Although it is not the first time I work with Linux, it is true that I have tried few distributions outside of Ubuntu and Lubuntu (the most light version of Ubuntu for older computers). The experience with Linux was quite good, and now, I resume my Linux relationship thanks to the fact that recently, a friend recommended me to try Zorin OS, so, I tell you what I have done.
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The idea is to have an SSD hard disk prepared with this persistent operating system, so that you can use it from any computer that allows you to start from USB. So, with that goal in mind, I have acquired a 480 Gb SSD hard drive and also the cable that allows you to connect that SSD to a USB port.
Why Zorin OS?
The reasons for trying Zorin OS are several: on the one hand, it is a distribution that has taken care of the weakest part (traditionally) of any Linux distribution, the desktop, which has a good resemblance to Windows or macOS. If something new and unknown is similar to something that is already known, it is always more peaceful than if the environment is more unknown.
The third reason has to do with privacy, something so despised these days, and that is that Zorin OS does not collect operating data, because … the data is from users, and if you have doubts, you can check it yourself by being An open source operating system.
The fourth reason has to do with Android, because this new version, the 15, has integration with Android through the use of Zorin Connect, an app you can download at Google Play.
Although there are several versions of Zorin, I tried the Core version, which is free. If you really like this distribution, you don’t lose much if you get the most powerful version, the Ultimate, for only $ 39, and incidentally, you help the developers.
Install Zorin OS
Installing Zorin OS on a hard drive requires preparing a Live USB with the distribution, which is the simple part using Rufus. Then, you need to prepare the computer to boot from the prepared USB and you can now choose if you test the distribution, or directly install it on the computer.
In my case, I did the second option directly taking advantage of the fact that I have changed a hard drive to an old computer.
The installation process is not complicated at all, because you only need to boot from the Live USB, and check Install. The rest of the process is more or less fast, and you have to select the Wi-Fi connection, the time zone, and finally the name of the computer, the user and the administrator password (which is the most basic).
In a few minutes, you will have everything installed and ready to work.
Features I like from Zorin OS
There have been several features that I really like from this distribution, because of similarities for users who are more accustomed to Windows, and specifically, I am referring to the distribution of window buttons to minimize, maximize, or eliminate application, which they are located in the upper right (when normal is in the upper left, although it is configurable).
I also like that you have different themes, dark mode, or change, as well as many more desktop configuration options, which you find in Zorin Appearences.
The appearance of the desktop is bright, with its home button at the bottom left, and its drop-down with all operating system options. You can configure the navigation bar in different ways, so that it fits your style a lot, and that’s fantastic. Spend a few minutes on this and, no doubt, Linux (and more specifically, Zorin OS) will be quite friendly.
The application store is simply fantastic, because in a single site you have access to the download of applications without having to go to the console or commands, which will be appreciated by those who have just arrived at Linux. Obviously, those more expert users always have the option to perform these installations using commands, a classic in Linux. Personally, I installed Visual Studio Code and PyCharm to work with Python.
Regarding the boot, I was quite impressed by the speed with which the system is available to you in about 20 seconds. Shutting down the system is even faster. And the fluidity of the system, even testing on hardware with already a few years, has seemed impressive.
Aspects that I didn’t like about Zorin OS
Obviously, there are some things that I did not like about this distribution, and surely soon, some will be corrected. The most notable is that the default version of Python is 2.7, while I expected a version 3. In the next post on delving deeper into Zorin OS, I tell you how I updated Python 3.
Linux is cool, Zorin OS is really cool
Well, if you are one of those who are still stuck on Windows or think that Linux desktops are not at the Windows level, you should try Zorin OS and open your mind.
Happy coding!