A brand new version of Zorin OS, a user-friendly Ubuntu-based Linux distro, is now available to download.
And boy does it make a great first impression!
It’s easy to forget that Zorin OS is based on GNOME Shell; there’s a real harmony in the way it’s put together
Zorin OS 15 is based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS. This is solid foundation underpins a number of other Ubuntu-based distros, like the recent Peppermint OS 10 release.
Zorin OS 15 users also get access to a swathe of newer and will receive future Linux kernel updates, including Linux Kernel 5.0, via Canonical’s Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE).
In use, it’s easy to forget that the desktop experience in Zorin OS 15 is based on GNOME Shell — the same GNOME Shell used almost everywhere these days.
There’s a real harmony in the way this distro is put together that just sings in usage.
You’re probably keen to learn a bit more about Zorin OS 15, so let’s dive in!
Zorin OS 15
Zorin has been serving up its own slice of user-friendly Linux for almost as long as regular Ubuntu has been around. And over the years it’s clearly learnt a thing or two about what it takes to make a successful, well-thought through distro.
So let’s be clear about it from the start: Zorin is not just another Ubuntu derivative. Like Linux Mint and like elementary OS it’s a Linux distro that stands out on its own merits.
The latest release, out now, is Zorin OS 15 — wait, what?
Wait, what happened to Zorin 13 & 14?
The previous stable release of Zorin OS was version 12, so where’d versions 13 and 14 went.
Well, don’t panic: we didn’t miss them. Zorin’s lead developer explains why there’s a been a small ‘jump’ in version number for this release:
“Whe reason is that this is actually the 15 version of Zorin OS. In between Zorin OS 1.0 and 2.0 way back in 2009, we released a version called “Limited Edition ’09” [so] we decided to take the opportunity to correct the version number with this release.”
Sounds reasonable.
Zorin OS Desktop & Appearance
Out of the box Zorin OS looks pretty Windows-y — call it “traditional” if you prefer — by default. This is by design as the distro caters towards Windows converts taking the plunge in the often scary waters of Linux.
Out of the box Zorin OS looks pretty Windows-y but several layout options are available
There’s a single panel along the bottom of the screen housing a traditional application menu, app launchers, a task bar area, and on the farthest end a system tray and notification area.
Interestingly Zorin developers back-ported GNOME Shell 3.30 to Ubuntu 18.04 so that user could benefit from a raft of performance improvements and feature highlights. GNOME Shell 3.28 is the version vanilla Ubuntu 18.04 LTS offers, so this is quite the leap!
New Touch Mode
You’re not stuck using the single-panel layout, either. The latest version of the operating system comes with a selection of alternative desktop layouts, including a new “touch mode”:
Pretty swish, right?
When Touch Mode is enable the desktop is reconfigured to “maximize space for apps and content”. Gesture support is also enabled with, letting you use various swipes and pinches to trigger windowing actions or reveal the task bar.
On a convertible 2-in-1 device I’d imagine you could easily set up a script that automatically enables touch mode when the device is folded back on itself.
Auto Dark Theme Support
Zorin OS 15 can automatically enable a dark theme after sunset, and revert back to a bright one in the morning
Theming is another area of change in Zorin OS 15. It ships with brand new GTK theme built exclusively for the distro that is available with a choice of 6 colour accents.
If you find the default “out of the box” look a tad bright you’ll be pleased to hear that a dark theme mode comes included too.
Better yet, Zorin OS 15 features a setting to automatically enable theme mode after sunset, and revert back to the light, bright version in the mornings. To enable this just check the middle setting in the Zorin Appearance > Theme > Background dialog.
Zorin Connect
Zorin OS 15 offers integration with Android smartphones via a dedicated app called Zorin Connect.
Zorin Connect integrations your Android smartphone with the Linux desktop
Based on GSConnect and KDE Connect, “Zorin Connect” helps integrate and bridge your laptop or PC with your smartphone, enabling all kinds of cool features including:
- Use your phone as a mouse
- Quickly transfer files to/from phone and PC
- See and reply to Android notifications on the desktop
- See media player controls
And a whole heap more.
The desktop portion of Zorin Connect comes pre-installed. You’ll need to pair it with the free Zorin Connect Android app on your mobile, which is available to install from the Google Play Store:
Get Zorin Connect on the Google Play Store
Other Changes
Mozilla Firefox now comes as Zorin’s default browser (earlier versions of the distro used Chromium), while the Evolution mail client is included with, they say, ‘Microsoft Exchange support built-in’.
There’s also the latest LibreOffice 6.2 release, plus a crop of GNOME core apps, including Calendar, Weather and Todo.
Other changes included in Zorin OS 15:
- Linux kernel 4.18
- Color emoji support
- System font: Inter
- New background & boot screen artwork
- Customization settings for the taskbar & app menu
- App menu opens with super key
- Thunderbolt 3 device support
- Captive portal detection
- Bulk file renaming in the File browser
Zorin OS 15 is based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS and does ship with support for the hardware enablement stack.
This means that, in the near future, when Ubuntu rolls out Linux kernel 5.0 as part of Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS, Zorin OS 15 users will also get the upgrade.
Download Zorin OS 15
Like what you see? Why not try what you see?
The official Zorin website offers a number of versions for download including a Core (free) edition and an Ultimate (paid) edition.
To download Zorin OS 15 from the official project website for free just head to:
Download Zorin OS 15 Core
But perhaps you’re interested in paying?
Zorin OS 15 Ultimate Costs €39
Zorin OS 12 is available in “Core” and “Ultimate” flavours. This post has mainly evaluate the free Core version because, well, it’s free!
But if you’re the kinda Linux user who likes to back the distros you use with hard earned readies then check out Zorin OS Ultimate.
Ultimate is a paid version of Zorin (€39) that has all the full feature set of the Core version, plus a number of convenient extras:
- 6 one-click desktop layouts, including macOS and Ubuntu
- Additional pre-installed software, including Blender and GIMP
- 20 pre-installed games, including SuperTuxKart
- Access to an XFCE-based “Lite” edition
- Access to support
Essential? No. But helpful? Yes.
While the paid-for “Ultimate” edition won’t be to everyone’s tastes the added extras will, for many, be worth paying a convenience fee to have (plus you help support the distro itself).
Buy Zorin OS 15 Ultimate
Upgrade to Zorin OS 15
Running Zorin OS 12.1 and wanting to upgrade?
Well, you soon can thanks to a new ‘release upgrade tool’ Zorin developers have been working on. This isn’t available today, but the plan is make it available in the summer.
Summary
From its polished look to its brilliant new features, Zorin OS 15 offers a compelling first introduction to Linux — but you don’t need to be a newbie to appreciate it’s vibrant flourishes.
It unique UI, custom apps and user-minded sensibility makes it an interesting tangent for distro hoppers and Linux enthusiasts to explore.
In summary, if you’re looking for a Linux distro that is simple, straight-forward and drama free, Zorin is worth trying.