| Zorin logo image from www.logolynx.com/ |
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. Zorin OS also comes with an application that lets users run many Windows programs. The distribution's ultimate goal is to provide a Linux alternative to Windows and let Windows users enjoy all the features of Linux without complications.
— Distrowatch.com
Recently, I started searching for a lightweight Linux operating system and I found many different flavors available right now. I was spoiled for choices so I tried a few. These new lightweight Linux had dethroned my favorite Lubuntu with their beautiful themes.
| Zorin OS 16 Lite desktop image from pplware.sapo.pt |
Zorin Lite OS is my favorite from the lists of lightweight Linux OSes. It looks similar to WinXP or Win 7 theme but still maintains the lightweight and minimalist software packages provided. I recently got a hands-down Lenovo U41-70, the fastest and longest battery life I currently owned, and installed Zorin OS 16 Lite on it. Due to the Broadcom wireless network adaptor (requiring proprietary drivers so cannot be detected during installation), I had to use a wired Internet connection to do my installation. The Broadcom wireless driver was automatically installed during the installation process. Otherwise, the installation would be less painful. So make sure you know what wireless adaptors you have so can be prepared for it.
Below are some applications that come with the default installation:
Music player: Rhythmbox
Media player: Parole Media Player
Office: LibreOffice
File manager: Thunar
Web browser: Firefox
Color temperature adjustment tool: Redshift
Package manager: Zorin Software Center
Terminal: Xfce terminal
Graphics editing tool: GIMP
The choice for the default applications is reasonable but I have my personal favorite applications that I usually use so installing them. Even though the software center looks nice and pretty easy to use, comes pre-loaded with the app catalogs of Flathub, the Snap store, and the Ubuntu & Zorin OS APT repositories, as well as the capability to install .deb & AppImage packages, there is really a lot of applications you can choose download from. The applications are also sorted by categories for easier searching. The software center does not have all the applications I want.
The laptop was pretty responsive and had no lags for most cases. If there is, it is likely due to my slower hard disks (I am not using the default 1TB HDD, but my own 500GB HDD). I only made changes to the font size as it is too small for me. There is no issue with applications running on Zorin OS. It also comes with Uncomplicated Firewall (ufw) but needs to enable it to work using the Firewall Configuration setting (Gufw).
Most of my daily needs can be done by the default application pre-installed such as software updates and new software installation for what's missing. I still prefer to install those applications that I commonly used. Zorin OS theme is better than Lubuntu but still maintains a simplistic look and functionality for most parts.
NOTE: I have an issue with the screen lock with Zorin OS 16 lite. Very frustrating since it is a basic function. Not sure if it works on Zorin OS 16 Core as suggested to install it. Likely will be jumping to another distribution when I find the best fit for me.
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