Zorin OS 16 - Linux For The Average Computer User

If you want to make the leap into Linux but you don't want to spend hours configuring your system or struggling to find your way around an unfamiliar interface, then Zorin could be exactly what you're looking for.
It's easy to install and presents a user with a familiar windows-like interface where everything is exactly where you would expect it to be.
It's beautifully designed and comes with a range of layouts and colour options out of the box, and with just the right amount of software to ensure that you can be productive within a matter of minutes.
I hope you enjoy the video :-)
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Ramble On!

[@AWESOME-ji9uc]

watching this on Zorin OS 16. This is my first time using a Linux. So far so good. I enjoy typing in terminal to install some apps

[@litebkt]

I like Zorin. I’m running it on one of my main machines. I paid for it too. I also run POP and Ubuntu. Each were chosen specifically for the hardware I am running. They are all based on the same kernel and use the same command set. I used Windows for many years for my observatory and photoshop. I’ve been a heavy Mac user for the pst decade. During my career, I worked with Solaris. Find the software you need to use and chose your OS accordingly.

[@AdventureSMBW]

Pro is so worth it. Having the Mac OS and Win11 layouts is a huge draw to the OS. Im totally happy supporting them

[@writerpatrick]

People often say that configurability in Linux is an advantage, but for new users it's a disadvantage since it add to the complexity of the system, and for new users complexity is a bad thing. It's better to get people using a simple, easy-to-use system first and then they can expand as they get more comfortable with it. People want to use the computer, not the operating system. They want to use programs, not the operating system. The operating system should be invisible to the user. I tried a multi-boot with both Zorin and Linux Mint, and quickly dropped Mint. It still has some of the complexity of Linux. Zorin was simple enough to get things going without a lot of fuss. I do have extensive computer training and experience, all the way from assembly and mainframe hardware and I have played with Linux off and on for decades, but I don't want to spend all day fussing with the OS.

[@raderator]

Zorin got me to switch from Windows after 30 years because it's the first distro I've seen that's actually good looking. The rest look old and frumpy. It also happens to be very stable and functional. I've tried most of the major distros and never been tempted to switch. BTW, you can make it look like Win11 by grouping the icons in the center of the taskbar.

[@taidee]

Zorin deserves to be known, they have been doing this clean Windows-like desktop for a while. Like you OTB, I'm a Tiling WM user so it's not my kind of thing but I'm also not an average computer user. Thanks for highlighting this distro, it just deserves a shout out from the big guys in this space like you. I must say though that I doubt people who use Windows 10 will be pushed to Linux by Windows 11 system requirements, Windows 10 support will only run-out in 24-25. Basically Windows 10 might get a long usage life like Windows 7 by those who can't move on.

[@OldTechBloke]

You may be right mate

[@writerpatrick]

A lot of people will continue to use 10 after it's expiry date without worrying about the lack of support. Usually people stick with the OS their computer came with. The interesting thing about Zorin is that it has the potential to be distributed with new computers as an OEM install which could make it as common as Android. That would then spurn hardware and software developers into providing more Linux support.

[@keyboard_g]

It’ll be interesting when Gnome starts getting theming and extensions harder to make. Zorin’s default layout is almost Cinnamon.

[@kriskruz3792]

Using Zorin OS to watch this video. So far I think Zorin 16 Core works well and I am enjoying this distro.

[@hughluttrell6350]

I just want to thank you for this review,very well explained and in no hurry easy to follow and don`t have to keep going back to follow.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

I just switched to Zorin from Mint and it just seems a lot more responsive and stable.

[@TFSned]

My dad really enjoys using Zorin. I'd probably be using it too, but Debian 11 came out recently. You can get Gnome to behave like Zorin using Dash to Panel and ArcMenu. I'd recommend these if you need to use Debian or Ubuntu instead. The main downside to Zorin is we couldn't upgrade from 15 to 16, it had to be a complete reinstall. They're working on implementing this for the next version. It's a lot better using stable Linux distros now that Flatpak allows you to use the latest versions of programs without having to update your system libraries. I always replace the pre-installed version of LibreOffice with the Flatpak because that will give you better MS Office compatibility.

[@SenorRossi70]

For me Zorin OS is one of the best Linux-Distros for Linux-beginners (near Linux Mint and Pop OS)...👍

[@ElectricInevitability]

I actually have my PC booting windows zorin and pop os ATM thanks to Linus remaining me about Linux. I heard of it years ago but thought knowledge of command line was expected. Linux is far more user friendly nowadays

[@marilynmb.canada9680]

Wow, thank you for the video. Do you have a video on Linux Zorin OS 16 Lite? I was wondering what I would be giving up should I decide to use Lite compared to Core. I am a senior and have been using Windows for years, but I hate that when a computer dies I have to buy every program all over again for a new computer/laptop. Also not fond of the control and tracking of WIndows Systems. So while I have used computers extensively in the past, I am looking for bare bones as I age. I would need a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation package, and then using the internet. Looking for something that will run on an older computer without using all the computer's resources.

[@reoencarcelado5904]

@Marilyn-MB.-Canada: Hello Marilyn. According to the research I've done on that very question (because I'm wondering about that myself), the "Core" and "Pro" versions of Zorin-OS use the "G.N.O.M.E." Desktop-Environment, whereas the "Lite" version of Zorin-OS uses the "X.F.C.E." Desktop-Environment. Both the "Lite" and "Core" versions of Zorin-OS come preinstalled with the exact same software. (You can find more information inside the Zorin-OS website about what the "Pro" version comes with but off the top of my head what the Zorin-OS "Pro"-version comes with is more preinstalled software, more desktop-layouts (including Macintosh-OS), paid technical-support (as-in that -- as an example -- (just like with Dell and their computers), you can contact the Zorin-OS developers and they will help you), etcetera). The "X.F.C.E." Desktop-Environment is reputed to be less-Heavy on the computer's hardware-resources than the "G.N.O.M.E." Desktop-Environment. (And therefore, depending on how-"old" your computer is, you can either have the minimum requirements to run the "G.N.O.M.E." Desktop-Environment, or you can have the minimum requirements to run the "X.F.C.E." Desktop-Environment, or both ("or both" as-in "the hardware of your computer is powerful-enough to run either Desktop-Environment")).

[@marilynmb.canada9680]

@@reoencarcelado5904 Thank you. The 2 things I was concerned about for the Lite version was 1) whether I could connect to my cell phone using Lite, and 2) whether the lower resolution for the Lite version means that every thing will display in a lower resolution or not. I am currently displaying on my TV and do not want my videos to be a lower resolution.

[@alonzosmith6189]

Nice OS for general usage, I paid $39 for OS 15 Ultimate

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Great Video - I'm going to try this. Thanks

[@happyfeet4506]

Great info video thank you.

[@guy3206]

useful tuto, thx man !

[@John-fj3qw]

Hi thanks for a very precise and easy to follow review. I am going to give this a go. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@SapioiT]

I think that for a linux distro to be beginner friendly, you should be able to do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING without ever touching the console. When you open the terminal/console, you already lost 70% to 90% of the beginners. Not necessarily because those people don't already know how to use the terminal, but because their grandma or young kid doesn't, or they just don't want to spend any more time and energy writing things in a terminal, when they can simply click a whole bunch of times and maybe write 1-3 words AT MOST. If you need the terminal for anything, it's not beginner-friendly. Doesn't matter if it takes 10 minutes instead of 10 seconds, being able to do everything without needing to touch the terminal/console makes a distro or operating system beginner-friendly.

[@OldTechBloke]

Let’s not forgot though that the Linux terminal is what helps to make it such a powerful system. I would hate to see it go the way of windows where the terminal is hardly used by most people. Appealing to the beginner is good but not all beginners are unwilling to learn

[@rgurung]

Im unable to connect my ethernet despite cable being connected. Pls help. Im on zorin os 16.

[@blackrock1961]

My day job involves a lot of command line Unix/Linux using a putty session from a Windows VDI. At home, I mostly use Windows 10 on a desktop system. However, for the last decade or so, I've been playing with different Linux distro on some repurposed Windows laptops. I started with Mandrake many years ago. Moved to Ubuntu and then Linux Mint. A few months ago, I discovered Zorin OS 16. I really like the look and feel of it. In fact, I liked it enough to spend the $40 that they asked to get the Pro version. My current desktop system isn't supported by Windows 11. If I decide not to upgrade my hardware when Windows 10 goes out of support, I will probably replace it with Zorin OS.

[@cspark9186]

It's a nice looking lightweight program. I tried loading some of my office programs. Filemaker Pro, Winfax Pro, Quickbooks and a few others but no luck. It did load Solitaire XP and Open Office. It might be ready in a few years. I also loaded Zorin OS 16 on a 12 year old HP-17 laptop, but I didn't see much improvement.

[@FeelingShred]

At one point in time, Zorin OS was the only linux distro that shipped with pre-installed Wine. Very cool of them. Is this still the case? I was browsing the package list on distrowatch and didn't see Wine listed on there. I hope they still do it.

[@ElectricInevitability]

Yeah you can install windows exe straight away

[@TheGodzilla2201]

I just downloaded Zorin Core Edition. I'm enjoying so far. I just got a Blue Tooth Wireless Speaker so that I can have audio. I always have audio issues when installing a Linux Distro. I'm dual booting Zorin and Windows 11.

[@bradleypariah]

The Pro version should come with a script that copies all your Windows files to your new install. During the install, Zorin could compress the C: drive, then make a partition on the back of the disk, copy everything in C:\users\ over to the new partition, *_then_* wipe Windows, and finally install the OS. After the home directory is created, create a /home for every folder in \users\, copy Desktop to Desktop, Downloads to Downloads, etc., etc.. Leave the backed up files on the backup partition, and tell the user about the backup at first login, letting them know a savvy tech *_could_* in theory, put Windows back on the machine, and place the backed up files back in the user's directory, all without needing to make another backup. Otherwise, click a single button, and the transfer/backup partition is erased, giving more room to the new install. *_THAT_* would be new-user-friendly.

[@FeelingShred]

I can already see how that would cause a havoc. But hey, after warning messages, it's something that could be at least tried, who knows.

[@FeelingShred]

I used Windows my entire life, been through it all, 98, XP, Win7... well, that's as far as I went... until 2017 and then hopped to Linux (Debian) I have never ONCE in my life used ANY of the Users directories for anything, EVER... At most, the Downloads folder but that's it. I think most people's problems are caused by themselves, seeing by how others use their computers.

[@FeelingShred]

Curiously enough, during all these Windows years I have NEVER ran Antivirus software on my own computers, I even tried a bit but realized it was not really bringing me any benefit or "protecting" me from anything. Never had a problem... Wanna know what caused me "virus-like" problems on Windows? Banking software... perfectly "legal" legit banking software LOL

[@bradleypariah]

@@FeelingShred - You never used your Pictures folder?? Documents? My parents are in their 70s, and they both use all their folders, minus the Videos folder, just because they don't have any videos. I may have a skewed perception, but I think the typical Windows user uses Downloads, Pictures, Documents, and Desktop to organize files. I work in IT, and all the employees I work with use their folders. It would mean a lot to a new user to see all their pictures/ PowerPoints/ Spreadsheets/ documents migrate to a new install. It would provide a lot of comfort to know that, should the install go sideways, all their personal files were moved to a partition where they can be restored after repairing their computer. Remember, Linus Sebastian, of all people, didn't read the terminal warning. Normies need their hands held.

[@FeelingShred]

@@bradleypariah Separate partition, separate directory with all my personal files. Therefore I won't lose all my stuff on a Windows reinstall. Surprises me that you did it that way.

[@peppe540]

Thanks Steve. And a good approach afaiac! Zorin is at least the best Gnome out there ;-) I could use it myself indeed, but I'll return to my Bspwm for now. But it is very well made indeed, without too much bloat. I think both Zorin as well as Feren OS really add something.

[@RobBoudreau]

Really like the hat Steve 😉 "Videos", "Text Editor", "Files" and the like, that's a Gnome thing, not Zorin. They felt having program names like Totem, gEdit and Nautilus was too confusing for the average user. I guess Microsoft and Apple have been doing it wrong all these years. I mean, who would ever think "Edge" or "Safari" are browsers, and what's up with something called "Outlook"? What were they thinking? Well, enough Gnome bashing. Zorin isn't my cup of tea, too old a Unix/Linux dog I suppose. Does look nice though, seems to work well too. Nice peek at it mate.

[@gerydblackmore5484]

Still have a dvd burner, only use it for Plex and make mkv.

[@marilynmb.canada9680]

Thank you for all your videos. I did download Zorin OS 16.1 Core and I like it very much. However, I am having difficulty mirroring my laptop screen (desktop) onto my TV. VLC Player works great for casting a video to TV. Do you know of a software that I could download into Zorin to mirror, or cast my desktop to TV?

[@reoencarcelado5904]

@Marilyn-MB.-Canada: Type in a World-Wide-Web search-engine "how to make my laptop's screen image appear on the tv screen after connecting the laptop to the tv" (including the quotation marks), and similar phrases. So that you could get that info. I'm hypothesizing that there has to be a setting in the Operating-System for the graphical-settings, where you could have the image on your laptop's LCD-screen also show-up on your television screen.

[@chalmerbasham695]

Going to be installing Zorin OS 16 Lite on an old, presently unused, Gateway soon. Hopefully the install will go ok. Than going to install Virtual Box and than run Zorin OS 16 lite in it. (hopefully?) I am not a pc geek so wish me well.... 🔜

[@Lumios_UA]

Hello! I am a Windows user but now I am considering moving to Linux. Which distro would you recommend? I heard people praising latest releases of Zorin, Mint and Fedora. My hardware is pretty decent (i5-7200 laptop and Xeon E3 1245 desktop). I am looking for a fast and reliable OS.

[@OldTechBloke]

Go for mint if you’re a new user

[@pedrofish4848]

I'm trying zorin at the moment, I have a canon printer that will not work wirelessly, a Bluetooth mouse that works occasionally, that's basic stuff, both work flawlessly on windows. I was sent a pdf attachment by the bank that refuses to open in Linux ( I haven't tried it on zorin yet) until these types of things work without resorting to help lines etc, Linux wil always lag behind windows and Mac. But it was nice to hear you were coming at it from a new users point of view.

[@peterjansen4826]

@OldTechBloke I haven't seen anything from Linux its challenge, I can't find it in their videos other than their WAN-show. It is good that Linus and Luke try out Linux (again in the case of Luke) but they do spread some misunderstandings because they lack an understanding of Linux. No blame, just how it is. They make it look way more complicated than it is but that is only because they know Windows and the Windows-environment inside out but are not at home on Linux yet. Also they have requirements which regular users don't have: proprietary capture card, Thunderbolt...

[@FengLengshun]

It's out on Floatplane apparently. According to them, it's both easier and harder than it seems. Luke in particular went ahead and installed Linux for his work computer because it is better for his workflow. As far as their main gripes, I think it's mostly has to do with troubleshooting and that some things aren't as intuitive as "just install an .exe". Particularly with their games... was it Jagged Alliance? For peripheral, the main issue was that they needed to troubleshoot which ones had issue. Turns out it wasn't Thunderbolt, it was Linus' audio equipment as I recall - tho to be fair professional audio seems to be a headache in any platform. Also, VR. Honestly, since Luke's usecase is much simpler, he had a much easier time than Linus.

[@gharwood1356]

I might well look at this. I've revived 2 elderly machines with Ubuntu and it works brilliantly, but if you're not conversant with 'Geekspeak', some of the things, like Terminal would be completely beyond you. I certainly would avoid using it for someone not reasonably knowledgeable with how computers 'do it'. Apple seems perfect from the point of view of 'Just do it'. However, it'll dent your bank balance and become unusable in a couple of years, leaving you with expensive hardware in full working order, but very restricted functionality. Zorin may well be the solution to this dilemma. I'm going to have a go.

[@ahwayzcool4630]

Installed this over the weekend using vmware to try it out. First time using Linux. Not to bad. Very windows like. I noticed you have to use the terminal ALOT for installing things. One issue im having is I have no sound. Have my pc connected to 75inch TV with hdmi. I'm sure I'll find a solution with more research.

[@amitminz1]

I wantyour help. I installed Zorin 16 and I have Intel 9260 chip for wifi & bluetooth. Without doing anything wifi is working but Bluetooth is not working. Do you have any idea??? its says no bluetooth device found.

[@OldTechBloke]

Sorry no idea, I don’t use bluetooth

[@mentalltheo2960]

Hi Steve and other readers , thank you for this interresting review about Zorin Os 16, I want to buy and use it. But i want to be sure if this os will work on my Nano PI M4 (4Gb memory with a 16Gb ecmm and a sata hat ) and i want to know how to install it, because i have tried to install it with a 32Gb sd card myself, but nano pi m4 could not see the sd card (the sd is good) maby you have also a solution for this issue (im sorry for my poor english, but im a old dutch bloke)

[@OldTechBloke]

I’m afraid Zorin, to the best of my knowledge, don’t make a version for arm processors so it won’t run on a pi whatever you do

[@mentalltheo2960]

@@OldTechBloke Thank you Steve, for your clear answer :-) its a pitty , but it is what it is. Im a hobbiest and my idea was to use it in the kitchen with a small monitor for using it for watching TV, google, KZbin and FTA streams.

[@Zero11s]

you have the exact same eye movements as Greywolf TV

[@seventone4039]

Recent statistics shows, average Users fleeling Desktops and Laptops if possible and doing Smartphone only if possible. In Webdev you are now confronted in developing Mobile first UX and Desktop/Laptop later bc of this. Even for Gaming Smartphones and XBOX/Playstation and Nintendo Switch seems to be the primary Platform and PC/Mac later. Linux Desktop has just 2% market share dominated by Windows and MacOS

[@oguzhanakdogan9787]

A comment for the algorithm! :)

[@JosipRadnik1]

... browsing, searching for some informative video about Zorin OS... searching... - oh look! that chap's wearing a Royal Enfield cap! hmm... I guess I'll first listen to what he has to say... funny how little details can make all the difference 😁

[@tempermentalw7269]

Where's the server omg downloads are so slow

[@JJSideshowBob]

Wanted to install Zorin on my parents' new laptop but sadly couldn't even get past the GRUB menu, it would just show a black screen and become unresponsive.

[@gregamania1327]

The rounded corners at the top but not the bottom of windows triggers me.

[@tousremulla4925]

Can you make a video on Crux Linux?

[@OldTechBloke]

I’ll take a look

[@RockawayCCW]

If you install from the CLI or from Synaptic, I think you get .deb files instead Flappy Snap Jacks or whatever the current fad is.

[@germanklenner5671]

Hello: First of all I congratulate you for your excellent video. Would it be possible for you to make a video where you explain in an easy and simple way how to install a more updated kernel in Ubuntu? I have problems with my computer hardware since it is more recent. According to what I have read it could be solved by installing the latest stable Gnu Linux kernel. Thank you very much and I reiterate my congratulations.

[@OldTechBloke]

I will take a look at it

[@christopherfothergil]

I have the paid version and what can I say, oh I know brilliant.

[@FeedScrn]

LTT should have tried Zorin.... What a nice OS. // No it's not a gaming-orientated system... but which Linux distro is at this point? Zorin is getting there.

[@tiitulitii]

How about reviewing Clear Linux? A year ago, Chris Titus did wonder, if it might be the fastest Linux distro.

[@guilherme5094]

In my opinion, Linus is causing more damage to the Linux image. Anthony would be a much better option, Linus became a circus clown. With all respect for the clowns of course. And like for the video.

[@OldTechBloke]

Anthony would have been much better

[@rohmadabdulmaseh6845]

good and complete Linux package for most users, but certainly not the fastest nor the lightest bloke in the block

[@robertinnes1573]

Thank you. I have decided to try Zorin. Would by you a pint, but have been robbed of several hundred pounds by paypal so can't.

[@BrucesWorldofStuff]

I can see where a Windows user would use it. But like you no for me... Lol Ok OTB, thanks for the video! LLAP

[@MobileDecay]

Linus has other Linux videos.

[@ronnierush9379]

Zorin looks pretty good. However in my view I would probably still recommend the Cinnamon desktop environment as in "Linux Mint" Less to mess up and a very intuitive style/layout for most first time Linux users from MS-Windows :-)

[@FengLengshun]

I tested it. It's clear that gnome takes its toll on these guys. They're using Gnome because it's sort of the standard but they lock down the customization as I noticed that their Zorin Appearance essentially blocks normal Tweaks and Extensions packages. It's closer to Budgie, really. I respect Zorin for what it's doing. It's not for me, I have my preferences and unlike Feren and Manjaro-Gnome, it gets more in my way than it helps. But I'm glad it exists and I can recommend it to newcomers. Though I wish the mac UX isn't locked behind paywall (even if you can find a Pro ISO somewhere in the internet).

[@kychemclass5850]

I ask my students... Have you head of Linux. The answer they give is "no".

[@phonewithoutquestion80]

Linus Tech Tips did everything I managed to avoid with my first go at Linux. Probably because unlike him I actually did my research before fully switching platforms. Someone like him should probably stay in his lane and promote the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, not try and sell himself as some useful source of information.

[@Yukatoshi]

Not a fan of LTT either lol.

[@vlads.]

terrible opinion tbh

[@phonewithoutquestion80]

@@vlads. his other channel, which is "speedrun read a wikipedia article" (Tech Quickie) is just effective marketing for his glorified advertisements and reddit-tier flex posting on the main channel. I don't know how else one could possibly describe his "content".

[@khango6138]

As a current Zorin user, I find this comment to be mean-spirited. Does Linus have his flaws and fails? Absolutely, but they aren't anything atrocious either. I also don't agree with him on every issue, and you don't have to watch his content if you don't like it. Personally, I respect him for promoting rights-to-repair, and even investing his own money into companies like Framework, which aims to bring a repair-friendly laptop to the market, which is currently filled with big tech companies deliberately designing machines that are unrepairable to cost customers more money and ewastes. Linus puts his money where his mouth is, even though sometimes he drops water on his computer hardware.

[@Yukatoshi]

Active Directory has been on Ubuntu for ages lol.

[@briansrcadventures1316]

Zorin = Paid for Linux? Seems all the useful features are in the Pro version which you need to pay for.

[@crossbowbeat]

The title of this video tells the sad truth about Linux desktop: it is NOT for the average user.

[@breadmoth6443]

The downside is that there are so many distros - the average user is then going to get rather overwhelmed. This is the downside to Linux and the many flavors upon flavors of Linux.

[@Kylian381]

the hard part is that this is a downside and at the same a good thing.

[@breadmoth6443]

@@Kylian381 perhaps, but i see it as unnecessary - for example Linux Mint is based off of Ubuntu - why do we need / have spinoffs of a spinoff?

[@SnowyRVulpix]

This is the upside of Linux. There is no one entity controlling everything. Everything can be branched from another project, and there is a lot of choice. Linux is literally the choice operating system. It is our biggest strength.

[@SnowyRVulpix]

@@breadmoth6443 because someone decided to base their project on ubuntu. And in my opinion, most ubuntu derivatives are better than the original. They took ubuntu as a base and improved it. Thats the power of open source.

[@breadmoth6443]

@@SnowyRVulpix i guess, but then you potentially get a spinoff of linux mint - at what point do we draw the line and say - why not just spin off from actual debian or something ? The "this is the power of open source" as an answer seems nonsensical actually. Not doubting open source, but when you have a derivative of a derivative of a derivative ad infinitum ......... seems just pointless.