Zorin OS is a popular and oft-recommenced alternative to Windows, the sort of distro newbies are directed to. appimage, and make use of PPAs and other third-party repositories without having to install other packages first.

Plus, you’re able to install software distributed at. You can install apps from:Īll without any configuration required on your end. Zorin OS 16 provides access to a broader set of software ‘out of the box’ than Ubuntu, elementary, or even Linux Mint. The Ubuntu 20.04 LTS base means Zorin OS inherits get all of the benefits the latest LTS touts, like flicker-free boot, experimental fractional scaling support, QR code wi-fi hotspots, Active Directory integration, and the ability to create a recovery key when setting up an encrypted install. Apps open faster, animations are smoother, and loading times are reduced so you can spend more time being productive.” Performance optimizations have been made at every level of the operating system, from the kernel to the desktop environment. “Speed has been a top focus in Zorin OS 16, so the desktop runs dramatically snappier on a wide range of hardware, old and new. Zorin OS also feels faster in use - though this is a subjective opinion based on my experience of it on my setups, it’s not something I’ve benchmarked - as Zorin themselves note: Zorin OS 16 feels cohesive and drawn together in a way that Ubuntu doesn’t (the latter often feels like what it is: a loose collection of separate parts bundled together).

One thing I am struck by during my hands-on with this release is just how different Zorin OS 16 feels to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, despite using many of the same components. The revamped Zorin Appearance tool makes it easy to change desktop layout on the fly (they’re “one-click” and take effect instantly). Zorin OS 16 Pro offers new desktop layouts for users to pick from, including a desktop layout inspired by the upcoming Windows 11. A collection of non-dynamic wallpapers are available should the ice tundra leave you feeling cold. The snowy mountain backdrop changes based on the time of day. Zorin OS 16 also comes with dynamic wallpaper by default to compliment its new theme. Clever use of shadowing and rounded corners, combined with well proportioned buttons and toolbar sizes, gives Zorin OS 16 a unique, modern aesthetic that is entirely its own. The new light theme (yes, a dark version is available too) is aided by a bold blue accent colour (though you can personalise the theme by picking from one of six accent colours). We’ll start with the most obvious change in Zorin OS 16: a brand new GTK theme.

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