Zorin os system requirements. Zorin OS - open doors to the world of Linux
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed for newcomers to the world of Linux.
The system has a graphical interface similar to Windows and includes many analogues of Windows applications. Zorin OS comes with applications that allow you to run regular Windows programs.
The main goal of the distribution is to provide Windows users with an alternative system to Linux, which will allow them to enjoy all the functions of the platform without any difficulties.
Zorin OS versions
Zorin OS Core(free) provides all the essential features you need from a computer in a fast, secure, and easy-to-use package. Whether you surf the Internet, work with documents, or exchange messages with friends and edit photos, you can rely on Zorin OS to perform such tasks reliably.
Zorin OS Lite(free) packs the most basic features of Zorin OS into a compact, lightweight package that runs fast even on older hardware. The interface and software selection are optimized for smooth and stable operation on your computer.
Zorin OS Business(8.99€) provides the tools needed for corporate needs. Here you will find a rich set of software products, including applications for accounting, databases, accounting, retail, word processing, spreadsheet tools, etc. This build includes exclusive Premium applications, as well as premium technical support.
Zorin OS Ultimate(9.99€) allows you to unlock the full potential of your computer. Whether you use your computer for business, multimedia entertainment or gaming, you can rely on Zorin OS Ultimate's powerful suite of programs. This build includes exclusive Premium applications, as well as premium technical support.
Overview of Zorin OS features
Powerful desktop
Zorin OS provides a number of competitive advantages:
- There is no risk of virus infection;
- Fast operation and low demands on system resources;
- Easy to use and familiar desktop;
- Stability due to the use of a reliable Linux kernel;
- A rich set of software that allows you to solve a wide range of problems;
- Versatility and flexibility in customizing open source applications;
- Use of open source software under the GNU GPL license;
- First class security.
Users are constantly afraid of viruses and malware in the digital world. Thanks to Zorin OS's immunity to Windows viruses, you never have to worry about the threat of infection. Zorin OS also comes with a built-in firewall for optimal system security. When a potential security threat occurs, the update is usually delivered within a few hours using the update manager. With Zorin OS you will find peace of mind.
Easy to use, familiar desktop
The main goal of Zorin OS is to provide new users with easy access to Linux. That's why Zorin OS has a familiar Windows interface - thus reducing the barrier to entry, but the user gets all the benefits of Linux. You can change your desktop environment. Zorin Look Changer app allows you to change your desktop to match the style of Windows 7, Windows XP or GNOME 2 in the free versions of Zorin OS. Premium versions also allow you to install a Windows 2000, Unity and Mac OS X style appearance.
Ready-to-use programs
Zorin OS is packed with software that is completely ready to use. The system includes a wide range of tools, ranging from the universal office suite LibreOffice to the functional video editor OpenShot. Zorin OS will make your everyday tasks easier, including surfing the Internet, creating documents, communicating on social networks, creating videos, messaging friends, all without installing additional packages.
Zorin OS has been divided into different versions that meet the requirements of different categories of users. Available editions include Core for basic use, Lite for use on older and low-end computers, Educational for use in schools and universities, Business for enterprise use, and Ultimate, which includes the most complete and powerful software package for Linux.
Abundance of programs
If the pre-installed software is not enough for your needs, no need to worry. Zorin OS comes with a Software Center that allows you to download and install tens of thousands of free and commercial programs. You just need to open the Software Center from the start menu, find the desired program and click the install button. You can even install Windows programs in Zorin OS in a similar way to PlayOnLinux. You can download stable packages (.deb and .exe) just like in the current OS.
Compatibility
Almost every file used in the current OS will work perfectly in Zorin OS without additional configuration. All office documents, music and video files, images, etc. will open straight out of the box. Zorin OS supports a large library of devices such as printers, scanners, cameras and keyboards, these devices will work immediately after connecting to the computer without the need to install separate drivers. You can even run Windows programs and games on Zorin OS thanks to WINE and PlayOnLinux products.
Flexibility
Zorin OS provides great flexibility. The system can be used in conjunction with the current OS. When installing the distribution, you will be offered the option to save the current OS and select the system to boot at system startup.
Availability
The developers are of the opinion that computers should be used by all people, including people with disabilities, so Zorin OS integrates the appropriate tools: the Orca Screen Reader, a screen magnifier and a mouse click function for automatically pressing a button.
No matter what the adherents say Linux, the number of their supporters compared to the number of users of other operating systems is no more than five percent, and most of these same five percent are people who have not previously dealt with either Windows or other platforms. If among those who use Windows there are those who of their own free will switch to Linux, then you can count them on your fingers.
In addition, in fairness, it should be noted that after Windows, the Linux system may seem very unusual and even inconvenient, so in order to make the transition from Windows to Linux less painful, the developers of some Linux distributions strive to make them as similar to Windows as possible. This is - based on Ubuntu a system that has an interface similar to Windows 7 and a set of programs selected in such a way as to best match the Windows software set.
Brief history of creation
The idea of creating Zorin OS belongs to a Russian developer Artyom Zorin, which has set itself the goal of making it as easy as possible for Windows users to switch to Linux, in particular to Ubuntu. To do this, the developer equipped the system with a special switch utility Zorin Look Changer, which allows the user to choose a desktop environment between Windows 7, XP and GNOME 2, and in the premium version you can also choose Windows 2000, Unity and Mac OS X shells.
The system was announced in September 2008 years, and less than a year later the first beta version became available. A year later, a stable version 1.0 appeared. The second version of the system is currently available under the index 2.0 . It was in this version that the Windows 7 graphical shell was added to the system, and some new programs were integrated.
Installation and overview of functionality
You can install Zorin OS as either a primary or secondary system. The system installation procedure is no different from installing Ubuntu.
In the case of installation next to Windows, everything is even simpler - the wizard itself identifies the current system, determines the unallocated space, installs the bootloader itself and performs a complete installation, the user only needs to indicate his region and come up with data for authorization in the system.
Externally at the same time it is somewhat reminiscent of Windows 7, Windows XP, Ubuntu and something else elusive. It contains the Start menu, the taskbar, the system tray and the Control Center - an analogue of the Windows Control Panel.
Instead of Explorer - a file manager Nautilus, simple and convenient, with a navigation bar on the left side of the window.
A player is available for working with audio and video "Video", editor OpenShot Video Editor, Rhythmbox.
For working with images GIMP, LibreOffice Draw, ImageMagick and viewer PDF .
To view Internet sites, the system integrates Firefox.
And also a special manager that allows you to install other browsers.
The package is responsible for viewing office documents Libre, to solve system problems, about 20 -and various utilities. If the set of standard programs is not enough for you, you can install third-party ones using Application Center- something like the Windows 8.1/10 store. It is worth mentioning separately about the program Wine, which allows you to run some Windows applications in the Ubuntu environment.
September 19 Irish operating system developers Zorin OS, brothers Zorins, officially presented a new version for public testing Zorin OS 12 Bet a.
The official press release states:
“This preview was created to gather user feedback and report potential bugs. Zorin OS 12- major new release in history Zorin OS. The new version introduces a completely new desktop interface that will make your computer more useful and easier to use.”
Completely redesigned desktop environment Zorin Desktop 2.0 received a graphical interface as a basis GNOME Shell but offers a more attractive interface for those new to the world Linux, which is very similar to a desktop Windows.
New features include activity overview, universal search, notifications and improved display support.
Overview view
Keystroke Super(with the Windows logo) provides an overview of all open applications and workspaces, giving you the opportunity to change and organize your applications, add a new desktop, or switch to a different workspace. And also use search by applications, folders and files, or enter the name of the city to find out the time or do simple calculations without opening the calculator:
Improved high resolution display support
Zorin Desktop now supports advanced display features on newer computers. Using Zorin OS 12 on a laptop or tablet with a high-resolution display, the interface will automatically scale. This way, buttons and text will remain at the optimal size on the screen, but they will be sharper and clearer than ever before.
Improved Appearance
Now separate applications Zorin Look Changer And Zorin Theme Changer combined into one - Zorin Appearance:
Zorin Appearance allows you to switch desktop themes on the fly from the default ones presented in the tab Desktop.
In the contribution Subject- select a design theme:
Change fonts - tab Fonts:
Tab Panel carries the functions of changing the location of the system panel (bottom or top), its size, possible auto-hide, transparency adjustment and the ability to show the application menu:
Icon Theme
Zorin OS 12 introduces a new awesome icon theme based on Paper, with a design of flat geometric shapes and bright colors.
Application Manager updated
Zorin OS 12 Application Manager is now faster and combines the functions of installing/uninstalling and updating programs:
Chromium web browser
Chromium has been selected as the new default web browser in Zorin OS 12, after Google Chrome stopped supporting 32-bit systems. Chromium comes with integration by default Google, which makes it easy to work with files Google Drive and view images Google Photos, visit Chrome Web Store(Chrome Web Store), as well as install all extensions Chrome.
Compatibility
Almost every file used in the current OS will work fine in Zorin OS 12 without additional configuration. All office documents, music and video files, images, etc. will open straight out of the box. Zorin OS 12 supports a large library of devices such as printers, scanners, cameras and keyboards, these devices will work immediately after connecting to the computer without the need to install separate drivers. You can even use programs Windows and games Zorin OS 12 thanks to the products WINE And PlayOnLinux, installed by default.
Availability
The developers are of the opinion that computers should be used by all people, including people with disabilities, therefore Zorin OS 12 relevant tools integrated: screen reader Orca Screen Reader, screen magnifier and mouse click function to automatically press the paddle button.
Package base and support
Zorin OS 12 built on a platform Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and comes with the kernel Linux long-term support - Linux kernel 4.4 LTS. Thus, Zorin OS 12 will receive software and security updates until April 2021, and new stable builds will now be released every two years, starting from the release Zorin OS 12, i.e. based only on releases Ubuntu LTS with long-term support for 5 years.
Zorin OS 12 system requirements (minimum):
Processor: 1 GHz x86
Hard disk: 10 GB free disk space
RAM: 512 MB (1GB recommended)
Video cards: minimum resolution 640x480 and higher
Download Zorin OS 12 Beta(32 and 64-bit) can be accessed from the official website using the following link:
P.S. Use beta version Zorin OS 12 possible for testing and assistance to developers. The developers do not recommend using the test build as a working system, because errors may occur.
Good luck with your testing.
GNU/Linux, as a completely open platform, opens up wide opportunities for creativity; no one bothers you, taking one of the leading distributions as a basis, building your own or doing it completely from scratch. But most of them are of interest only to a narrow circle of people and do not have any interesting features. However, from time to time you still come across interesting solutions that somehow stand out from the crowd. Today we will look at two such distributions, Zorin OS and Deepin.
ZorinOS 9/11
Strictly speaking, Zorin OS is not a full-fledged distribution, since it uses the Ubuntu package base and repositories, installing its own elements from a plug-in PPA, but on the other hand, it is a fairly original and logically complete product, so there is no reason to deny it the “title” of an independent project .
The main goal of the Zorin developers was to create a Linux working environment as similar as possible to the environment of Windows systems, which should help users quickly get used to the new OS environment and make full use of the user experience they already have. And it should be noted that they succeeded.
Even a quick glance at the working environment is enough to note a very strong similarity with the familiar Windows environment. The developers have done quite a lot of work to recreate the environment familiar to many users. At the same time, there are no original developments as part of Zorin OS; the interface is based on existing open source software, properly configured and designed.
Is this good or bad? In our opinion, this approach is quite acceptable, because not everyone has the resources for high-quality development of their own software, and it is much better to offer the user a solution based on already proven and working software than to offer your own of questionable quality.
Moreover, Zorin is not one OS, but a whole family. The official website, in addition to the free Core and Lite versions, offers Business and Ultimate versions for 8.99 € and 9.99 € respectively. Unfortunately, it is not possible to download these versions without paying, but the developers claim that they include various additional software for accounting, retail, working with DBMS, etc. and so on. It can be assumed that these versions contain pre-installed and configured open and free software, which is not present in regular distributions by default or is installed from additional repositories.
For example, the free version already contains Wine and PlayOnLinux. On the one hand, it’s a trifle, but on the other hand, it’s a significant help for a beginner who is still new to open source software, doesn’t know analogues of many programs, and doesn’t have the skills to install them.
Or take Browser Manager:
A mere trifle, if you forget that installing the same Crome or Opera with full integration into the system, which implies connecting repositories, may be an impossible task for a beginner. Based on this point of view, getting a system with a pre-selected and installed set of software for various needs for less than 10 € is a pretty good deal. In any case, inviting a specialist to configure the system and install the software will be more expensive.
In addition to the design in the style of Windows 7, the developers offer two more options: Windows XP and Gnome 2. The first of them is clearly intended for inveterate retrogrades, of which, admittedly, there are still plenty. It cannot be called an exact copy of the classic Windows interface, but the most characteristic and fan-favorite features of the interface are carefully reproduced:
But as for Gnome2, its purpose is not particularly clear, except perhaps as a Linux exotic for beginners, because despite the external similarity, it is just an emulation, and it would be more logical for real Gnome 2 fans to use a fork of this Mate working environment.
But be that as it may, Zorin’s design themes are quite well-developed, convenient and pleasing to the eye, although there are some rough edges. Thus, the juxtaposition of “modern” flat icons and full-color icons causes some visual discomfort, although this fact should not be unequivocally reproached by the developers.
Modern versions of Windows have achieved some graphical uniformity only in the latest releases of Windows 10; in the same Windows 8, icons and icons of different styles calmly coexist, including those from the times of Windows XP and earlier, although outwardly this is not so striking.
Also, in our opinion, the developers frankly failed to use dark themes; full-color icons look absolutely alien in them, and the rest resembles contrasting themes for the visually impaired. In addition, you should still try to find the differences between the Blue and Dark themes; below we have made a collage, the left half of the screenshot corresponds to the “blue” theme, the right half to the “dark”.
This could be the end of the review of Zorin, but looking at the project’s page, we discovered the 10th and 11th versions of the distribution. Maybe these are new versions in development or beta testing? Unfortunately no. After Zorin OS 9, based on the LTS distribution of Ubuntu 14.04, the developers released two versions based on intermediate distributions of Ubuntu, and more recently, the 11th version based on the intermediate distribution of Ubuntu 15.10 was offered for download on the Zorin website.
It seems that everything is fair, on the one hand, the “rock-solid reliability” of Zorin OS 9 with long-term support until April 2019, on the other, the “advanced and advanced” 11th version, with security updates until July 2016. Only at the end of support for 11- The third version was simply removed away, as if it never existed.
The decision is strange and ambiguous, but let’s still look at what exactly Zorin OS 11 offered us. In terms of software, both systems differ exactly as much as Ubuntu 15.10 differs from 14.04 LTS. But as for the external design, here we see a lot of work done.
The graphical interface has been carefully polished, icons have been brought to a single style that corresponds to modern trends in the design of the OS desktop environment, the color palette has become a little muted and is much better perceived by the eye.
Windows XP themes are also present:
And Gnome 2:
Despite the fact that the latter contains a kind of “hodgepodge” of monochrome flat and colored icons, the system interface looks much fresher, stricter and more modern. We can say that now the system has its own visual style and its completeness. Almost nothing stands out from the general concept and does not hurt the eyes, as it was in Zorin OS 9.
It should be noted that using Zorin OS 11 is really convenient and pleasant. Therefore, the situation with her “disappearance” raises many questions. Firstly, it is puzzling why it was necessary to take the intermediate releases of Ubuntu as a basis, when all the same could be done based on the LTS version, because Zorin OS is, by and large, just a graphical add-on over Ubuntu.
It was entirely possible to release Zorin OS 9.2 or 9.3, the number is absolutely not important here, which would include all new developments without joining the race of intermediate releases. And if we were already involved, then we should think about user support. In fact, now all users of Zorin OS 11 are left in limbo and are actually abandoned on a release that has been withdrawn from support.
There are few alternatives and they are all bad for Zorin OS. This is either to return, with a reinstallation, to version 9, which will be a frank step back, or to upgrade to the current version of Ubuntu, abandoning the Zorin graphical environment. Considering that the system clearly does not occupy top positions in the ratings, this is a serious mistake by the developers, but let’s hope that they will take steps to correct the situation and offer an up-to-date distribution on the new LTS release.
They also say that it’s better to see once, so we invite you to also watch our video review:
Deepin 15.2
We already talked about Deepin in some detail two years ago. Therefore, in this review we will only briefly dwell on what has changed in the project over time. Unlike Zorin OS, Deepin is a full-fledged distribution, with its own repositories, its own DDE working environment and a set of its own software.
Attention to detail is felt literally everywhere in Deepin, starting from the system installer:
By the way, about a fly in the ointment. If Deepin 2014 was based on the Ubuntu package base, then in version 15 the developers switched to Debian and you will not be able to update the old Deepin to the new version.
Despite this, Deepin remains an original distribution, differing from various Ubuntu/Debian clones in its own working environment. Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) is our own development, which includes creative processing of many ideas offered by other working environments. So, if the dock is clearly “borrowed” from MacOS, then the “hot corners” clearly show how this idea could be implemented in Windows OS, where the attempt to implement them in Windows 8 does not stand up to criticism.
If you are seriously going to get used to the new system, we recommend that you immediately change the project mirrors, since access to Chinese servers is not fast or stable. To do this, go to System properties and click the gear icon next to the item Updates. The system automatically tests mirrors and now you don’t have to use the “scientific poke” method to select the optimal one.
Serious work on localization and polishing of the graphical interface is also noticeable. If there were still some flaws in Deepin 2014, now there is absolutely nothing to complain about. The interface design has been updated in a modern flat style (appeared in the latest releases of version 2014) and looks very stylish and attractive.
But Deepin is not only its own design of the graphical shell, it is also its own software for it, which gradually brings DDE to the level of first-tier working environments, such as Gnome or KDE, which represent a full-fledged working environment with its own set of libraries, programs and utilities.
As we have already said, the attention to detail and quality of execution is amazing. Deepin terminal When I first tried to elevate my rights, I unexpectedly gave us the following message:
Quite unusual, don't you think? And there is something in this from Eastern philosophy, stop and think for a minute... Moreover, all this is in literary Russian and without errors.
In addition to the Terminal, Deepin has its own application store, made in the image and likeness of mobile stores. The offered software is carefully selected and represents the best examples of not only free software. Moreover, regarding some items, certain doubts arise about their licensing purity, but, to be honest, when did the Chinese care about this?
As befits a full-fledged work environment, Deepin primarily strives to cover everyday needs with its own applications. We have already seen the terminal; in addition to them, audio and video players are preinstalled by default. The first one doesn’t stand out in anything special, it’s a good everyday application for listening to music: it supports losless formats, minimizes to tray and can be managed from there without expanding to the screen, what else do you need?
The video player has a convenient, minimalistic interface; if you move the mouse off the screen or stop moving it, all controls disappear so that nothing distracts us from watching the movie.
You can also install separately Deepin Image Viewer, a fairly convenient application with some image cataloging functions:
And a file manager of our own design, which, most likely, will replace Nautilus in future releases.
As we see, developers are moving step by step towards their goal - creating a full-fledged working environment with their own set of software, but even now DDE attracts attention and is able to compete with first-tier working environments.
Introduction
This will be my third review of the core version of Zorin OS. I first reviewed Zorin 6 in July 2012, and it was much shorter then than today. Now I want to evaluate whether this distribution can offer something that more popular solutions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Netrunner, Kubuntu and PCLinuxOS do not. I will also focus on the differences between Zorin OS 8 and Zorin OS 9.
Zorin OS 9 is based on Ubuntu Linux 14.04, which is a long-term support release, meaning you will receive updates until 2019.
What's unique about Zorin OS is its set of themes that make it look and feel similar to the operating systems you're used to using. For example, if you previously worked in Windows XP, you can switch to the XP interface.
The free version has three interfaces: Windows XP, Windows 7 and Gnome 2. If you pay for the premium version, you will additionally get interfaces for Unity, Mac OSX and Windows 2000.
The website indicates the following benefits of switching to Zorin OS:
No viruses;
System speed and low resource requirements;
Ease of use and familiar surroundings;
Customizable user interface and appearance;
Stability;
All necessary software is installed by default;
55 languages available.
System requirements:
x86 processor with a frequency of at least 1 GHz
5 GB of disk space;
512 MB of RAM;
A graphics card that provides a screen resolution of at least 640 x 480.
Installation
Installing Zorin OS is no fundamentally different from other distributions, so I don’t see any point in stopping there. If necessary, you can look at the installation guide posted on the distribution website.
First impressions
By default, Zorin OS 9 includes the Windows 7 interface, so it will be easier for a Windows user to get used to it than, for example, with Unity.
On the left side of the panel there are icons for the menu, Firefox browser, file manager and Rhythmbox audio player.
On the right side of the panel there are system tray style icons for network connections, bluetooth, power management, sound, user account and clock.
Clicking the "Z" icon in the lower left corner will open the system menu. On its left side there is a list of categories; by clicking on one of the items, you will see a list of applications in this category. You can also search for apps by name or keyword.
On the right side of the menu there are folder icons for quick access to your home directory, documents, images, music and videos.
Internet connection
By clicking the network icon in the system tray, you will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you need, click and enter the password. This is all.
Flash and MP3
Flash is becoming less and less relevant, but a few years ago the same was said about JavaScript, which is now more relevant than ever.
The average user who just wants to watch movies and listen to music without thinking about file formats and codecs doesn't care whether they are proprietary or not. He just wants his computer and operating system to work.
In Zorin OS, all this works out of the box, so the user does not need to install anything additional to watch videos in Flash and listen to mp3s.
Applications
Zorin OS 9 has a very good selection of pre-installed applications, covering the needs of the average user.
Standard
Terminal Emulator
It's good to see that developers are taking the importance of data backups seriously. Shortly after the first boot, the above message appeared, urging you to think about your backup strategy.
The backup software is easy to use. Just select the desired directories and set the frequency of creating copies.
Games
Quadrapassel (Tetris)
Graphic arts
Document Viewer (PDFs)
GIMP (Image Editing)
Gnome Image Viewer
Shotwell Photo Manager
LibreOffice Draw
Internet
Empathy Instant Messenging
Firefox Web Browser
Remmina Remote Desktop
Thunderbird Mail Client
Zorin Web Browser Manager
About a year ago, many Linux distributions switched from Firefox to Chrome or Chromium, but now many have switched back as the latest versions of Firefox have improved significantly in terms of usability and speed.
If you're not happy with Firefox, you can switch to a different browser using Web Browser Manager. There are three alternatives available: Chrome, Opera and Midori.
Office
Document Viewer (PDFs)
LibreOffice Writer (Word Processing)
LibreOffice Calc (Spreadsheets)
LibreOffice Impress (Presentations)
LibreOffice Draw (Drawing)
Audio and video
Brasero Disc Burner
Cheese Webcam Viewer
Openshot Video Editor
Rhythmbox Audio Player
Totem Video Player
Zorin OS 9's system music player uses Rhythmbox, which is much better than its Windows equivalent. It allows you to import music into your library, create and edit playlists. Rhythmbox works great with mobile devices, in my case it recognized Sony Walkman and Samsung Galaxy S4 without any problems. In addition, it supports Internet radio and podcasts.
Few Linux distributions come with video editors pre-installed. Zorin OS 9 includes the excellent Openshot video editor by default.
To watch videos, Zorin has a Totem player that will satisfy the needs of almost any user.
Launching Windows Applications
Former Windows users are often accustomed to working with certain programs that do not have Linux versions. To launch them Zorin has WINE.
To facilitate the installation of such programs, PlayOnLinux is also pre-installed with a user-friendly interface. Plus, PlayOnLinux makes it much easier to purchase and install Windows games from GOG.com.
Zorin Look Changer
As I said earlier, a unique feature of Zorin is the ability to customize its interface to match the look and feel of other operating systems.
The Zorin Look Changer utility, which is located in the System Tools category, is designed for this. To select the desired style, simply click on it.
Zorin Theme Changer
The Zorin developers have also given users the option of selecting multiple themes, including Zorin Light, Zorin Blue, and Zorin Dark. To change themes, use the Zorin Theme Changer utility.
Visual effects
In this regard, the developers also worked a lot, including a variety of effects from Compiz, which can be configured using the Compiz settings manager.