Software:Zorin OS

From HandWiki
Zorin OS
Zorin OS Logo
Desktop of main version
Zorin OS 15 desktop
DeveloperZorin Group
Written inC, C++, Python, D, Java
OS familyLinux
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen-source
Initial release2009
|Final release|Latest release}}OS 15.3[1] / 8 September 2020; 3 years ago (2020-09-08)
|Final preview|Latest preview}}OS 16[2] / 15 April 2021; 3 years ago (2021-04-15)
Marketing targetPersonal computers
Available inOver 50 languages
Update methodSoftware Updater
Package managerAPT, dpkg, Snappy, flatpak
Platformsx86_64, i686[3]
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
UserlandGNU
Default user interfaceGNOME, Xfce
LicenseFree software + some optional proprietary device drivers
Official websitezorinos.com

Zorin OS is a personal computer operating system[4][5] designed and promoted for users new to Linux-based computers. One of its built-in features lets users change the interface to resemble those of Microsoft Windows or macOS.[6][3][7] Wine and PlayOnLinux can be easily installed in Zorin OS,[8] allowing users to run compatible Windows software for ease of transition. Zorin OS's creators maintain three free-of-charge editions of the operating system, and an "Ultimate" edition for purchase.[9]

The current releases are Zorin OS 15.3 Ultimate, Zorin OS 15.3 Core, Zorin OS 15.3 Lite, and Zorin OS 15.3 Education. The new editions continue to use the Ubuntu-based Linux kernel and GNOME or XFCE interface.[10]

Features

Zorin OS is fully graphical, with a graphical installer. For stability and security, it follows the long-term releases of the main Ubuntu system. It uses its own software repositories as well as Ubuntu's repositories.

About

The Zorin OS Company is based in Dublin and was started in 2009 by Russian co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin.[11]

History

Zorin OS was initially released 1 July 2009. Earlier versions required users to do a clean install, but since version 12.4, the system's update manager can be used to upgrade existing installations.

Version history

Version Date Features/Notes Ref(s)
Zorin OS 1.0 1 July 2009 Initial release [12]
Zorin OS Limited Edition '09 7 December 2009
Zorin OS 2 1 January 2010 5 different varieties: Core, Gaming, Multimedia, Educational, Ultimate
Zorin OS 3 10 June 2010 Zorin OS Look Changer added, installation slideshow tutorial
Zorin OS 4 22 December 2010 Improved file manager, performance improvements
Zorin OS 5 6 June 2011 Core and Ultimate available; new theme, updated software, Zorin-specific program improvements
Zorin OS 5.1 23 August 2011 Updated Linux Kernel, aesthetic updates
Zorin OS 6 18 June 2012 Core and Ultimate available; new desktop environment, "Zorin Look Changer"
Zorin OS 6.1 8 November 2012 Updated kernel & software, security updates
Zorin OS 6.2 27 February 2013 "Zorin Menu" update, stability improvements
Zorin OS 6.3 14 May 2013 Updated kernel
Zorin OS 7 10 June 2013 Core and Ultimate available; updated software, Linux kernel 3.8, design overhaul
Zorin OS 6.4 28 August 2013 Updated kernel and software
Zorin OS 8 27 January 2014 Core and Ultimate available; updated software, UI improvements, Zorin theme changer[13]
Zorin OS 9 15 July 2014 Core and Ultimate available; stability improvements, Firefox support, more themes
Zorin OS 10 1 August 2015 Default application refresh, performance & security improvements
Zorin OS 11 3 February 2016 Core and Ultimate available; new default applications, desktop user experience overhaul
Zorin OS 12 18 November 2016 New Zorin Desktop, activities overview, search revamp[14]
Zorin OS 12.1 27 February 2017 Bug fixes, new desktop features, performance improvements
Zorin OS 12.2 8 September 2017 Desktop refinements, performance and stability improvements
Zorin OS 12.3 16 March 2018 Wine compatibility built-in, Direct3D 10 & 11 support[15]
Zorin OS 12.4 13 September 2018 Linux kernel 4.15, performance improvements, software update process streamlining[16]
Zorin OS 15 5 June 2019 Performance improvements, Zorin Connect (Android sync notifications), New desktop theme, Touch Layout functions, Flatpak support, New System font[1]
Zorin OS 15.2 5 March 2020 Stronger security and hardware compatibility[1]
Zorin OS 15.3 8 September 2020 Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security.[1]
Zorin OS 16 Beta June-July 2021 Added many Visual changes, Based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Added Flatpak support out of the box.[2]


Security

Zorin OS comes with the Uncomplicated Firewall installed, although it is not enabled by default.

Reception

Zorin OS has been praised for its intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process.[17][18][19] It has been praised for having a familiar Windows 10 layout, easy installation of NVIDIA drivers, an easy and intuitive software center.[citation needed]

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Zorin OS 15.3 is here". Zorin Group. 8 September 2020. https://blog.zorin.com/2020/09/08/zorin-os-15-3-is-here/. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Introducing Zorin OS 16: Test the Beta Today". Zorin Group. 16 April 2021. https://blog.zorin.com/2021/04/15/introducing-zorin-os-16-test-the-beta-today/. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Zorin OS" (in en). 2018-08-28. https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=zorin. 
  4. "Zorin OS: The Linux Distribution for Windows XP and 7 Fans". The Linux Foundation. 2016-02-24. https://www.linux.com/learn/zorin-os-linux-distribution-windows-xp-and-7-fans. 
  5. "10 reasons to try Zorin OS 9, the Linux OS that looks like Windows". PC World. 2014-07-30. https://www.pcworld.com/article/2458046/10-reasons-to-try-zorin-os-9-the-linux-os-that-looks-like-windows.html. 
  6. "Zorin OS-Home". Zorin OS. https://zorinos.com/. "Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for newcomers to Linux. It's based on Ubuntu Linux....The Look Changer lets you change your desktop to look and act like either Windows 7, XP, 2000, Ubuntu Unity, Mac OS X or GNOME 2 for ultimate ease of use." 
  7. Speed, Richard (14 August 2018). "Linux 4.18 arrives fashionably late while Zorin OS shines up its Windows" (in en). Situation Publishing. https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/14/zorin_and_linux/. 
  8. "Zorin OS: Install Apps" (in en). https://zorinos.com/help/install-apps/#windows-apps. 
  9. Phillip, Watt (2015-08-29). Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business. Apress. p. 218. ISBN 9781484211304. https://books.google.com/books?id=V1l4CgAAQBAJ&q=%22Zorin+OS%22&pg=PA218. 
  10. Johnston, Mike (5 December 2016). "Zorin OS 12 Review" (in en). CMS Critic. https://www.cmscritic.com/zorin-os-review/. 
  11. Prakash, Abhishek. "Zorin OS: From the Hobby Project of Two Teenagers to a Growing Startup - It's FOSS". https://itsfoss.com/zorin-os-interview/. 
  12. "Zorin news releases". Unsigned Integer Limited. https://distrowatch.com/index.php?distribution=zorin. 
  13. "Zorin OS 8 Core and Ultimate are here" (in en). Zorin Group. 27 January 2014. https://zoringroup.com/blog/2014/01/27/zorin-os-8-core-and-ultimate-are-here/. 
  14. "Zorin OS 12 Core and Ultimate Are Here: Our Biggest Release Ever" (in en). Zorin Group. 18 November 2016. https://zoringroup.com/blog/2016/11/18/zorin-os-12-core-and-ultimate-are-here-our-biggest-release-ever-2/. 
  15. "Zorin OS 12.3 Released – A Stronger, More Versatile System" (in en). Zorin Group. 15 March 2018. https://zoringroup.com/blog/2018/03/15/zorin-os-12-3-released-a-stronger-more-versatile-system/. 
  16. "Zorin OS 12.4 Released – More Secure and Compatible than Ever Before" (in en). Zorin Group. 13 August 2018. https://zoringroup.com/blog/2018/08/13/zorin-os-12-4-released-more-secure-and-compatible-than-ever-before/. 
  17. Bidwell, Jonni (22 February 2017). "Zorin OS 12 Core" (in en). Future plc. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/zorin-os-12-core. 
  18. "Zorin OS 12 Review: LinuxAndUbuntu Distro Review Of The Week" (in en). 2 November 2017. http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/zorin-os-12-review-linuxandubuntu-distro-review-of-the-week. 
  19. Fagioli, Brian (14 August 2018). "Zorin OS 12.4 Linux distribution is here – switch from Microsoft Windows 10 now!" (in en). BetaNews, Inc. https://betanews.com/2018/08/14/zorin-os-124-linux/. 

External links