- Zorin OS 18.1 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, offering the Linux kernel 6.17 and extended support until 2029.
- The distribution enhances the transition from Windows through an expanded database that suggests native alternatives to .exe files.
- The Lite version based on Xfce 4.20 returns for older devices, and the Pro version with advanced customizations remains.
- Version 17.3 highlights the integration of Brave as the default browser and significant improvements to Zorin Connect.
If you're fed up with the complications of Windows 11 or worried about your old computer losing support, you've probably heard of Zorin OS. This Irish-born GNU/Linux distribution has gained tremendous popularity as the perfect bridge for those who want to jump into open source without being overwhelmed by the learning curve, offering an environment that feels like home from the very first minute.
What makes this system special is that it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but rather refines the experience to the fullest. By building on Ubuntu's LTS versions, Zorin ensures your computer won't become a paperweight, providing long-term stability and security —essential for those who use their machine for work or study and can't afford for the system to crash at the worst possible moment.
Zorin OS 18.1: A qualitative leap in performance
The arrival of version 18.1 is not just a routine update. The system is now based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS , meaning support extends until 2029. But the most exciting part is that it incorporates the Linux 6.17 kernel , which comes loaded with updated drivers. This is music to the ears of those with modern hardware, as it improves compatibility with the latest AMD and Intel GPUs, as well as providing more robust support for NVIDIA cards.
In terms of aesthetics, the Zorin team has continued to refine its GNOME-based interface. Now we have a desktop with rounded edges and softer colors , along with a floating panel that gives it a very modern look. They've improved the advanced tiling system, making window organization almost as easy as in Windows 11, but with the flexibility inherent to Linux.
They've also addressed things that aren't immediately obvious but become noticeable when using it. They've optimized overall performance to make the system feel smoother and faster , fixing bugs that could cause problems in daily use. They've even improved compatibility with right-to-left languages, adjusting the panel's behavior so everything fits together perfectly.
Making it easier to say goodbye to Windows
One of the areas where Zorin OS truly outperforms the competition is in its support for novice users. To prevent you from going crazy trying to figure out how to install a program, they've expanded their database of compatible applications by over 40%. Basically, if you try to run a Windows .exe installer, the system can detect it and tell you: "Hey, don't complicate things, just install this native version from the store."
This software detector is extremely flexible. For example, if you try to install Microsoft Outlook, the system will redirect you to Evolution Mail , a powerful native alternative. The goal is to minimize friction, making the transition smooth rather than an obstacle course. The system is compatible with over 240 popular applications, ensuring you won't miss anything from your old operating system.
The return of Zorin OS Lite and its various editions
Not everyone has a state-of-the-art computer, and Zorin knows it. That's why Zorin OS Lite is back , designed specifically for low-resource or older machines . This version uses the Xfce 4.20 desktop environment , which is famous for being feather-light yet highly efficient. It includes a revamped file manager and fingerprint reader support, requiring only 1 GB of RAM to run.
For those looking for something more, there are other interesting options:
- Zorin OS Core: The balanced and generalist option for everyday use.
- Zorin OS Education: A package designed for students, with educational tools already installed.
- Zorin OS Pro: The paid version (€47,99) includes exclusive themes to mimic macOS or Windows 11, creative software like Blender, and direct technical support.
Analysis of version 17.3 and its new features
Looking back to version 17.3, we see some significant philosophical changes. The most striking move was replacing Firefox with Brave as the default browser . The developers made this decision based on privacy concerns, also removing intrusive Brave features like the Wallet and rewards to leave a clean and secure browser.
Another gem in this version is the revamped Zorin Connect , the tool that makes your Android phone and PC work seamlessly together. It now features a more intuitive interface and allows for interesting features like cursor control using the phone's gyroscope. Furthermore, improvements have been made for touchscreens, enabling the activation of the on-screen keyboard with a quick button on the panel, giving the user more control.
In terms of hardware, version 17.3 already included the NVIDIA 570 driver , ensuring that RTX 5000 series cards would perform at their best. All of this is complemented by an ecosystem where pre-installed software is always up-to-date, guaranteeing that security is not a constant concern for the user.
Zorin OS is establishing itself as a powerful tool for anyone wanting to leave Windows behind without complications, offering everything from an ultra-light version for older PCs to a Pro version full of visual luxuries, all supported by the robustness of Ubuntu and an obsessive focus on usability and end-user privacy.
