Interview with Artyom Zorin of Zorin OS

[@dragonballjiujitsu]

Other Linux distros take note. Linux Mint and Zorin OS are the ones doing it right. These are the two best distros you can get at the moment and everything else is far behind. Why? Because they actually listen to the end users. You EASILY install software from .deb, snap, flatpak, app images, etc. It looks great right out the box. Easy to use, rock solid stability. I've been using Zorin for about 6 years now on one computer or another and never had a crash or stability issue. Never had it fail to auto install the correct drivers. Never had an update problem. Keep doing what you do!

[@RealRajatShahare]

Artyom said exactly what I like. When I first tried Zorin, I attempted to install a Windows (.exe) file, and it suggested a similar linux app available in the store that I should check out. To be honest, this is the best feature in Zorin for general users.

[@brq034]

I love Zorin! It's a polished desktop Linux that reminds me of my beginner days of being on boxed consumer distros like Mandrake, SUSE, Red Hat, and Xandros in the early 2000s. If we want desktop Linux to succeed more, I think it's cool to be able to financially support it if you can.

[@PuggiTheGreat]

Yeah. I also bought a boxed version of Linux all them years back, boxed Suse which came with two hefty manuals, ah, nostalgia.😂

[@mr.wonderful4307]

Thank you guys for having Artyom on the show. This is a real treat !👍

[@centy64]

Fascinating and informative interview. Zorin was my first version of linux that I stuck with and I used it for about 2 years from version 15 -16. I think it was key to me sticking with Linux in those early days, I think it will always have a place in my heart for starting my linux journey and although I don't daily drive it on my desktop anymore I do still have it on my ancient backup laptop which would struggle with Win7 lol. Zorin is my go to first recommendation for new users and I think will continue to be and I wish Artyom and the rest of the Zorin devs good luck with their future endeavors.

[@Andy-AJC72]

First Distro I installed was Ubuntu, but that only lasted a few days. First real distro I installed and really used was Zorin OS. I have donated for the pro version consistently because I just love the Zorin project and it deserves support.

[@ArchLars]

I may not use Zorin, but I am a NVIDIA user and from the bottom of my heart thank you Zorin for being so accessible to NVIDIA users in the installation process and for helping fix issues upstream for NVIDIA users. It often feels like we get no love on Linux, either it's broken and only complex fixes are available or we are simply told to get AMD. Issues with NVIDIA on LTS distros is what led me to learn rolling distros which had driver & kernel updates I needed to run a better system, so to hear that Zorin is helping out NVIDIA users of LTS distros that do not have the time or technical know-how to learn & maintain rolling distros is so appreciated. We are all a family ❤🐧

[@PuggiTheGreat]

I’ve used Linux for over 30 years now and I’d say that Zorin is one of the best distros out there and its UI is what Ubuntu should be for beginners. It just installs out of the box everything you need, including nVidia (in my case). Like many I just want to install and use and Zorin does exactly that. WELL DONE LADS!👏 And to think these lads were only 13 & 14 when they started on Linux/Zorin, wow😮.

[@laylasmart]

As a Windows user, after I heard about Windows 11 Copilot and Recall spyware, I searched to switch from Windows to Linux and out of many Zorin OS got my eyes on the first sight. It similarity look to Windows simply got me so I installed it. It was fast and easy with no issues and unlike Windows, Zorin OS recognize the NVME drive. Also, I haven't needed to mess with the terminal which will terrify most of the average user who do not deal with programing. What I do find problematic and it is not related to Zorin or Linux, is that many third party software don't have a Linux version. That's the only thing that needs to change. That's the only thing that still keep's me on Windows. I would like to thank to Artyom to make Zorin OS that look and feel like Windows so the switch to Linux is super easy so keep on. You know. Double click, install. Double click, open. Double click, uninstall. And it works.

[@DestinationLinux]

Thanks for the comment, really interesting and I agree Zorin is impressive. I’m curious which apps are keeping you on Windows? - Michael

[@laylasmart]

@@DestinationLinux Hi Michael, Even thaw you probably know that, I will explain it like explaining to people that don't know anything. Those are not apps. Those are Windows software and that include portable software that for Windows free to use by anyone, with no Linux version. While an app is a small form of software, a software is not an app at all. It is much more complex and bigger in size with many functions that apps do not and cannot do. After a big research I made about third party software on Linux, we can take just as an example- Photoshop. Photoshop is not an app, it is a software. There is no equivalent free software to this in Linux world, and no Linux software that can open a PSD photoshop file that came from windows. So all photoshop users are stuck on Windows. Sure, there's Affinity that can do that, but what about all of those software I list here? DAW (Digital Audio Workstations) Apple Logic Pro Ableton Live 12 Image-Line FL Studio Avid Pro Tools Apple GarageBand Cakewalk by Bandlab/Sonar Steinberg Cubase Acoustica Mixcraft Video editing software - Kapwing Magix Vegas Apple iMovie HitFilm Express Lightworks Shotcut OpenShot Video Editor ClipChamp Windows Video Editor Vimeo VSDC Free Video Editor Final Cut Pro (Free Trial) Adobe Premiere Pro (Free Trial) (there are many others. to many to list here) People say "Use Wine, use bottles" for running Windows software on Linux but that doesn't work all the time, and even if the software will run, external plugins are needed many times, and who knows they will run in the Windows software even if they have a Linux version. Also, will something that was installed on Linux as Windows software, be able to read native Linux plugins and vice versa?... This is the MAIN mess that Windows users deal with. When that will be solved, Linux will blossom. Until then, it will always be on Linux "Lets find a way around... damn, it doesn't work".

[@DestinationLinux]

First, it’s impossible for Linux to have support for everything because proprietary software is controlled by the devs and if they don’t do it then there’s nothing we can do. This is true for any macOS software not available on Windows as well. As for “apps”, this term has evolved into meaning every kind of software. App is just an abbreviation of application and while it’s true that the term originally came out of smartphones like iPhone usage but the colloquial use has become to describe any kind of software. In regards to digital audio workstations, your list is not include any Linux apps, but Linux has native support for Reaper, Bitwig, Ardour and more. Not all but many. As for video editors, your list includes applications that have Linux support and two that started on Linux. Lightworks, Shotcut and OpenShot all work on Linux in fact Shotcut and OpenShot started as Linux apps first. There’s also Davinci Resolve which is a full-blown professional editor that has been growing in popularity immensely over the past few years and it supports Linux just fine. As for Photoshop, yes there’s no real replacement but most people have no need for Photoshop, professionals might but Photopea is a great alternative that works on Linux and is even good for professionals. Yes, Photopea supports PSD. - Michael

[@laylasmart]

@@DestinationLinux Off course Linux cannot cover everything and it is not suppose to. Now don't get me wrong, I love the fact that we have such wonderful and OS as Linux, and many free software that give everyone the freedom to do whatever they want, and still, when it comes to integration with third party software, there's a big limit. As no one can install a Windows software on Mac and vice versa. It's the same with Linux. Those are different OS. That's why the third party software have a version for Mac and Windows most of the time, and sometimes for Linux too. When all third party software maker will create a Linux version for their software, then everyone will use Linux. No one will stay with companies that do not give freedom o the users on their operating systems. That's the main thing that stops Linux from reaching out to everyone. Apps mean nothing to people who have to do heavy duty work. With cellular, all of us can enjoy apps, Record, shoot even 8K videos, but most people that have heavy duty work, do that on a computer, and on computer, they need software that can do the heavy load and different tasks. Have a dedicated graphic card, 128 Gb ram, 4Tb storage, USB audio interface and other things. No cellular and no app can deal with that. The aren't suppose to. That's why an app is a software and a software is not an app. When an app developed and become to be a software, then it is no longer an app. Reaper came into my mind, but can it open and paly Cakewalk by Bandlab file that was made on Windows is a big question. As for the video editor, Resolve is the right one to choose, but many will not leave their Premier Pro, Avid and other pro software. Photopea is online, so it is useless. All the stuff is uploaded online and the hell knows where it goes. Affinity in its Linux version will be the better choice. Again, If the third party software companies did Linux version software, support it as a standard long time ago, Then everything would be much more easier. Right now, it is the main block!!! But it will change. When? Only time will tell. In the meantime, many of those who would like to move to Linux might find themselves running between two operating systems.

[@DestinationLinux]

@laylasmart Yes, I agree with this “When all third party software maker will create a Linux version for their software, then everyone will use Linux.” I understand your point about the difference between an app and software but that term has evolved into meaning the same thing. It is now common vernacular to simply mean software. If enough people use a term for different than its original purpose then the meaning changes and now we are there with “app”. Here’s an example of a very popular website calling all video editors “apps”, zapier.com/blog/best-free-video-editing-software/ and here is one saying “apps for mobile” to add a distinction that they mean mobile because the term is no longer what it was amp.cnn.com/cnn/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-video-editing-apps I don’t know what Reaper can do, I’m a novice at best with DAWs. Resolve is solid and makes switching way easier but if people insist on Premiere Pro then yea that can’t switch but that’s why you convince them to try Resolve first and once that’s done talk about Linux 😁 Photopea does not upload your files to anywhere ever. This is a webapp yes so you use it in a browser but nothing goes anywhere, everything is loaded locally and even settings for custom fonts and such are all done locally in the browser. Affinity doesn’t have a Linux version. It’s possible through WINE with enough headaches but they don’t have a Linux version “If the third party software companies did Linux version software, support it as a standard long time ago, Then everything would be much more easier.” … agreed - Michael

[@JollyDigitalServices]

Impressive that the brothers started learning how to modify Linux so early in life. My next computer will definitely be running Zorin Pro.

[@MaisistkeinGemuese]

As a Windows User and former Fedora User, I always watch out for Zorin. What they do is great! Sadly my Work keeps me on Applications that are Windows only and I don't like VMs or Dualbooting.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

That's 100% fair. Use the tool that's best suited for the Job. I migrated most of my machines, but a couple I left behind because Windows is better suited for their use-case. Linux is fantastic, but tribalism is nonsensical.

[@ThirtyHighNoons]

I like how you each have a different background color.

[@raderator]

Zorin Core was the first distro I've ever seen that wasn't ugly. It's slick and modern, like a commercial OS. That's what got me to switch from Windows three years ago. It's like Windows without the bloat, nagging, spying or refusing to install. Staying with Chrome made it like a better Chrome OS without the end-of-support date. I recommend noobs make a Ventoy thumb drive (easy), put Mint, Zorin and Pop OS live ISOs on it and try all three. You will probably go with Zorin. I've tried all the major distros but see no reason to switch. Also, the Zorin Forum is excellent and friendly.

[@Andy-AJC72]

Zorin and Pop are my go-to Distros. Mint is great but I’m not a fan of Cinnamon DE.

[@oldhedders]

Happy Zorin user here. To be honest, I know my way around Linux as a server rather well, but apart from a brief flirtation with Ubuntu in about 2010 I've never really used it on the desktop before. Zorin has made the transition an absolute doddle.

[@CristianMolina]

Awesome interview, thx! ❤

[@bugs181]

Oh wow! I remember Compiz. I had the cube and green fire effects for minimizing/maximizing windows. I think that was the moment I fell in love with being able to fully customize Linux. My passion grew from there and now I run Bluefin/Bazzite/Android exclusively. I came from completely walled gardens like Windows, Apple, etc and I'll NEVER go back! Liked + Subscribed. Loved the video!

[@charlieoscar09]

Love Zorin OS great interview guys.......Thanks Jill you are fab

[@MegaSimsie]

As an Irishman, I feel that I need to switch to Zorin immediately.

[@sharkuel]

Ah yes, my 1st distro. I wish we could use the older themes as well, to celebrate the distro's legacy!

[@ab-qh7ot]

Zorin is such a great distro, perfect for noobs and the community is just too damn wholesome.

[@drakemallard6100]

Zorin 16 made me switch to Linux and use it as my daily driver in only 3 days. Wish it would use Ubuntu 24 as the basis

[@kevinDesRoches-vq1xe]

I just got Zorin os in Quickgui yesterday and it is awesome i may make it my everyday distro !!!

[@TheDesertBlizzard]

I use Zorin on two of my systems. No three, and even went as far as to commit the cardinal sin in FOSS and purchased it from them, because they are Irish maintainers and kin from my homeland. If it was more gaming focused I would consider it on my main PC.

[@DestinationLinux]

The comment about cardinal sin saddens me because that shouldn’t be a bad thing. Great that you did it anyway lol - Michael

[@TheDesertBlizzard]

@ Yeah. Anytime I bring up that about FOSS software, it often turns into a debate. This community has a culture of not wanting to pay for things that “should be” free.

[@DestinationLinux]

@TheDesertBlizzard sadly your statement is factual, I wish you were wrong but alas - Michael

[@Y2GeekUK]

Okay, you win. I'm downloading Zorin OS now to replace my Linux Mint

[@araputrevor5103]

Zorin OS so far really is the best. I install many different distros, installed steam, downloaded asphalt 9. Others Needed me to do more but zorin just worked without any more staff..... its incredible. I actually changed it because it worked so well and i had nothing to do. But its Always my default on my laptops until i just want to explore.

[@JudgeFredd]

Great interview !

[@fellowcitizen]

Subscribed! We need a new Zorin blimp!

[@ShaunakHub]

Zorin Grid just might be the game changer Linux was looking for....

[@WaltFrampusFrye]

I love Zorin and have for years. I really do not use it right now because it is based on 22.04 lts ubuntu and but the time 24.04 version of zorin comes out 26.04 will almost be out. I know that zorin only gets released every two years but they need to get closer to the actual unbuntu LTS release schedule

[@aurovictor2286]

Zorin 17.2 uses the same kernel as Ubuntu 24.04(6.8.45 kernal) and they recommend you to install the latest nvidia 560 drivers because of wayland.The audio changed from pulseaudio to pipe wire.Zorin actually doesn't behind that much.

[@WaltFrampusFrye]

@@aurovictor2286 I actually know all about zorin.. have been using it on and off since they began. I own a copy of 17.2 pro and have purchased pro at least 4 times in the past and will buy 18 when it comes out. My point is that I have newer computers and want up to date software on it. By the time 18 comes out it will be months away for the new Ubuntu LTS to come out. The Zorin base is already 2.5 years old. Zorin still runs great but not an every day driver for me.

[@the1trancedemon]

Zorin is amazing neat and polished. I dont know if this is possible but it would be even better if there were more window shades between dark and light. gnome is eather too dark or too light or maybe my display is weard lol.

[@kahunaSecurity]

Thanks

[@CollinsBosah]

Lit & based ❤️‍🔥👾💖

[@brads2041]

I've run zorin a couple of times. It's good, especially for the target audience. Personally I've moved on but I think it's worth trying for new users

[@kevinDesRoches-vq1xe]

Is it as light as Linuxmint I have an old laptop with Linuxmint on it 12 years old ?

[@DestinationLinux]

Linux Mint Xfce edition is about the same lightness as Zorin OS Lite as they both use Xfce. If you are using Mint with Cinnamon then arguably both Zorin editions could work - Michael

[@kevinDesRoches-vq1xe]

@@DestinationLinux I may put Zorin os-17-core-64 on my newer laptop 3 years old with Linuxmint on it also. I had bought a new one as my old laptop would not run on microsoft with all the bloat then i seen Chris titus in a video how to save an old laptop so I pulled my old laptop out and was surprised at how well it ran on linuxmint which is the first time hearing of linux and have been in love with it since then. The opensouce is what makes it so special. Thanks for your quick reply !!!

[@Blessed2bFresh]

Bummed about no pro lite because I'm an XFCE fan. I'm not buying that Gnome is going to run as effiicient

[@Shabbir-A.]

we could not make it working in MacBook Air 2015

[@WaliaIbex]

I hate the logo for zorin. I find it repulsive . Just because the logo I don't want to use Zorin.

[@Andy-AJC72]

Is it the “Z” or are you adverse to hexagons? 😂

[@WaliaIbex]

@Andy-AJC72 I can't explain it. I known it doesn't make sense.

[@Andy-AJC72]

Perhaps it’s an aversion to the villain in the James Bond movie “A View to a Kill”?

[@DestinationLinux]

At first I thought, “okay seems random” and then the detective work started and then the reveal of even you don’t know why lol … roller coaster of a thread - Michael

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

I wish they'd go the route that Mint has gone with LMDE. I hate Snaps and Ubuntu has introduced some other problems to their distros in recent years.

[@DestinationLinux]

Thanks for commenting and sharing your thoughts. If you don’t mind I’d like to pull on some of the threads you started here. - what issues do you have with Snaps? - what new problems have they introduced? - do you think Debian direct base is the best option because of the merits of Debian or not being Ubuntu? - Michael

[@FraterSorax]

Still better then windowsfx 😂😂😂😂