Since Linux is founded in 1991, Linux is transformed into a mature operating system, ready to use operating system even for people that never touch a computer before. Linux at the beginning only had Command Line Interface (CLI). Over time, Linux begins to have Graphical User Interface (GUI).
New Update: Zorin OS 11 : An Ultimate Linux Desktop Designed for Windows Users
However, Linux came after Microsoft Windows. Many people are more familiar with Microsoft Windows than Linux. One of the reasons why people are reluctant to switch to Linux is because of its user interface. On the enterprise level – at least in the place that I work – it is not easy to push employee to change from Microsoft Windows into Linux. Changing from Microsoft Windows to Linux, means that they must learn about how to use Linux.
What is Zorin OS
To reduce high learning curve, now we have Zorin OS. From Zorin website, it said that:
“Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows user who want to have easy and smooth access to Linux.”.
By default, Zorin OS will have a graphical interface which similar with Windows 7. Based on Ubuntu Linux which is the most popular Linux desktop across the globe, Zorin OS is trying to influence Windows users.
Zorin Features
Here’s are some features that Zorin OS have:
- No risk of getting viruses
- Much faster than Windows 7
- An easy to use and familiar desktop
- Customizable user interface using Look Changer
- Stable as it is based on the robust Linux operating system
- All the software you will ever need out of the box
- Extremely versatile and customizable Open Source software
- Available over 55 languages
Download Zorin OS 7 DVD ISO’s
Zorin OS is divided into two versions. Free and Premium. You can download the free version from Zorin OS website.
Premium version is available in exchange for a donation for physical DVD or download directly from Zorin OS dedicated server.
Next you should burn it into a DVD. If you prefer to use USB stick for the media, you can try using UNetBootin.
Zorin OS 7 Installation Guide with Screenshots
In this article, we are covering Zorin OS 7 Free version and 32 bit system. Once you have Zorin OS in the DVD or USB stick, we can start the installation.
This first time Zorin OS is booted, you will see a Grub Screen. If you want to try before install it, press Boot the Live System.
After waiting for short time, you will see a Zorin OS in Live System. As you can see, the the feel of its taskbar is similar with Windows 7 although not 100% identical.
If you want to install Zorin OS right away, double-click the Install Zorin OS icons. Then we continue to the next step. The first installation screen of Zorin OS is the language. You must pick one language before go to the next step.
Then Zorin will ask you confirmation about this installation. Make sure you have at least 8,1 GB free space on your harddisk.
Don’t forget to choose the installation type. If you are a common user, the Erase disk and Install Zorin option is the best. But please notice that this option will delete any files on the disk.
Then Zorin will ask you keyboard language. Just pick one.
Next, pick your timezone.
Enter your user detail. Even using weak password is allowed, but it is not recommended.
After that, Zorin will start copying files to your computer.
When its finished, reboot your computer and remove the DVD / USB Stick.
Sneak peak of Zorin OS
As we are know, Linux has many distribution. Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu Linux. As we mentioned before, one the advantages of Zorin OS is its graphical interface and its feel like Windows 7. Here are some screen shots about it.
Windows 7 like Start Menu
Intuitive Login Screen
Guest Login
Zorin also enabled Guest User by default. So if your colleague want to use computer, just let him / her use Guest User.
Browser Manager
To surf the Internet you will see Google Chrome browser as default. If you prefer to choose one, you can easily install Firefox, Opera, or Midori browser. Just point your cursor to Start > Internet > Zorin Browser Manager.
Control Panel
Zorin OS has clean interface for its System Setting. The System Setting is divided into three section : Personal, Hardware and System. If you want to search some function, just drop your cursor into searching box which located on the top right area and type what you want to search.
Firewall
Zorin OS is protected by ufw Firewall. Ufw is a front-end to iptables firewall. Ufw is running it console mode. Luckily, Gufw as a graphical front-end to iptables is installed by default.
User Account
Zorin OS named a root user with Administrator. This naming remind user to Windows environment who also named a super user account with Administrator.
Change Look and Feel
Zorin OS Free version comes with 3 Look and Feel. It’s Windows 7 (default), Windows XP and Gnome 2. To change its Look and Feel, just go to Start > System Tools > Zorin Look Changer.
Conclusion
Zorin OS is not Windows 7. Using Zorin OS won’t give you the same experience of using Windows 7. But it’s probably closer to the user experience of Windows 7. What do you think?
It is heard that (I have not experienced zorin yet) the drivers of diffferent hardwares and other useful softwares are scanty in Zorin or any other version of Linux. Like we have word, excel but we cannot find Adobe photoshop easily for this operating system. kindly explain it
Our number one enemy is computer virus. Even we lock the Administrator user, somehow virus computer still can attack our computer. Then we have to install (and pay) a lot of Antivirus application on every single computer. If we use a virus resistant OS, then we may not buy an Antivirus application.
So we tried to find a GNU/Linux distribution which similar to Windows experience, – yes, it won’t 100% Windows experience since GNU/Linux is not Windows – to reduce cost. Most of our application is web based. If there are apps which not running on GNU/Linux, I can consider Zorin PlayOnLinux built-in feature. Or may be we still can have a few Windows machine to host those apps.
A Windows 7 look-alike Linux distribution, even as good as Zorin 7 is, could be a two-edged sword for the advancement of GNU/Linux as a whole in general “desktop” use.
On the negative side, it could very well induce many Windows users to expect the “exact” same behavior as well as aesthetics, who will ultimately be disappointed and annoyed, even angry at Linux development for not completely imitating their ‘favorite ‘ OS.
On the positive side, for those Windows users, for whom it has been clearly explained – and understood and accepted – as a bridge solution to make transition to a superior desktop experience – significantly more reliable, flexible, no viruses/trojans/worms, unlikely spyware as part of substantially better security, then the project maybe very successful.
For the many dozens of GNU/Linux installs I have performed over the past five or so years to aid frustrated Windows users, the “hard facts” of completely relinquishing the Widows user’s interface to these converts has been a necessity for going forward with PC desktop use, resulting in well received (very select clients only) response and realization that a Windows-like GUI has been unnecessary.
Why use a linux that looks like Windows??
make no sense to me!
Hi, thanks for the article.
It would be good if Zorin OS were to act as a stepping stone between Windows 7 and Linux. However, I’m struggling to see how the desktop ‘looks like Windows 7’.
Yes, the Menu is fairly similar but what’s with the strange panel? Also, the actual windows and settings applications look completely different and the applications function in a different manner.
Unfortunately, I also found it to be a little buggy.
I have used Zorin for a few years now. It is a good Distro for starting Linux. The one real problem I have had is updates breaking Zorin. I was able to fix them, and the Zorin forum is great, but updates should no bread the OS. Also it is based on Ubuntu, and if you are not careful you end up with an orange Ubuntu desktop. The best thing about Zorin for me is how easy it is to set up Bluetooth with Zorin. It is the only Linux OS that did not give me problems when setting up Bluetooth.
I prefer Linux Mint. It’s easiest to install, use and update. With MATE UI one can customizes it better than with Cinnamon.
Hi Pungki,
very well written post.
I’m using Linux Mint now for several years and I do it because it’s a kind of ‘old way’ of doing things: starting a program or use the panel to be informed. The same way Zorin is doing it. But Linux Mint is for free, has a great community and the developers are awesome. I’ve tried Zorin and I’m not convinced. Going back to Linux Mint!
Normally I use Mint. But have tried zorin. I like the layout. But for me, it felt buggy. It seems like. Some of the preinstalled apps that come with zorin, almost felt intergrated with the system. Sort of like windows and explorer. If you removed a app like Rhythmbox and replaced it with Banshee. It does not like that. I also installed thunderbird which is easy to transfer from one destro to another. Some reason it didn’t like thunderbird well either. I ended up going back to mint which seems to use any app you install or remove. Either way it works.
My wife was running a Win7 system and it began locking up at critical times–right in the middle of a game, for instance. In the interest of noise abatement (if you’re married, you know…), I put a Zorin laptop I had gotten in a swap on a folding table next to her computer desk. I told her it was only temporary and I’d take her W7 computer and see if I could get it dependable as soon as I got back from a trip. When I got back, something else happened and in a few days, she asked when I was going to get rid of her old computer and put the Zorin system on her computer desk.
That was almost a year ago. I’ve been living in fear she was going to come upon something she couldn’t do in Zorin and it would get noisy again. However, except for one game she’s learned to live without, there has NEVER been a problem. She is very happy not to have lockups and seems not to even think about its being Linux, rather than that other OS.
Try it. You might like it.
Thank you.
I am trying it for a week and found it enough for my daily jobs.