What is Zorin OS? Who it is for
Zorin OS is built on Ubuntu. It uses a Windows-style GNOME desktop as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Zorin OS at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: a Windows-style GNOME desktop
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the Zorin installer
Who Zorin OS suits
Zorin OS suits people switching from Windows who want a polished layout from day one.
Strengths
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
- A layout Windows users recognise quickly, with a taskbar, a start-style menu and familiar window controls.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Zorin OS from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Zorin OS bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Zorin OS
- Ubuntu vs Zorin OS
- Debian vs Zorin OS
- Fedora vs Zorin OS
- Linux Mint vs Zorin OS
- Pop!_OS vs Zorin OS
- Zorin OS vs elementary OS
Installing software on Zorin OS
Zorin OS uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zorin OS good for beginners?
Yes. Zorin OS is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Zorin OS use?
Zorin OS uses a Windows-style GNOME desktop. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Zorin OS need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Zorin OS based on another distribution?
Zorin OS is built on Ubuntu.
How often is Zorin OS updated?
Zorin OS follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Zorin OS without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.