this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2023
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Does anyone use this? I've yet to find a defining feature list of why anyone should use it aside from cosmetic differences. Does it even have a defining feature set?
I mean, you literally described 99,999% of distros tbf.
Sure, but that's what I'm asking about. Why should people try this one?
A better question might be why shouldn't they? I'm not being pedantic (at least not intentionally) but if their defining characteristic is that they're nothing special, just a simple Linux distro that does the basic shit easily enough and looks nice - that has major appeal to people unfamiliar with Linux looking to leave other OS's behind. The vast majority of people that use an OS really have very little idea how it works or why. They just want some basic level of understanding and control over it.
Let's use Ubuntu for comparison.
Zorin adds only the following value:
When people see Windows, they expect Windows. Installers, package managers, peripherals like printers, etc. are different from Windows. Pretending to be Windows makes people feel at ease for a moment at the expense of fundamentally misunderstanding what operating system their computer runs on, and it'll trip them up eventually, probably sooner rather than later.
See macOS: It looks and feels different. People don't mistake macOS for Windows. People who use Windows don't expect macOS to behave like Windows, and vice-versa. But hey, let's make macOS look and feel like Windows at first glance. Why can't I run that .exe? What do you mean, I must use an app store? What is HDCP, and why does it prevent me from connecting this laptop to the projector?
For iOS that'd be questions like: Where is the Play Store? Why can't I install that (Android-only) app? I think you get my point.
This is one of the reasons why branding exists. Yet many Linux distros would like to believe they can replicate the Windows experience through a miracle, and fool themselves into thinking that's a good thing for Linux newcomers. It's especially bad for people who don't know they use Linux, like when they use computers at the office, library, etc. with a distro like Zorin.
I mean, most DEs copy Windows (KDE does, Cinnamon does, etc).
Taskbar along the bottom that shows opened programs
Start button that opens a small start menu in the bottom left
Clock in the bottom right
System tray in the bottom right
Frequently have menu bars at the top of apps
Minimise, maximise, close at the top right of each app
etc
So tbh it seems harsh to criticise Zorin for copying Windows when it seems, with the exception of Gnome, that all actual up to date DEs have copied Windows. And if they went with vanilla Gnome they'd not really be offering anything different at all.
Definitely count these other DEs into my criticism. They're part of the problem.
Tbh I used it few months ago and it's a pretty decent noob distro but I had some annoying graphical issues caused by snaps, which zorin use(d?) even by default so I can't recommend it because of that. It also doesn't allow much customization but that's GNOME for you.
spoiler
Also, this is just a me thing and not the distro's fault, but I couldn't stand having Zs everywhere even if it is a pure coincidence and I actually know the volunteers stand with Ukraine.
It's a good distro for those who want an easy introduction to Linux, I just think Linux Mint or Pop_OS are better, but there's many who use it and swear by it.
Zorin was, at least a few years ago, tailored to be easy to adapt to for people switching from Windows. This new version looks beautiful, I'm going to take it for a spin!
Tbh I see it as "prettier linux mint". Good distro for beginners but nothing more
exactly!
oh yeah. its an out of the box for folks (like myself) who like that. Lots of apps preinstalled including play on linux. So I can install and start using without adding any additional software. Its not the only oob distro but combining that with the look feel emulation is great and I have never seen an oob that sets up wine so well to use immediately. So its a bit like a combo of a gaming distro with oob and then the lookNfeel thing.
No, but I used this back when I was a little penguin and I had to "see" something working on Linux.
Xrdp server enabled with a toggle instead of messing with the terminal for 1 hour seems unique
That's not exclusive to Zorin however, that's just a Gnome 42 feature (unless the base gnome implementation is the one you're referring to that needs configuring in the terminal).
Ah. The way they wrote that seemed an exclusive...
Nice for gnome, so, when I wanted to set xrdp on debian a couple years ago I cried and almost gave up.
yes and I love it
I’ve got it on my fiancées laptop. She doesn’t use it very often though. It’s a decent enough experience
I use it. It's great. I've tried Linux many times over the past decade but it never stuck until Zorin. If you're coming from Windows it's a very friendly (and polished) way of being welcomed to Linux while also showing off Linux's strengths, things that are often hidden to the user unless they want to explore the terminal.
For Mac users who are Linux-curious I would recommend Ubuntu because it's much similar, whereas Zorin seems clearly designed with people who liked Windows 10 but not Windows 11.
It seems ok, guess I should try the free version before making judgements, realized the pro is ONLY $50 and completely optional. Sorry
~~at minimum Seems they charge a shitton for "bonus" software like they're a wannabe windows or some fuckin shit. Avoid this if you have any respect for yourself or open source software~~
If you had respect for open source software, you'd be willing to pay for it
$2,000 for autocad? Misunderstood what the site was saying ~~Doesn't sound like the kind of thing a linux distro should be selling. When was the last time Debian tried to get you to spend thousands of dollars on it??~~
They are just showing you that you don't need to spend $2000 on Autocad and other listed software, because Zorin has all these open source tools bundled in it.
Though tbh replacing Autocad or office365 with FOSS alternatives are bold claims because these alternatives just aren't viable in a commercial environment.
Guess i misunderstood?
Personally, I would say Richard Stallman has respect for open source software: https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.html.
Having respect for free (as in "libre") software means caring if the software can sustain its own development, and not just caring if you get it free (as in "gratis"). It's not always viable to support a project on donations and free time the way GNU is. https://xkcd.com/2347/
Linux people don't pay, they donate.
This does feel like a donation. I'm gonna try at some point
The pro version is just official support service from the company. That's how FOSS has always been monetized, no?
Seems like a good deal for people completely unfamiliar with Linux who just want a cheap OS and help to keep it running.
It doesn't go into much detail but it says pro includes blender and planify? Does any of that $50 go back to the apps, I wonder?
well I don't use Foss I use Proton 😜
I'm an idiot
I'm sorry
It's just support, for people that can afford it or want it. The bonus software is all free or foss, the rest are wallpapers or other gnome themes that can be get otherwise
I use the free version. its fine. if you have to have it look like a mac then yeah you can pay or configure it yourself like you would with any linux.