin OS improves the app installation experience by automatically launching its app store (Zorin Software) when a `.deb` file is clicked. Unlike Ubuntu, which requires more steps to install a `.deb` file, Zorin simplifies the process and offers more control over how apps are installed, including support for flatpak, snap, and deb formats.

What are the advantages of Zorin OS over Ubuntu in terms of app management?

Zorin OS defaults to installing apps via flatpak, which is more open-source and offers better compatibility with non-Ubuntu distributions. This contrasts with Ubuntu, which pushes the proprietary snap format. Additionally, Zorin handles app images more easily, allowing users to run them with fewer steps compared to Ubuntu.

Does Zorin OS support all popular media codecs by default?

No, Zorin OS, like Ubuntu, does not come with all popular media codecs preinstalled due to licensing restrictions. Users can manually install the required codecs, but Zorin’s approach to codec installation can be confusing, and some users may prefer the straightforward method used in Ubuntu.

How does Zorin OS handle privacy and telemetry compared to Ubuntu?

Zorin OS offers more control over telemetry and user data collection. During installation, users can opt out of telemetry, which is not as clearly presented in Ubuntu. Additionally, Zorin allows users to disable telemetry entirely using a simple terminal command, providing greater privacy control.

What is the major drawback of Zorin OS regarding updates?

One major drawback of Zorin OS is that it lags behind Ubuntu in terms of updates. While Ubuntu is currently on version 24.04, Zorin OS is still using version 18, which is over a year behind. This delay could be a concern for users needing the latest hardware support or bug fixes.

Is Zorin OS a good choice for users with new hardware or specific compatibility needs?

Zorin OS is a good choice for most hardware, as it is based on Ubuntu, which is known for good hardware compatibility. However, because Zorin is a smaller operation with slower updates, users with new or cutting-edge hardware may face compatibility issues or delayed support compared to using the mainline Ubuntu distribution.