If you value transparency, upstream collaboration, open governance, or reliable support, Zorin OS falls short. Its strengths are visual polish and ease of use, but its weaknesses are structural and significant:
Opaque development
Closed components
No public bug tracker
No upstream contributions
No community governance
Forums as the only support channel
This video does a good job explaining the above in detail.
Because Zorin is a user-friendly distro that's easy to pick up if you've never used Linux before. It being open isn't the main reason people pick Linux over buying a new PC because W10 has reached EOL. All the downsides you've listed aren't any different when using Windows, so there's nothing worse about Zorin.
Anything is "the new mint". The Mint thing is currently "having a good community for new folks" and as someone who never got in to Mint, but DID get in to Crunchbang - community is key. Without it you can be as simplistic as you want but without someone going "no no don't copy paste random stuff in your terminal, do this instead" its... well its just another distro (and lets remember that the stuff in Mint exist in every distro now more or less)
If Zorin is the new "hello Linux" distro, I'm ok with that! People find their own path.
I mean, it’s the one that closest resembles windows for those that are looking to switch. Mint is still Mint in that people who had wanted to try Linux, before this most recent trend, had a simple, easy to use distro to “get their feet wet” and determine whether they like it or not.
Someone in another thread said that Mint isn’t good for newcomers: No Wayland and delayed drivers means unnecessary churn coming up for them when they could just have had an already-contemporary system from the start.
I use Mint (LMDE) as the daily driver on my laptop (Ubuntu on my desktop). I set up a number of Zorin Core computers in 2018 at a museum for which I provide volunteer IT support, computers that I have maintained/upgraded since then with no problems.
Both are very good distributions, based on Ubuntu LTS, stable and secure, relatively easy to install, use and maintain. Zorin is on a slower upgrade cycle than Mint but both are well supported with good documentation and a solid community.
Both, it seems to me, are good choices for new Linux users.
> I would be a bit careful about drawing conclusions from the "million downloads". My guess is that many of the downloads are existing Zorin users upgrading.
True, but also consider that one can draw a conclusion if one release has 300,000 downloads and the next has 1,000,000
My guess (and experience) is that a lot of these downloads are from people who needed to switch from Win10 with no upgrade to Win11 available, and end of support for Win10 in October. I’m one of those people lol.
Grandma just needs something that I can update automatically and do version upgrades when I am around and have time for the holidays.
I generally disagree with using "stable" distros for most use, and I am thinking work desktop use. We run Fedora at work and target that because we need newer hardware support then what you might find in RHEL, but it is very similar to the servers to keep differences down.
I agree Grandma and work should be the same, Alma/Rocky/Debian/Ubuntu LTS.
You want something that stays the same and just gets security updates so you can concentrate on a few tasks.
I have met a lot of juniors who insist they need to be on Fedora for work and they never actually give a tangable reason, they are developing a Java/Node/Python/Go/etc.. apllication using Intelij/Vs code. The projects going to lock you on to fixed versions for development so the latest updates are juat wasted company time.
Its why "gaming" me also runs Debian, I will run slightly older hardware so when I game I can just play. AMD are already working on RDNA 4 cards so my 3.5 isn't going to get meaningful updates so why waste time.
Both Zorin and Mint are IMO the best beginner-friendly distros by now. Mint is as polished as ever, and as for Zorin, even my tech-illiterate 70-and-odd years old dad can use it just fine.
I mean using older people as an example is bad. Old people are FAR more adaptable with things and have the experience to figure things out pretty quickly.
Its the younger people in these generations that are hardwired into a certain way of things and have a hard time adapting to something ever so slightly different.
Old people have been around tech for a long time now(its not a new thing anymore). A normal Linux distro is not gonna be hard for them.
More impressive if your teenage kid quickly adapted to something new instead of throwing a fit and posting it on tiktok or whatever kids do these days.
Perhaps it is, but my dad is probably one of the most tech illiterate folks you can run into - he struggles with e.g. setting an alarm on the phone, so imagine him sitting in front of a PC... The Zorin folks have made a damn good job 👌🏻
I am with him though, mobile phones these days are rubbish. I barely use mine, only for calling(yes i know very crazy). They arent that user friendly anymore at all, i struggle with the phone i have been given from work, i only use it at work and minimised the use of it as much as possible.
PC is far more user friendly tech wise. If he doesnt use his phone much and has been out of the loop like me as in keep a phone going for like 10 years until it breaks and only use it as a phone. Then any new phone is like "WTF IS GOING ON!?"
It's hard to beat Mint when it comes to stability and reliability. I have an uncanny suspicion that these guys actually test their stuff before rolling it out.
Mint and Zorin are completely different. Mint is Ubuntu without bloat. Zorin is crippleware castrated bait to use a paid version with more functionality.
Not really. Functionality is all the same. All of the apps included in pro can be installed for free, so there is no bloat. However, the difference is the layouts
Does the free version of Zorin beg you to upgrade to the Pro version, either initially or ongoing?
I get the idea of commercially supported Linux distros, but paywalling creative software and theming behind a paywall isn't really what I'm looking for.
I’m glad to see zorin get its flowers. I used it a while back and I loved it. from a desktop perspective it seemed the most easy to use in the sense that they help you set up the desktop the way you want it, windows, Mac, whatever right out of the box.
CrazyFab42@reddit
I am not sure why this has gained traction.
If you value transparency, upstream collaboration, open governance, or reliable support, Zorin OS falls short. Its strengths are visual polish and ease of use, but its weaknesses are structural and significant:
This video does a good job explaining the above in detail.
robbertzzz1@reddit
Because Zorin is a user-friendly distro that's easy to pick up if you've never used Linux before. It being open isn't the main reason people pick Linux over buying a new PC because W10 has reached EOL. All the downsides you've listed aren't any different when using Windows, so there's nothing worse about Zorin.
Mean_Patience1319@reddit
Interesting article. It's good that people are curious, but many will try it and not stick with it.
dumpaccount882212@reddit
Anything is "the new mint". The Mint thing is currently "having a good community for new folks" and as someone who never got in to Mint, but DID get in to Crunchbang - community is key. Without it you can be as simplistic as you want but without someone going "no no don't copy paste random stuff in your terminal, do this instead" its... well its just another distro (and lets remember that the stuff in Mint exist in every distro now more or less)
If Zorin is the new "hello Linux" distro, I'm ok with that! People find their own path.
EETQuestions@reddit
I mean, it’s the one that closest resembles windows for those that are looking to switch. Mint is still Mint in that people who had wanted to try Linux, before this most recent trend, had a simple, easy to use distro to “get their feet wet” and determine whether they like it or not.
flying-sheep@reddit
Someone in another thread said that Mint isn’t good for newcomers: No Wayland and delayed drivers means unnecessary churn coming up for them when they could just have had an already-contemporary system from the start.
CrazyFab42@reddit
? Zorin OS is the definition of outdated.
AdmiralQuokka@reddit
Yeah not being on Wayland at this point seems insane to me. Mint is sliding into Debian territory when it comes to being outdated IMO.
EETQuestions@reddit
I think I read that they’re looking to include it with their next release, however, it’s still a viable intro distro imo.
tomscharbach@reddit
I have experience with both Mint and Zorin.
I use Mint (LMDE) as the daily driver on my laptop (Ubuntu on my desktop). I set up a number of Zorin Core computers in 2018 at a museum for which I provide volunteer IT support, computers that I have maintained/upgraded since then with no problems.
Both are very good distributions, based on Ubuntu LTS, stable and secure, relatively easy to install, use and maintain. Zorin is on a slower upgrade cycle than Mint but both are well supported with good documentation and a solid community.
Both, it seems to me, are good choices for new Linux users.
adamkex@reddit
> I would be a bit careful about drawing conclusions from the "million downloads". My guess is that many of the downloads are existing Zorin users upgrading.
True, but also consider that one can draw a conclusion if one release has 300,000 downloads and the next has 1,000,000
Independent_Can_7873@reddit
My guess (and experience) is that a lot of these downloads are from people who needed to switch from Win10 with no upgrade to Win11 available, and end of support for Win10 in October. I’m one of those people lol.
rresende@reddit
And many downloads are people trying, doesn't mean they will keep using it.
but it
InfiniteSheepherder1@reddit
That can't be true as Zorin is running on vaguely modern stuff unlike Mint and Mint's original point was having flashplayer preinstalled.
For grandma she gets Alma or Debian
For all around use and work use, probably Fedora maybe Ubuntu
For a gamer who needs up to date stuff, Fedora or Bazzite.
this has more or less been what i recommend for the last 10-15 years with the addition of alma instead of CentOs and Bazzite being added.
adamkex@reddit
Why is general and work use different from grandma?
InfiniteSheepherder1@reddit
Grandma just needs something that I can update automatically and do version upgrades when I am around and have time for the holidays.
I generally disagree with using "stable" distros for most use, and I am thinking work desktop use. We run Fedora at work and target that because we need newer hardware support then what you might find in RHEL, but it is very similar to the servers to keep differences down.
stevecrox0914@reddit
I agree Grandma and work should be the same, Alma/Rocky/Debian/Ubuntu LTS.
You want something that stays the same and just gets security updates so you can concentrate on a few tasks.
I have met a lot of juniors who insist they need to be on Fedora for work and they never actually give a tangable reason, they are developing a Java/Node/Python/Go/etc.. apllication using Intelij/Vs code. The projects going to lock you on to fixed versions for development so the latest updates are juat wasted company time.
Its why "gaming" me also runs Debian, I will run slightly older hardware so when I game I can just play. AMD are already working on RDNA 4 cards so my 3.5 isn't going to get meaningful updates so why waste time.
dylon0107@reddit
Cachyos is the best gaming distro I think
landsoflore2@reddit
Both Zorin and Mint are IMO the best beginner-friendly distros by now. Mint is as polished as ever, and as for Zorin, even my tech-illiterate 70-and-odd years old dad can use it just fine.
WeirdoKunt@reddit
I mean using older people as an example is bad. Old people are FAR more adaptable with things and have the experience to figure things out pretty quickly.
Its the younger people in these generations that are hardwired into a certain way of things and have a hard time adapting to something ever so slightly different.
Old people have been around tech for a long time now(its not a new thing anymore). A normal Linux distro is not gonna be hard for them.
More impressive if your teenage kid quickly adapted to something new instead of throwing a fit and posting it on tiktok or whatever kids do these days.
landsoflore2@reddit
Perhaps it is, but my dad is probably one of the most tech illiterate folks you can run into - he struggles with e.g. setting an alarm on the phone, so imagine him sitting in front of a PC... The Zorin folks have made a damn good job 👌🏻
WeirdoKunt@reddit
I am with him though, mobile phones these days are rubbish. I barely use mine, only for calling(yes i know very crazy). They arent that user friendly anymore at all, i struggle with the phone i have been given from work, i only use it at work and minimised the use of it as much as possible.
PC is far more user friendly tech wise. If he doesnt use his phone much and has been out of the loop like me as in keep a phone going for like 10 years until it breaks and only use it as a phone. Then any new phone is like "WTF IS GOING ON!?"
SuggestionEphemeral@reddit
This guy: "Old people are adaptable! It's the kids these days who throw a fit any time something slightly changes!"
Also this guy: "Mobile phones aren't user friendly anymore! They're rubbish!"
Lol, I'm not saying whether you're right or wrong, but at least pick one thing and stick to it instead of contracting yourself.
no2gates@reddit
I've been using Mint for about a year, had been using Fedora for about 12 years prior.
I just downloaded Zorin last night and so far I like it better than Mint.
dylon0107@reddit
I need the zorin 18 window tilling on cachyos right now
githman@reddit
It's hard to beat Mint when it comes to stability and reliability. I have an uncanny suspicion that these guys actually test their stuff before rolling it out.
Also, not zorin slop again.
kurupukdorokdok@reddit
Zorin wayland is better that mint
flemtone@reddit
Zorin may look good but memory usage is higher than Mint.
asm_lover@reddit
I literally do not care what distro new windows users find nice as long as they move off windows.... Well chrome OS would also be bad...
commodore512@reddit
Zorin and Mint are roughly the same age
mmmboppe@reddit
Mint and Zorin are completely different. Mint is Ubuntu without bloat. Zorin is crippleware castrated bait to use a paid version with more functionality.
Forsaken-Dentist-889@reddit
Not really. Functionality is all the same. All of the apps included in pro can be installed for free, so there is no bloat. However, the difference is the layouts
lKrauzer@reddit
Just wished they ship a more recent GNOME version
Damaniel2@reddit
Does the free version of Zorin beg you to upgrade to the Pro version, either initially or ongoing?
I get the idea of commercially supported Linux distros, but paywalling creative software and theming behind a paywall isn't really what I'm looking for.
TheNavyCrow@reddit
>Does the free version of Zorin beg you to upgrade to the Pro version, either initially or ongoing?
not really. when you open Zorin Appearance (their customization app) they show the Zorin Pro layouts, but it's one click to disable it forever
Dwedit@reddit
So how does it compare to the likes of Fedora KDE?
shogun77777777@reddit
I don’t care for Ubuntu derivatives
TxTechnician@reddit
Fellow suse user. I support Linux mint in my business and am exploring Zorin now.
Electronic-Clerk6735@reddit
I’m glad to see zorin get its flowers. I used it a while back and I loved it. from a desktop perspective it seemed the most easy to use in the sense that they help you set up the desktop the way you want it, windows, Mac, whatever right out of the box.
CortaCircuit@reddit
ZorinOS has been my go to for years and I have recommended it to many people.