Zorin OS 16: Windows Alternative Linux Distro

Zorin OS 16 Linux distro review, covering both Zorin OS 16 Core and Zorin OS 16 Pro. Includes installation, layouts and themes, applications and their installation, running Windows programs, and even a little on gaming! :)
Note that I purchased the copy of ZorinOS 16 Pro shown in this video, both to support the developers, and to highlight the independence of this review. This is not a sponsored video!
The other videos I refer to in this ExplainingComputers episode are:
PC BIOS Settings:
• PC BIOS Settings
Krita Free Paint Program:
• Krita Free Paint Program
Running Windows in Linux: VirtualBox Configuration:
• Running Windows in Lin...
And the Odyssey X86J4105 computer I install Zorin OS on is reviewed in this video:
• Odyssey X86 Windows & ...
If you are interested in transitioning to Linux, you may be interested in my videos:
Linux Mint 20:
• Linux Mint 20: My Top ...
Ubuntu 20.04 for Windows Users:
• Ubuntu 20.04 For Windo...
Linux Tips for MS Office Users:
• Linux Tips for MS Offi...
Linux Terminal Introduction:
• Linux Terminal Introdu...
More videos on computing and related topics can be found at:
/ explainingcomputers
You may also like my ExplainingTheFuture channel at: / explainingthefuture
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Getting Zorin OS
05:04 Demo (Zorin OS Core)
09:23 Applications
16:36: Zorin OS 16 Pro
20:00 Wrap

[@aytviewer2421]

I watched this from Zorin OS 16. I've been running this OS for several months (as a Beta). In fact, the Beta has been so rock solid that I still have not reinstalled since the official release last month. I paid $39 for the Pro version on release day. Actually, I'll stick with Core simply because I only like installing software that I need and do not want the extra software they provide in Pro. I too use the same layout and do not want the others. So why did I pay for Pro? --Because I wanted to send my thanks to the developers and reward them for their efforts!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent!

[@kkazakov]

Same here! Paid for Zorin OS 15, now same for 16. I want to support this amazing distro.

[@Christopher-N]

This is the difference between Linux and Microsoft. People purchase a Linux OS because they like it so much, they _want_ to support the developers. With Microsoft, you sometimes get something you don't like (Vista, 8, 11), you may not be able to fix the settings, and you have to buy it whether it's packaged with an OEM or purchased separately.

[@oricooper9525]

@@ExplainingComputers question can support command prompt? There's a laptop I'm seeking to get but I need it for Cisco training

[@shvetakhera775]

@@kkazakov wait you don't get a free upgrade to like a future version? for ex i had a win 8 pc that i updated to win 10 for free i mean i already paid but i though you needed to pay for a windows kicense didn't you???

[@ViridianGames]

"Let's go and take...a closer look." Ah, so satisfying.

[@horseradishpower9947]

I always dash to get the magnifying glass... But yes, a nice part of Sunday afternoons.

[@thenargles]

This, plus "And I hope to talk you again...verrrry soon".

[@silverfox9947]

Oops, just seen you've done the same joke before me. I am being genuinely sincere. Sorry!

[@N1ghtR1der666]

Today I went back to the first videos and watched one for each year to see how the intros progressed, I do recommend.

[@TheCzele]

Thank You for popularising Linux!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Always a pleasure. And this is such a nice distro.

[@ve2vfd]

He's the reason I run Linux Mint on 2 of my computers that don't require Win10. :)

[@josmoify]

​@@ve2vfd this vid should help encourage a lot of unsure first timers to make the switch to Linux

[@TWmOrfar]

I've stopped writing ISOs to flash drives the traditional way and use Ventoy on a larger flashdrive instead. Very nice tool, just copy ISOs to the drive and you get a menu at boot.

[@janszenable]

Thanks for pointing me to this possibility, that seems great and I'm going to try it.

[@MichaelKean]

A pain having to turn off secure boot to use it, but other than that it's perfect for carrying multiple oses on one stick.

[@mr.techie8565]

@@MichaelKean yeah I wish you didn't have to do that

[@trashbeansoup2467]

Ventoy is great. When I couldn't install Elementary OS 6 on my Dell Inspiron, I set up a bunch of alternative distros on a Ventoy stick and tried them all before settling on Zorin OS 16. Easy peasy!

[@PcTipsHyve]

I also use Ventoy it's super insane

[@chrismorgan441]

I appreciate your reactions being included (such as the 'jelly' setting and searching for the dark theme) in your videos. The humor is evident and the setting search is relatable for me. Another interesting and informative video... thanks, Chris.

[@rafflesnh]

Education should always be entertaining. As a certain Ms Poppins once said, "A spoonful of sugar...." ;-)

[@ElmerFuddGun]

LOL at _"I think that's the last time I'll ever use Jelly Mode"._ - 7:40

[@ivarand]

and "..in the same way you don't in Microsoft Windows"

[@BilisNegra]

@@ivarand Yeah, though "Modern Ms Windows" would be more accurate. You certainly could in the '90s (Win 95, 98, NT 4.0)...

[@utvpoop]

cries in compiz

[@TauCu]

@@utvpoop wobble wobble

[@shoponkhan6421]

@@ivarand windows8

[@kupokinzyt]

I absolutely love Zorin. I have used it since 14 beta and it gets better each time. It's just so user friendly.

[@DillandShaj]

Hands down one of my favourite channels to watch! You're an amazing content creator Mr. Barnatt!

[@LarryCarlin]

I did the install alongside your evaluation. It's a great service that you ferret out new developments that we often miss or don't have time to research. Zorin seems to have bundled more software saving me some time. Need to do a detailed compare vs Linux Mint.

[@daveseddon5227]

Thank you so much for this, it's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll try the 16 Core on one of my laptops to verify that it suits my needs. Of course the fact that you strongly recommend it is good enough for me! 🙂 Looking forward to the next exciting instalment of this blockbuster series.

[@Yukatoshi]

Gaming on Linux is better than he mentions here. Steam has a thing called Proton that runs a LOT of Windows games, and because the Steam Deck runs Linux they aim for 100% game support on Proton.

[@shantanurahut4005]

[edited] Is valorant supported on Linux?

[@greob]

@@shantanurahut4005 It's not up to "Linux" (the kernel) to support your game. It's up to the developers of that game to support their game in GNU/Linux operating systems. Don't get it twisted like that.

[@Yukatoshi]

@@shantanurahut4005 If it has anti-cheat then not at the moment, though Valve are actively working to get that working on Linux as well as certain DRM because the Steam Deck uses Linux as its operating system.

[@seguramlk]

Yessir

[@MysticStar_Blue_Swordsman]

I tried to comment this myself but it just kept being deleted for some weird reason

[@theUMnet]

Super job Chris! Thanks for the explaination about the possibilities to run windows based programs. This is helpfull. Looking forward to your next vlog!

[@GretschProf]

Once again, very informative and well organized. I usually feel that I can depend on the information from EC to be accurate and useful.

[@kevincaulkett9358]

Thanks as always Chris. "looks like Windows 11 centralized menu.. Oh joy :) " do I dectect maybe a slight hint of sarcasm in your voice? made me laugh through the remainder of the video and some further!

[@MarkyVigoroth]

My interpretation of the joke: he wa surprised tha the people who make ZorinOS already made a clone of the Windows 11 UI.

[@andrewosei328]

Windows 11 actually copied that from deepin and fereOS.

[@welshtechie6832]

I have changed Windows 11 to move the menu to the left. Microsoft are totally arrogant in how difficult they make things to congigure as opposed to this rather nice distro!

[@emeukal7683]

@@andrewosei328 and those took from KDE and windows 10..who cares. You'll get used to seeing the trend Tue same way as you got used to skinny jeans and soon baggy jeans.

[@robjohnson8522]

I am looking at Linux now for no reason OTHER than to avoid Windows 11.

[@iPondR]

Excellent overview Chris, thanks! My daily driver is Mint but I always get a kick out of seeing what other distributions are up to... this is quite impressive!

[@Manian488]

I was waiting for your review on this distro !! Great video !!

[@MdFahimMuntasir]

This is so helpful tutorial as follows, Chris!! Your magic is never finished up in the constructive video and being appreciated for the new one when you uploaded. Every video is enough beauty to learn about. Love From Bangladesh

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@christopher480]

great this is what we need comments from pretentious people encouraging the cheap ppl....and yes you are pretentious since you made a point of wanting the whole to know you are an md......you are probably actually a vet or something.

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Nice already Sunday! Mean new video ! Have a nice week and as always quality stuffs

[@englishrupe01]

Great demo of a really cool OS. Thank you so much, Chris!

[@thomasknight-wagener6630]

Thank you... Very in depth and great to see another linux os

[@Lapcenoks]

Most recreational educative stuff on YT. Thanks.

[@markharrisllb]

Being a newbie I feel a little bit like a kid in a candy shop, I want everything. Another fantastic video, thank you.

[@jenycek2222]

1:45 can we appreciate how slowly he was talking during the extracting procedure so that it would sound normal after speeding up?

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@thisisakodibox2635]

Definitely sold on this distro! Thank you kindly for the video 😎

[@RiggieHeartland]

I switched from Ubuntu to Zorin a week ago, and I must say I'm impressed. Not only have I managed to get all programs I had installed on Ubuntu to work on Zorin, but also my old version of InDesign for Windows (CS2) - a program I've really missed. The alternatives on Linux are not as intuative as InDesign - and even if it's an old version, it's fitting for my needs. I've also installed the light version of Zorin on my old netbook instead of Windows XP. The only drawback I've discovered so far is that Zorin is not available in my native language - not a big problem, I can live with the English version.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very interesting feedback, esp. on getting InDesign CS2 to run. I totally understand how this improves matters greatly. I've done a lot of work in InDesign -- nice program.

[@Papias_GR]

I've just installed Zorin OS 16 core 64bit and I'm really impressed! I'm afraid that most linux distros (including the latest Lubuntu version) are not so user-friendly anymore. I was dissapointed to see that latest Lubuntu release was really hard to install compared with the previous one. So I gave a try to Zorin after watching your video and it is a keeper. Thanks a million! Your channel is my favourite one!

[@miniek83]

I have great respect for you for the effort you put into your publications. Your films have always been a source of knowledge for me

[@ExplainingComputers]

Many thanks!

[@BikerBytes]

Excellent video Chris, I’m sure many Linux distros will start getting a lot more attention in the very near future and will become more popular amongst regular pc users 👍 Keep up the good work.

[@MarkTheMorose]

A good, and timely, video. I've been fielding questions recently from friends and colleagues/ex-colleagues about Windows 11, and whether their PCs can install it. As we are finding out, mostly the answer is 'no'. Nice to have another well designed Linux distro as a possible solution.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks! I imagine those questions are not going to do away.

[@wayland7150]

The leaked beta version seems to work just as well as Windows 10. As long as you have 8GB and an SSD it has enough power. However MS slapped a load of stupid requirements on the released version, TPM2 and very recent CPUs. I don't think anyone should switch to Linux on the basis that they can't run Windows 11, just keep running Windows 10. Heck if you can switch to Linux then you could have stayed with Windows 7 because that's the best Windows compatibility you get.

[@waywardspirit7898]

After hemming and hawing for a couple years, I finally made the switch 2 weeks ago from MS to Linux and I went with Zorin OS as my 1st Linux distro. So far I am very happy with it. There is a small learning curve, but, its doable for anyone with "basic" computing skills. Especially when we have "Explaining Computers" video playlists to refer to. :) Great video. Thanx Chris. Love your work.

[@parkerbohnn]

What learning curve? You just install it then install proton and wine.

[@waywardspirit7898]

@@parkerbohnn There is "one" in every crowd. In this crowd, the 'one" is you. Windows and Linux are not the same thing. There is a learning curve when using one system for close to 40 years and swapping to another. "Wine" does not make it the same thing.

[@parkerbohnn]

@@waywardspirit7898 For the average person there might be a learning curve but for me there's never a learning curve in anything.

[@daniloarcanjo6849]

Mr Wayward, indeed there is a small learning curve. I did the same thing a year ago and nowadays I feel comfortably adapted to Linux for my regular needs. I hope the same happens to you, and to any other average person like us who are trying to migrate to the Linux Universe but aren't so gifted to learn anything so quickly like Mr Parkerbohnn. =)

[@wayland7150]

There is a huge learning curve if you want to run MS Access. After 10 years I have finally managed to get MS Access 2010 running my application in a stable way. However it won't do the graphs. If you have legacy programs you need to run then you could have problems and need to do things a very different way.

[@leonjones7120]

Thanks very much for your explanation of Zorin. It covered my interest in this out of curiosity.

[@HeyImGaminOverHere]

That is a sportingly nice distro! Will definitely be giving it a try for my next OS.

[@semuhphor]

Thank you Christopher for another interesting video. We look forward to seeing you Ver-y Soon. :D

[@madworld.]

Very very very intersting , thank you so much for sharing :)

[@jsbaltes]

Chris you are a library of information... love this channel. The value gained here is just impossible to measure. Thx man.

[@ExplainingComputers]

I appreciate that!

[@DigitalProphet]

youtube seems to be showing me your videos again in my feed, which is great.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very good to hear! :)

[@johnrogers-thorn6504]

This looks great Chris, deffo going to try this one out, might even buy the pro version.

[@jcugnoni]

I upgraded an old Windows 8 laptop for my mother to Zorin 14 a few years ago. Not being very tech savvy, she was really struggling in Windows, due to having way too many pop up windows, updates and crap that made the machine barely responsive. Now with Zorin she feels much more confortable. Everything is clean, simple to understand and just works without her having to pay attention. It is overall a much better user experience and it runs well even on old computer. Great distro for general use in my opinion.

[@enzed1190]

Thank you!! A very helpful and clear presentation of the main points of the OS

[@markhackney3305]

Love your videos, no nonsense, clear and helpful

[@NeilFeltham]

Been using Zorin OS for over a year now and it is my daily driver for home and work. Updated to Zorin OS16 on its release. I can recommend this distribution for anyone transitioning from Windows.

[@seireiart]

I'm definitely gonna give Zorin OS a try. Thank you so much for the video, Chris.

[@breadcat6402]

You can install Zorin OS? If yes, what you think about him?

[@seireiart]

@@breadcat6402 You can try it before you even install it if you want (that goes for almost every Linux distro) What I think about it?! It's by-far the best Linux distro for someone who wants to move from Windows but stay familiar with its interface. Also it's beginner-friendly tbh.

[@breadcat6402]

@@seireiart Ok, thank you, I'm thinking to change to him, so I'm asking for opnions and tips But, again, thank you, a hug from Brazil

[@RamKrishnabhaktichannel]

I love the way you explain zorin. I will definitely try it out.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Very interesting. I’m going to load this up on the 1 on spare computers. Looks very exciting . Thanks

[@tonyelsom6382]

Ah, here I go again..distro hopping is fun, especially when you have many 250-500gig spare drives and usb3 enclosures. I love these Linux reviews, thanks a million Chris. 😊

[@tonyelsom6382]

And I'm back in my freshly installed Zorin 16 core..I love it so far, heck, Installation was a breeze compared to ANY windows installation. And like many other Linux distro's, EXTREMELY customizable..As a stern Win7 user, I can recommend this one to all those die-hards still on win7 and 10. Install on a separate usb enclosure and keep your daily OS intact. 😊

[@NicolasChapadosGirard]

That was inresting, I would pay just to help the team that make the OS.

[@bramfran4326]

... and get all of the drivers working, as they should (?)

[@RoyAntaw]

​@@bramfran4326 All that work is done at the kernel level. Zion is just a very nice and well-designed skin with a collection of curated applications thrown in.

[@Zephyrus0]

@@RoyAntaw not really, a lot work have to be done on the userland too, but that's what the distro maintainers are for. :]

[@arch1107]

if you want to help, just donate to another distro that is not asking 39 dollars for giving you something the rest of distros offer for free

[@seguramlk]

Exactly

[@timochyfilix5176]

I really enjoy to watch and listen to you.. and appreciate for what you do, thank you

[@williamlinington9166]

Between you and Britech you keep me well informed. Thank you so much.

[@1973Washu]

Windows compatibility is defiantly a must have feature for any distribution touting itself as a windows alternative or replacement. Nobody wants to throw away all the programs they have accumulated over the years just to change OS. OS designers who might read this comment take note , the greater the degree of compatibility the better , Wine + virtualbox sould be ESSENTIAL as out of the box preinstalled programs, With perhaps a fast way to seamlessly launch a windows program from native Linux using a windows virtual machine for near total compatibility. (this last bit is a wish list feature I would like)

[@itstheweirdguy]

There's no real reason to do any of that. You can use WSL with Windows 10 or 11 for a much more functional experience.

[@EximiusDux]

Almost all Linux based operating systems offer "wine" in their software / package manager. Zorin relies on Wine to run windows applications. Wine can be installed on ubuntu, mint, opensuse, manjaro... well, as i noted: almost all linux systems without having to compile Wine from source.

[@wayland7150]

Virtual Box has a feature called seamless mode. You just get the task bar and any programs you run appearing on your Linux desktop almost as native apps. It's not quite seamless but pretty good.

[@thewatcher5271]

Yes, You Took A Closer Look & Another Sunday Has Come To Life. We Greet The Day & Yearn For More. The Professor Has Spoken & It Was Good! 8-)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings! :)

[@Kw1161]

Another great video! Thanks for the update.

[@johnasquith2113]

Many thanks for another useful and very informative video. Zorin 16 seems to be a polished and accomplished distro. I intend to give it a good run on my spare laptop.

[@CrimsonStainStudios]

Zorin OS is such a wonderful Linux distro. Currently running it dual boot with Windows 10 because a few of the Windows programs I need to use do not like Wine at all. As software support grows for Linux, I think Zorin could really be the OS for Windows users to transition over with. It's ease of use and customizability make it an ideal alternative to Microsoft's bloated OS.

[@letstrywindows8986]

Me same

[@klwthe3rd]

I agree. Everyone pushed Linux Mint as a Windows alternative but honestly I think Zorin is a much closer match. I recommended it to anyone wanting to switch away from Windows.

[@TheDuke1231]

Hi Chris, on the subject of gaming on Linux, and with steam in particular. Valve have created a compatibility layer called Proton (it's Wine, and DXVK/VKD3D translators for directx to vulkan) that is built into the steam client for Linux. It allows many windows games to run on Linux and run well. Not all games work though. some will not work at all and, at present at least, games that use kernel level anti-cheat will not work. Proton has been available in Steam since 2018 and it is getting better all the time. So interesting times ahead for gaming on Linux especially considering that the steam deck will be running SteamOS 3.0, which is based on Arch Linux.

[@fatbeard8072]

Always an excellent info vid. TY! Zorin and LinuxMint are my two fav Debian Distro's so far. Zorin for Laptops and Mint for Desktops.

[@Deadeye826z]

Can't wait to test this on a VB, might even jump to this after I learned the new Window 11 interface for work purposes. Thanks for the video!

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

Great! This is just the sort of review to Welcome a large number of Windows Users to Linux via the Zorin OS 16.

[@MysticStar_Blue_Swordsman]

Me being one of them i really am starting to dislike Windows 11 and Windows in general it's getting really bad. The great thing being now with steam and protondb and now Zorin OS things are finally starting to look up for Linux for mainstream

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

@@MysticStar_Blue_Swordsman I was exclusively using Windows from the dos days until Windows 7. Then I went to dual boot windows and Linux which is a good way that many people begin their Linux journey. For the past 5 or so years I have been using Linux exclusively as a home user. Zorin Does Look like a very good way forward. Good Luck.

[@config2000]

Zorin is one of the best Linux distros for seamlessly transitioning from Windows. I used it quite a while back, but sadly on my mini PC it caused the internal fan to stay running at full RPM. The recent update may have fixed that so it's worth another look. I do like the dark theme as it is very clean and polished. Just like PopOS.

[@claudiusviracocha1651]

PopOs have the same problem with the CPU fan and MiniPc doesn't have automatic fan mode in the Bios! That's why the miniPc with Linux gets stuck /hangs when constantly displaying 4K videos. Otherwise, Linux is very convenient and works well and is more beautiful in terms of graphics! Linux, with one music converter, had an interesting feature that Windows doesn't! The Linux system allows you to restore music files from old CDs that don't work anywhere else! I copied and restored one piece of music from the old cd disc (which was very scratchy and didn't work with any cd reader) for 6 hours and it remained an audio file of the same quality as the one copied from the new cd disc!

[@mijalic1]

Great presentation. Thank you for the time and effort you took to make this video and share it with us. Greetings from Croatia.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Hello from the UK! :)

[@mokopa]

This video appeared on my feed at the absolute best time possible. I sat down at the computer to download a Linux OS for a refurbished PC for household use, and while waiting, decided to watch some youtube to pass the time. I have since stopped that download, and will in stead now be trying out Zorin, downloading as I type.

[@alamunez]

7:54 “the same way you don’t in Microsoft Windows” 😄

[@mkm1015]

I'm stunned by this Zorin distro. I don't use Linux because of Photoshop, Adobe XD and Illustrator but wow you can see that a good UI designer put time to design this. Ubuntu and Zorin are beautiful but lots of Linux fanatics hate them because they are "selling themselves" whatever that means. I feel like 90% of Linux community doesn't want Linux to look professional and aesthetically pleasing to attract windows users. They enjoy if average user finds Linux too hard for daily use which is really weird.

[@asif8672]

I agree, old veteran linux users dont like anything fantastic and new because of them linux desktop didn't grow as much as it should. I remember watching the forum for help and finding a long list of terminal commands it was a nightmare for noobs like me, I had to ditch and run. They discourage newcomers, I think it's about time they change their mindset and let others enjoy linux because now there are lots of games that can run in linux

[@needlesandsonics5819]

Well, a long time late for this but perhaps it’s the new users with the problem. They are so used to being led by the hand by everything that they fail to see when someone is actually trying to help them. Case in point, the terminal. For the most part, the terminal speaks the universal language of Linux. That means regardless of what Distro you are using, many problems can be fixed in the terminal. Is it their fault you are afraid to touch it? Some problems can’t be fixed in the GUI. And even if it could, those helping have no idea what system, machine, or configuration you have. The terminal fixes bypass all that info which new users can’t supply. They get general and say ‘my sound don’t work’ instead of listing what sound card, whether it worked before, and what system they are using. Even then, the only way to fix it is through the terminal. Magical fairies don’t live in our machines. When I have a problem with windows, if the advice isn’t to back up and reinstall which supposedly fixes everything, I am told to enter power shell (windows terminal) and start entering code. It’s no different. It’s not about shiny and new. Holy cow, it’s about appreciation for how your operating system works for you and how you can learn something about it in the process. If you find in life that you are good not learning anything else then that’s fine, but the majority of the Linux community love to learn things. And many of those Linux veterans are the people that create the software and systems that you take advantage today. I’m not hating on you and I have no skin in the game, but it’s kind of like a third grader walking into a university and telling them to talk in a way that his little mind can comprehend quantum physics. They are trying to help you, but sometimes in your fear of learning you don’t recognize it. They Linux community is wonderful. Everything in open source is voluntary. No one gets paid to assist you with very technical problems and yet they will try. If you aren’t going to give them the info they need to do so or open that terminal when instructed, then you can’t say bad things about them. Some people just need to stay with Windows. Linux isn’t for everyone. While most Distro today are very user friendly and require not much thought to operate, sometimes an issue can arise and the answer isn’t ‘back up and reinstall’.

[@tmtenn9712]

Thanks for introduction to Zorin. Had issue installing on my test Lenovo Athlon x130e laptop. Thanks to a forum, found out that for some machines UEFI needs to be turned off in BIOS for some Linux distros. Tried that hack and i was successful in installing Zorin. Love your informative videos 👍👍

[@supernovasupernova4289]

What a brilliant video. For years I had considered moving away from Windows. Only now, I have been convinced thanks to you and your excellent and stylish explanation. And with the Steam Deck coming soon, this could be the start of a revolution. Thank you.

[@nian60]

Krita means crayon in Swedish. Thanks for the video. As someone who is looking to switch from Windows to Linux, I'm looking forward to your Linux comparison video.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

Zorin OS 16 looks like an interesting alternative to Windows. I appreciate the review. Looking forward to your next video!

[@bmark8783]

Been using it on my Celeron laptop, it is blazingly fast and very similar experience to windows

[@perrymcclusky4695]

@@bmark8783 Grest to hear that!

[@ravipatil207]

Easy to use OS like windows. 👌 We always got new and important information from your channel. 🙏 Thanks for information from India.

[@ripkurbytube]

Thank you for another amazing video. Keep it up :-) .

[@VulpisFoxfire]

...The 'Oh joy' reaction to the Win11 layout had me rolling. :-) Though kind of mixed feelings about the Classic layout only being in the paid version...still, even if I would have to pay to get it, $40USD is far more reasonable than the $100-$200 for Microsoft.

[@LMacNeill]

Steam is *surprisingly* good with gaming support on Linux. Plus they have a rather large online community dedicated to gaming on Linux, so if you do have issues, you can often get those issues resolved reasonably well. There are more games being added to their Linux library every day -- in fact, Steam is releasing a piece of hardware they call the "Steam Deck" which is essentially a handheld PC with a built-in gaming controller, running a distro of Linux and the Linux Steam client software. They're most definitely not going to drop Linux gaming support anytime soon, not with that Steam Deck soon to be released.

[@fookingsog]

Always Pertinent and Always On Point!!! Great Review!!!😁👍🏻

[@matthewplehn4271]

Excellent Video!! I was hoping you would choose Zorin for a review. Thank you!

[@idowebwork]

Definitely games that run through Steam under Linux is vastly improved and continues to improve more as developers make games which are cross platform. I've even had some luck getting Windows only games to run through Steam using Proton.

[@philipbrady7635]

wonderful as usual

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks Philip. :)

[@area68junglist41]

Thanks Chris for your inspiration and lovely videos, love cheers

[@chriholt]

Very impressive distro Chris. When you got to "Jumping ship", I thought you were going to discuss jumping from your current Linux distro to Zorin :)

[@fremenondesand3896]

1 in 7 games run native on linux, but using proton/steam compatibility layer you can play *most* (anticheat tends not to work) windows games on linux.

[@Yukatoshi]

Yup. I have about 115 games installed on my desktop, and of those around 100 are Windows stuff running on Proton. Everything from indies to the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes run really well. There is also Lutris but that can have some weird issues at times.

[@fremenondesand3896]

@@Yukatoshi sadly one of the games I really like, Dyson Sphere Program, does work in linux but about 15-30% slower and there's a fairly long discussion as to why that might be, as it's a unity engine game.

[@Yukatoshi]

@@fremenondesand3896 Depending on your distro and specs there maybe a way to improve performance. What are you using?

[@fremenondesand3896]

@@Yukatoshi linux mint, but it's ok, my linux computer is a fairly slow i3 from 2014. I have a ryzen 3600 that's better suited to complex simulation.

[@Yukatoshi]

@@fremenondesand3896 There are still ways to improve performance. GNOME Extensions like “cpufreq” can give you very granular control on your CPU and force it to run in performance mode or even lock the CPU to it’s faster speed If you have a NVIDIA GPU you can set it to prefer maximum performance mode. Also to set high performance mode for picture quality. There is also Feral GameMode which boosts by setting system stuff for more speed. All these little things can boost performance quite a lot.

[@k.b.tidwell]

When you get brownie points from Chris, you have brownie points indeed.

[@AwesomeBlackDude]

Would love to know how this can boot up with a fresh W11OS already installed. 😬

[@Fluxus_R34L]

@@AwesomeBlackDude dualboot

[@g00gleminus96]

mmmmm.. chocolate brownies... 😋

[@AwesomeBlackDude]

@@Fluxus_R34L Win 11 OS doesn't allowed dual boot from Linux, right?

[@joeboxter3635]

Zorin is a bad OS and a bad company. Only Distro that crashed my computer and ended up costing me a lot of money to recover. Zorin is selling Linux. They hide this by claiming you get support. But support is response to first installation and all via email which takes weeks.

[@ReedsRedactions]

After watching your video I immediately installed ZorinOS on my sons computer and he absolutely loves it! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Result! :)

[@LellePrinter82]

Haven't seen or heard of Zorin OS in many years. Thanks for showing this Linux distro/version. I think that i'm gonna try it out on my older Lenovo R61 with 8gb of ram.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

As soon as Linux can run most productivity and gaming software without a hitch, Windows spyware edition is finished.

[@psour33]

No it's not, there are no reasons for that. Linux will not overrun Windows. Gamers don't want to waste time in setting up things that are all set for them in Windows. They don't care about spyware, they just want to install and play.

[@effexon]

how about epic game store and ubisoft connect games? I'd imagine running VM -Win10 is less pain than restarting windows every once in a while... linux is easier to learn, at least for me, to fix problems with devices and such, tho community and developer? support is invaluable.

[@seguramlk]

@@psour33 Well actually you don't need to "waste time installing stuff" most of the time and lots of games are just as easy to start playing as on windows so that's not a 100% valid argument though I agree windows will naturally run all games made for it and overall stability maybe better than Linux's because we rely on a compatibility layer to run windows games a.k.a Wine. Anyway, if you want to use windows, go for it, I run Ubuntu MATE and won't go back to windows anyways.

[@yttrium_32]

@@psour33 Games don't work on linux because developers don't support it. As soon as more people start using it developers will also start making native games for linux. Linux will absolutely overtake windows, we just need to get more people on board the linux train.

[@yogeshpatgar9197]

@@yttrium_32 Well you see free products will never outrun open-source products, so don't keep your hopes on gaming side.

[@yoman9446]

13:12 It opened the text file instead of the program because you didn't right click the shortcut and click 'Allow Launching'. It also brings the proper desktop icon for the app as well. It's a simple fix but easy to miss :)

[@wayland7150]

This is the sort of thing a computer user learns but really having to do that is stupid if it's supposed to be an icon for launching the program. This is the difference between user friendly and try another distro.

[@steflabbe]

Super as usual ! I'm gonna try it. Hurry to see if win programs will launch. Thanks a lot 4 your very useful videos ;)

[@kaedeshirtoto]

Finally subscribed! I missed your videos

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for the sub! :)

[@nikk797]

Nice Video Sir!

[@CMDR_Analdo_Blackvoid]

There are only three reasons for why I still use Windows, but those reasons are very important to me. They are: 1: Game compatibility. 2: Peripheral controller compatibility. 3: VR-Support. Regarding gaming on Linux: I tried Wine some years back at a point in time where WoW was a game I played a lot with my kids and I managed to make it run on a Linux box with a lot of hard work. Now, if that was a one-time setup, I could live with that, but every minor WoW update broke the game on that box … and my “nerd-days” are long gone. When I want to play a game, I do it to relax and have a good time, not to get frustrated over a broken game yet again! Games I play right now doesn’t seem to be supported by Wine. E.g., Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, Empyrion - Galactic Survival, Space Engineers and still some GTA 5 from time to time. Windows 10 has several years to live, so it may be other games that has my interest when its lifetime ends, but at least for now it’s a reason for me not to ditch Windows in favor to Linux. Regarding controller support: I know that my programmable Logitech keyboard does not work with Linux. There simply doesn’t exist any drivers. Some guys out there have tried to fix it and there exist some hacks that make some features kind of work, but again, it’s for nerds only. Been there, done that. Will my VIRPIL HOTAS work? I’ve not tried, not even looked into it, because without the games to support my gear, there’s no reason to waste time on an OS-driver problem. Razor on the contrary has a well working Open-Source driver for Linux. When I tested it some while ago, it even worked better that the one for Windows. Before I purchase any new equipment in the future, I’ll check if it has either manufacture- or 3rd party easy-to-setup and use OS driver support for Linux. I will never again purchase anything that’ll only work with Windows. Regarding VR: Again, it’s a question about driver support. As the owner of both the original HTC-Vive headset and a newer HP Reverb G2 headset, I NEED a system that fully supports it. Does Linux provide VR support? - I don’t know. Proton…? Never tried it. Is it something that Steam automatically install if one tries to install a Windows game on Linux (I know there is a Steam client for Linux)? I can see that some of the games I mention above is on the ProtonDB list, but the comments doesn’t indicate it always is an easy thing to setup…

[@0hN0es203]

Proton is very very good at this point. IIRC it's an option you check in the steam settings on the Linux steam client and after that windows games just install and work. I have 4 installed on linux currently and all 4 work fine. I did have to add a line to the steam launcher to fix a sound issue for one of them (inside steam, no command line) so not 100% plug and play for everything but it's Valve's goal to get 100% of their catalog working perfectly for the launch of their Steam Deck which will carry over to any steam linux install.

[@CMDR_Analdo_Blackvoid]

@@0hN0es203 Thank you for the info, I'll definitely check that option out.

[@pwcorgi2000]

I mainly use Windows, especially on my laptop, foe MS Office. Sure, there's Libre Office, but when you have to share docs in Word, the closer the compatibility, the better. It's bad enough the church secretary has to use Office for Mac. We both hope she gets a pc again soon.

[@lionelreesable]

Thanks for the insightful video. I love Zorin OS. Best wishes

[@sickman5000]

Very nice thank you. I will be grabbing a Pro to support the devs.

[@waynestewart1919]

Nice OS! I might add with Proton from Valve gives somewhere around 70% compatability on games. And furthermore its possible to use Proton to use Windows Apps sans telemetry.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for sharing this. :)

[@waynestewart1919]

@@ExplainingComputers My pleasure, Mr. Barnatt. Over the last year, I've become a bit of a Linux nerd. Its really fascinating what strides have been made with playing games for Windows and how fast, stable, and efficient Linux is! You've been instrumental in getting information about all types of computing platforms and hardware. I'm greatful to you.

[@dktol56]

I might add that using a development version called Proton-GE by Glorious Eggroll provides FSR for video upscaling, which is AMD's answer to Nvidia's DLSS (although not actually using deep learning). The channel "Linux for Everyone" demonstrated FSR on a Linux system using an AMD GPU and got about double the frame rates for several games for a given display resolution. Looked pretty good to me, and the upscaled frame rates made these games playable on an AMD laptop with an APU and Vega graphics. Supposedly, DLSS gives superior image quality, but I'm not sure that matters for a fast-paced shooter game. Valve (and GE) are also busy working on support for anticheat with Proton, so more compatibility with Windows games may be coming.

[@midnightwind8067]

Bang on target Chris. This has me excited to think I may actually get free from all the bloat and intrusion of Microsoft. I get that nothing is perfect, but this is looking rather impressive. Thank You.

[@wayland7150]

It is nice not to have news streams and adverts popping up inside your OS. I sold a chap a computer with Mint when his iMac broke and he is amazed how snappy it runs and how easy to use. Zorin looks even better.

[@More_Row]

Very good looking and nicely laid out Distro.

[@srtcsb]

Thanks for another great video Chris.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Hi Steve. :)

[@ted-b]

Nice one Chris! It's taken a while but we're almost on the point of getting a real, useable, alternative to windows.

[@paulluce2557]

In the face of whats coming with Windows 11, I think it needs to happen. The hardware restricted, advert riddled, OS a paid service beyond the proper control of the user by being mandatorily linked to an account in the 'cloud' is a dangerous and downright disgusting model. I am 100% against this and its Linux for me from now on.

[@limpa756]

I think linux as a desktop has surpassed windows, besides gaming obviously but even then it’s come very far. The main issue with Linux now isn’t actually Linux it’s the community I believe, lots of elitism which has made dabbling your toes in the likes of Linux through Ubuntu or mint will get you insulted by people using arch, if you use arch you’ll be insulted by people using Artix for using systemd etc. Just so much hostility

[@paulluce2557]

@@limpa756 Yes, I have heard this. But never experienced it. I have tried many and use s variety of flavours on various machines for given purposes. The greater goal needs to be recognised which as I see it, toppling MS..

[@peterbreis5407]

@@limpa756 That's the Linux community! Great place to be told what a mistake it was to try it.

[@jamespenn3195]

Definitely heading in that direction myself , this version of Linux looks promising and will be giving it a try out very very soon

[@joshuaa3075]

Great channel!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks :)

[@AbdelkaderBenRhouma]

Thank you for the nice pieces of information.

[@neonvortex]

this video was what got me into Linux. endless distrohops and going back to windows later, ive landed on Zorin 16 again. probably the easiest and most comfy distro ive used. thank you for making this video.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Great to hear. :)

[@markanderson2155]

Wow! Linux has really stepped up their game. I think they just might give MS a run for the money. I am starting to consider giving it a go. Probably will install on one of my older W10 systems as an experiment and just in case I have to bail out from windows in 4 years. Microsoft's requirements for Processor is too costly and I would have to replace everything. Nuts on that!

[@robjohnson8522]

That is why I am looking at Linux. When Windows 10 came out my perfectly usable older comps were knocked to their knees in spite of all the marketing about how Win10 would breath new life into old hardware. I am assuming Win 11 will do the same to my current hardware and NOW we have a chip shortage. I tried Pop OS yesterday on a 4 year old laptop that was never top end even when new. My oh my how fast everything is on that old clunker now including windows apps! I am now going to try Zorin today though and see how it stacks up.

[@markanderson2155]

@@robjohnson8522 please let me know how it works out. I'm still debating which distro to start with, your opinion and point of view would be appreciated. Thanks. The top one's I have narrowed down to are mint, pop, zorin & manjaro. My top 2 I'm guessing for newbie coming from windows will be Mint or Zorin. I will have to adjust and learn the many new apps and names. I think that's why most are afraid to give it a go, but I hear many of Linux apps are very good and equal to windows, if not better.

[@robjohnson8522]

@@markanderson2155 I was a bit bummed with Pop as I could not drag and drop stuff. :( I played some Borderlands 2 on that crappy old laptop (with Pop) yesterday and it ran great! I think I have been spending too much on good hardware! ;)

[@wingandhog]

You won’t be disappointed. Even my non-tech wife loves Linux. We both use Mint but I’m thinking about trying out Zorin.

[@robjohnson8522]

@@wingandhog Since I watched this video I tried Pop then went to Zorin. I liked Zorin but I am a techie. I have introduced several non-tech Windows users to Zorin and they are happy.

[@neilychoppers841]

You can run most Steam games in a Linux distro, using Proton. I have been playing Far Cry New Dawn, Fallout 3 & The Elder Scrolls online quite happily on Steam using Pop!_os. Fallout 3 is easier to get up and running on Linux than it is on Windows 10. I'm currently trying out Linux gaming on my secondary PC, and its impressive. Also with Windows 11`s fussy system requirements, its a great time to think about switching.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very useful info -- thanks for sharing.

[@MysticStar_Blue_Swordsman]

@Neily Choppers Not mention all of the horrible UI changes such as removing labels, no task manager right click option on main taskbar, ad integration etc it's a mess I've personally grown sick of having to deal with Microsoft's backlash on so many things each os release

[@paulluce2557]

@@MysticStar_Blue_Swordsman Its like Win 8 all over again... Just ten times worse.. Im opting out now..

[@madt99]

Have you played Magic the gathering online in Linux?

[@neilychoppers841]

@@madt99 I don't know how well Magic the gathering online, runs on Linux. I do know that many online games that have anti cheat software enabled. Do not work on Linux.

[@alcornoque9248]

Interesting and neat as always 👷👍 Definitely trying it on an old (8 year old HP) desktop...

[@johncorum2400]

This was really helpful. Thank you