Zorin OS is an open door to the Linux world. Installing Zorin OS Ready-to-Run Programs

So that the adherents do not assert there Linux, the number of their supporters in comparison with the number of users of other operating systems is no more than five percent, and most of this very five percent are people who have never had any business with either Windows or other platforms. If among Windows users there are those who voluntarily switch to Linux, then those can be counted on one hand.

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 software set of Windows.

A brief history of creation

The idea of ​​creating Zorin OS belongs to a Russian developer Artyom Zorin, who has set himself the goal of simplifying as much as possible Windows users switching to Linux, in particular to Ubuntu. For this, the developer equipped the system with a special utility-switch 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 the shells of Windows 2000, Unity and Mac OS X.

The system was announced in September 2008 years later, and less than a year later, the first beta version became available. A year later, 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, as well as some new programs were integrated.

Installation and functionality overview

You can install Zorin OS as a primary or secondary system. The procedure for installing the system is no different from installing Ubuntu.

In the case of installing next to Windows, everything is even easier - the wizard itself identifies the current system, determines the unallocated space itself, installs the bootloader itself and performs a complete installation, the user only needs to specify his region and come up with data for authorization in the system.

Externally at the same time somewhat resembles Windows 7, Windows XP, Ubuntu and something else elusive. There is also a Start menu, a taskbar, and a system tray and Control Center - an analogue of the Windows Control Panel.

Instead of Explorer - file manager Nautilus, simple and convenient, with a navigation bar on the left side of the window.

A player is offered to work 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 is integrated Firefox.

And also a special manager that allows you to install other browsers.

The package is responsible for viewing office documents Libre, for the solution of system tasks, about 20 -and various utilities. If the set of standard programs does not seem enough for you, you can install third-party programs using Application Center- something like Windows Store 8.1 / 10. We should also mention the program Wine which allows some Windows applications to run on Ubuntu.

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 version was created to receive user feedback and potential bug reports. 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 got a graphical interface as a basis GNOME Shell but offers a more attractive interface for newcomers to the world Linux which is very similar to a desktop Windows.
New features include activity overview, universal search, notifications, and improved display support.

Panoramic view

Keystroke Super(with Windows logo) opens an overview of all open applications and workspaces, which makes it possible to change and organize your applications, add a new desktop, or switch to a different workspace. And also use the search for applications, folders and files, or enter the name of the city to find out the time or make simple calculations without opening the calculator:

Improved support for high resolution display

Zorin Desktop now supports advanced display functionality 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 their 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 in the tab Desktop.

In contribution Theme- choose a theme:

Change Fonts - Tab Fonts:

Tab Panel carries the functions of changing the position 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 vibrant colors.

Updated Application Manager

Zorin OS 12 Application Manager is now faster and integrates add / uninstall and update functions:

Chromium web browser

Chromium was 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 that makes it easy to work with files Google drive and view images Google photos, visit Chrome Web Store(Chrome Web Store) and install all extensions Chrome.

Compatibility

Almost every file used on the current OS will work fine in Zorin OS 12 without additional configuration. All office documents, music and video files, images, etc. will open right 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 a computer without the need to install separate drivers. You can even use programs Windows and playing Zorin OS 12 thanks to 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, so in Zorin OS 12 the corresponding tools are integrated: screen reader Orca Screen Reader, screen magnifier and mouse click function for automatic pushing manipulator buttons.

Package base and support

Zorin OS 12 built on the platform Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and comes with a 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 with release Zorin OS 12, i.e. release-based Ubuntu LTS with long-term support for 5 years.

Zorin OS 12 System Requirements (Minimum):

Processor: 1 GHz x86
HDD: 10 GB of free disk space
RAM: 512 MB (1GB recommended)
Video cards: minimum resolution 640x480 and higher

Download Zorin OS 12 Beta(32 and 64-bit) is available from the official website, at the following link:

P.S. Use beta Zorin OS 12 can be used for testing and helping developers. As a working system, a test build, the developers do not recommend using it, because errors may occur.

Happy testing.

ZorinOS is operating system for beginners, based on Ubuntu and redesigned to look as Windows-like as possible. The system is being developed in Ireland, but the founder of the project, Artem Zorin, is from Russia.

The development of this distribution started back in 2008. And during this time, the developers have achieved a lot, this is their own desktop environment, their applications included in the distribution kit, as well as a huge number of themes. And now, already a few weeks ago, it came out a new version Zorin OS 12 Beta.

Soon there will be a final release, but for now we can evaluate what is new in this system. The desktop environment has been redesigned here, based on the Gnome Shell, but the interface is really very similar to what we are used to seeing in Windows. In this article, we will look at how to install Zorin OS 12, we will look at how to install it from a USB flash drive or on blank disk.

System requirements

Zorin OS is very similar to Windows in appearance, but has lower system requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz, x86 or x86_64 architectures;
• Free place: 10 GB;
• RAM: 512 MB;
• Video card: with support for 640x480 resolution;

Preparing for installation

Zorin OS is distributed in several editions. Core and Lite editions are free. Their capabilities will be quite enough for an ordinary user. The Bussines and Ultimate distributions cost money and are more for the business. We will be looking at installing the Core edition. And the very first thing we need to do is download the installation image.

Step 1. Uploading the image

You can download the image of the stable version of Zorin OS 9 from the official website. All editions and architectures of 32 and 64 bit are available there. But today I would like to consider exactly how to install Zorin OS 12 to disk. The installation of this version is no different from the previous one, since it is the same system, but still we will consider it.

Download image latest version can be on. Here access Core edition for 32 or 64 bit.

Step 2. Burn the image

On Windows, you can use Rufus:

When it comes to burning to an optical disc, here in Linux you can use k3b or brasero. Windows has UltraISO.

Step 3. BIOS setup

When the media is written, all that remains is to configure the BIOS. To enter the setup menu, press F2, F8, Del or Shift + F2... Then go to the tab Boot and in paragraph 1st Boot Device select your carrier first:

After that, it remains to go to the tab Exit and press Exit & Save Changes... Installing Zorin OS from a USB stick is almost the same as installing from an optical disc, only it will be slightly faster.

Installing Zorin OS 12

Step 4. Selecting the installer language

In the first step, you have to press any key to bring up the language selection menu:

Then select your language:

Step 5. Starting the system

Select to start Zorin OS without installing:

Step 6. Download

Wait for the download to finish:

Step 7. Starting the installation

To launch the installer, double-click the Install Zorin OS icon:

Step 8. Language selection

Step 9. Additional software

Check the boxes if you need to install additional software or update the system:

Step 10. Disk partitioning method

Choose a way to partition the disk, in this article we will consider manual way... To do this, select Another variant:

Step 11. Partition table

If you want to install zorin os on a blank disk, you first need to create a partition table. To do this, press the button of the same name:

Step 12. Section for the bootloader

We will create all sections manually. First you need to create a bootloader partition. To do this, click the + button:

Then, in the window that opens, enter the size - 200 MB, the file system - ext2, mount point - / boot.

Step 13. Swap partition

For the swap partition, allocate the same amount of disk space as your random access memory, type of file system- swap partition:

Step 14. Root section

This is the main system section on which all your programs for their settings and the operating system itself will be located. V system requirements it is said that 10 GB will be enough, but I recommend taking 20-30 or even 50, since the system will be updated and its size will increase over time. The mount point is /.

Step 15. Home section

Allocate the rest of the space for the home partition, the mount point is / home:

Step 16. Confirming the markup

When the markup is complete, you need to click install now to confirm your changes.

Step 17. Time zone

Select your time zone:

Step 18 keyboard layout

Choose your keyboard layout:

Step 19. Create user

In the next step, you need to create a new user on whose behalf you will use the system. Enter your name, login, and password twice:

Step 20. Installing Zorin OS

Wait for the installation to complete:

Step 21. Reboot

When the installation is complete, reboot the system

Step 22 bootloader

Select the first bootloader item:

Step 23. Finish

Now the system is fully installed on your computer and you can get to know it better, install required programs or get started right away. Everything you need is already in the system:

conclusions

As you can see, the installation of Zorin OS 12 is very similar to Ubuntu, to be more precise, only the interface has been changed here. Everything is done very simply and you shouldn't have any problems. Have you already used ZorinOS? Did you like this system? Write in the comments!

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed for Linux newbies.

The system has a graphical interface similar to Windows and includes many analogs Windows applications... Zorin OS comes with applications that let you run regular Windows programs.

The main goal of the distribution is to provide Windows users with an alternative Linux system that will allow them to enjoy all the platform's functions without any difficulty.

Zorin OS Versions

Zorin OS Core(free) provides all the basic functionality you need from a computer in a fast, secure and easy-to-use package. Whether you are surfing the Internet, working on documents, or exchanging messages with friends and editing photos, you can rely on Zorin OS to perform these tasks reliably.

Zorin OS Lite(free) combines the most basic features of Zorin OS in a compact and lightweight package that runs fast, even on older hardware. The interface and software choices are optimized for smooth and stable performance on your computer.

Zorin OS Business(8.99 €) provides the tools needed for corporate needs. Here you will find a rich set software products, including applications for accounting, databases, accounting, retail, text editors, spreadsheet tools, etc. In this assembly, exclusive premium applications are available, as well as premium technical support.

Zorin OS Ultimate(9.99 €) allows you to unleash the full potential of your computer. Whether you're using your computer for business, multimedia entertainment, or gaming, you can rely on the powerful suite of Zorin OS Ultimate software. In this assembly, exclusive premium applications are available, as well as premium technical support.

Zorin OS Feature Overview

Powerful desktop

Zorin OS provides a number of competitive advantages:

• There is no risk of virus infection;
• Fast work and low demands on system resources;
• Easy to use and familiar desktop;
• Stability through the use of a reliable Linux kernel;
• A rich set of software that allows you to solve a wide range of tasks;
• Versatility and flexibility of customization of applications with open source code;
• Use of open source software under the GNU GPL license;
• First-class security.

Users are constantly afraid of viruses and malware digital world. Thanks to the immunity of Zorin OS 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 arises, an 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. This is why Zorin OS has a Windows-familiar interface - thus reducing the barrier to entry, but the user gets all the benefits of Linux. You can change the desktop environment. Zorin Look Changer allows you to change your desktop to match the style of Windows 7, Windows XP, or GNOME 2 in free versions of Zorin OS. The premium versions also allow you to install appearance in the style of Windows 2000, Unity and Mac OS X.

Ready-to-run programs

Zorin OS is packed software, which is completely ready to go. The system includes a wide range of tools, ranging from universal office suite LibreOffice and ending with the functional video editor OpenShot. Zorin OS will make your day to day tasks easier, including surfing the Internet, creating documents, chatting in social networks, create videos, exchange messages with friends, and all this without installing additional packages.

Zorin OS has been split into different versions to suit the needs of different categories of users. Available editions include Core for basic use, Lite for use on older and low-end computers, Educational for school and university use, Business for enterprise and Ultimate, which includes the most complete and powerful Linux software suite.

Abundance of programs

If the preinstalled software isn't enough for your needs, don't worry. Zorin OS comes with a Software Center that allows you to download and install tens of thousands of free and commercial software. All you need to do is open the Software Center from the start menu, find the program you want and press the install button. You can even install Windows programs on Zorin OS in the same way as PlayOnLinux. You can download stable packages (.deb and.exe) just like in the current OS.

Compatibility

Almost every file used on the current OS will work fine on Zorin OS without any additional configuration. All office documents, music and video files, images, etc. will open right 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 a computer without the need to install separate drivers. You can even use Windows programs and games on Zorin OS thanks to WINE and PlayOnLinux products.

Flexibility

Zorin OS provides a lot of flexibility. The system can be used in conjunction with the current OS. When installing the distribution kit, you will be offered the option to save the current OS and select a system to boot at system startup.

Availability

Developers are of the opinion that computers should be used by all people, including people with disabilities, so Zorin OS integrates the appropriate tools: Orca Screen Reader, a screen magnifier and a mouse click function to automatically press a pointing device button.

Zorin OS Is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed to provide a familiar working environment for Windows users on Linux. Typically, each release includes four versions of Zorin OS: Core, Lite, Business, and Ultimate. The Core and Lite versions are free, while the Business and Ultimate versions cost € 8.99 and € 9.99 respectively. Paid versions include technical support and some additional features. For Zorin OS 11, only Core and Ultimate editions are available at the time of this writing. I'll be looking at the Core version, but I'll touch on some additional opportunities available in paid versions.

Zorin OS 11 is built on Ubuntu 15.10 and uses kernel version 4.2. Both Zorin OS 11 Core and Zorin OS 11 Ultimate come in 32 and 64 bit builds. The 64-bit Zorin OS 11 Core ISO weighs 1.6GB. Version 11 will be supported until July 2016. Users interested in Zorin OS but needing longer support can use Zorin OS 9, which is built on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and will be supported until April 2019. The LTS release additionally has free versions of Educational and Educational Lite.

Since Zorin OS 11 is Ubuntu 15.10 with additional packages, the installation process is familiar to anyone who has ever used Ubuntu or its derivatives. The download is fast, the user is offered to try the distribution kit without installation, or to install it. Choosing the try option loads the desktop of a fully functional system, and when you choose to install, you will see a slightly modified Ubiquity installer from Ubuntu.

Based on Ubuntu, Zorin OS gets all of its benefits, including a familiar installer and a wide range of programs, but at the same time it has significant differences. Instead of the Unity desktop and other optional graphical environments with a large selection of themes, Zorin OS uses a combination of various components to create a unique desktop environment. Most of the programs are from GNOME 3.16, but instead of GNOME Shell it uses Avant Window Navigator, Compiz and its own Zorin Start launcher / system menu, which together provides a very Windows-like look and feel.

By default, the desktop is made similar to Windows 7. This is not a complete clone, but similar enough to provide a comfortable user experience Windows environment... What's really good about it is that despite the similarity to Windows 7, this clone has its own unique look. The pre-installed apps are also well integrated into the overall theme.

For users who want something different, there are two more desktop styles available in Zorin OS Core. It might look like Windows XP or GNOME 2. Switching to Windows XP mode changes the layout of the application menu, making it look like it was in Windows XP, and makes other changes. In GNOME 2 mode, you get a standard layout with a bottom and top bar.

Paid users also get Mac OS X, Unity, and Windows 2000 modes. In addition to different modes Zorin OS offers three color themes (White, Black, and Dark), each of which can be further customized by choosing different primary colors (blue, green, orange, red, and gray).

Of the three modes available in Zorin OS 11 Core, I prefer Windows 7. It looks more polished and polished. When on my test machine, I tried to switch to Windows XP mode, I found that context menu for application menu items does not work at all. In order for the context menu to remain open, I had to keep right button mouse pressed, so I could not press the left one to click a menu item (we are talking about working with a laptop touchpad with one physical key). Nowhere else, except for the application menu in Windows XP mode, I have not encountered such a problem. GNOME 2 mode is fine on its own, but the application menus use old monochrome icons that look odd enough, besides, few modern programs still support them.

In truth, I don't understand the logic behind having only three desktops in demon paid version distribution kit. I can understand that the distribution has a paid version and there are premium features available only for money. I just can't figure out the logic behind choosing these premium features. In addition to three additional desktop modes, users of the paid version receive a utility for changing the boot splash screen and a utility for using video as desktop wallpaper. None of the additional features made me want to upgrade to the paid version.

Apart from the various desktop modes, the distribution is not too different from any other Debian-based Linux with the GNOME graphical environment. The main applications are Firefox, LibreOffice, and the usual GNOME suite of programs and utilities. However, there are also noticeable differences. Geary is the default email client and OpenShot video editor is preinstalled. Despite the fact that Firefox is the default browser, there is a utility to help the user to install google Chrome, GNOME Web and Midori. Zorin OS has WINE, WineTricks and PlayOnLinux installed by default to make it easier for Windows users to migrate to Linux. Like Ubuntu, Zorin OS has a "restricted extras" package that provides support for mp3, Flash, etc.

If the preinstalled applications are not enough, you can install the programs using the Software Center and Synaptic Package Manager. Everything in the Ubuntu 15.10 repositories is available here as well. Installation of proprietary drivers is the same as in Ubuntu, and there is even a graphical installation utility Windows drivers for wireless network cards using ndiswrapper.

On my test machine, Zorin OS 11 worked fine. Without running applications, the system consumed an average of 950 MB of RAM, and switching between different desktop modes had practically no effect on this value. Except for the above problems with Windows modes XP and GNOME 2, Zorin OS 11 Core has proven to be a very solid release.

Conclusion

My experience with Zorin OS 11 Core was positive and I liked it. I'm just not sure if I would recommend this release for Windows users looking to migrate to Linux. Better to use a long term support release. This, by the way, will be a future release based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Don't get me wrong, Zorin OS 11 is very good, but will only be supported for six months. It will be easier for beginners to master the release, which does not need to be reinstalled after several months of use.