Video summary

Zorin OS im Test

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

Zorin OS — a beginner-focused Linux distribution designed to make switching from Windows or macOS feel “relaxed and easy.”

Key Features Mentioned

  • Beginner-friendly design with a modified GNOME desktop (“Zorin Desktop”).
  • Windows/macOS-like appearance and UX, including:
    • Start menu
    • Windows-style window management (snap + a top-edge arrangement menu)
    • Multiple desktop “looks”:
      • Windows-like
      • macOS-like
      • original GNOME feel
  • Desktop icons support (GNOME typically doesn’t, which helps users coming from Windows).
  • Easy software installation via GUI:
    • GNOME Software store with install buttons (e.g., Steam)
    • Apps can be installed via:
      • apt (native packages)
      • Flatpak
  • Windows app installation assistance:
    • If you try to open a Windows .exe, Zorin opens a guided window suggesting alternatives (example: ShareX → Flameshot).
    • Optional “Run anyway” installs via Wine.
    • Example: IrfanView worked via Wine.
    • Gaming context: games via Steam/Proton (Wine-based).
  • Fixed update cadence:
    • Minor updates every 6 months
    • Major updates every 2 years
    • (Contrasts with rolling releases like Arch-based distros.)
  • Zorin Desktop variants:
    • Pre-installed for X11 and Wayland
    • Easy switch at login

Pros (as Stated in the Video)

  • Very beginner-friendly and “relaxes” the Linux transition for Windows/macOS users.
  • Fast performance (described as “incredibly fast”).
  • Smooth, modern desktop experience, especially after switching to Wayland.
  • Smooth and convenient window management (Windows-like snapping + arrangement menu).
  • Simple software installation, avoiding the command line for “99% of things.”
  • Helpful .exe handling for new users:
    • suggests correct Linux alternatives
    • can run via Wine when needed
  • Extremely smooth installation experience:
    • no cryptic boot text
    • fast install
    • “Bam, absolutely no problems”
  • Gaming works out-of-the-box similarly to other distros and close to Windows (small FPS difference).
  • Stable day-to-day:
    • reviewer reported running “completely stable for over a week.”

Cons / Problems Mentioned

X11 + Nvidia + Multi-Monitor Issues

  • Jerky animations
  • Snap/window delay
  • Mouse/window movement not matching expected smoothness at 144 Hz
  • Overall described as “glitchy and unstable.”

Wayland Issues

  • Totem (default video player) didn’t work for the reviewer (error occurred).
  • Fix: replace Totem with VLC, which then became the default.

Customization Limitations

  • Mostly via Zorin Appearance (layouts, accent colors, “Jelly mode,” 3D desktop cube).
  • Not as visually customizable as KDE Plasma (which offers more).

Comparisons Made

  • Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, CachyOS
    • Zorin is positioned as more explicitly beginner-friendly.
  • CachyOS vs Zorin update model
    • CachyOS (Arch-based) = rolling release (more up-to-date, potentially more bugs)
    • Zorin = fixed schedule (more stable for beginners)
  • Desktop comparison
    • Zorin Desktop feels like a “best of both worlds,” combining familiarity (Windows-like elements) with GNOME smoothness.
    • KDE Plasma was described as feeling more “dated” to the reviewer (in contrast to GNOME smoothness).
  • Gaming comparison
    • Compared to Mint/CachyOS/Pop!_OS: similar out-of-the-box experience.
    • Compared to Windows: about ~5–10 fewer FPS (Nvidia context).
    • Note: AMD testing reportedly performed better in general based on measurements mentioned.
  • Zorin Pro vs Core
    • Pro (~€47.99) includes more pre-installed programs and supports developers, while the core idea remains available for free.

User Experience Notes (Installation + Daily Use)

  • High-quality onboarding:
    • USB installation is fast and smooth
    • desktop zooms in after loading
  • Steam installation:
    • works via the store
    • launching LM Studio worked immediately
  • Wayland video playback friction:
    • resolved by switching from Totem to VLC
  • X11 → Wayland transition:
    • after switching, the earlier graphics/animation issues disappeared for the reviewer

Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended as an excellent entry-level Linux choice, especially if you want a Windows/macOS-like interface and easy onboarding.

Main caveat: if you have an Nvidia + multi-monitor setup, you may encounter issues in the X11 session—switching to Wayland is presented as the solution.

Also: if video playback fails under Wayland, expect to replace Totem with VLC.

Unique Points List (All Distinct Claims)

  1. Zorin OS is portrayed as one of the most beginner-friendly Linux distros.
  2. It can look like macOS/Windows (start menu, smooth window management).
  3. If an .exe is downloaded, Zorin provides a guided suggestion/alternative.
  4. It runs incredibly fast.
  5. Uses modified GNOME (“Zorin Desktop”), easy for beginners.
  6. Review aims to compare with other distros and test beginner-friendliness.
  7. Positioned as an “alternative to Windows and macOS” with a desktop “you can actually use.”
  8. Pro version explanation: Pro includes more pre-installed programs and supports developers.
  9. Zorin is free/open source, Ubuntu-based, developed in Ireland.
  10. Update cadence: minor every 6 months, major every 2 years (vs rolling releases).
  11. Fixed schedule is considered more stable for beginners.
  12. Default desktop environment is Zorin Desktop (modified GNOME).
  13. Zorin Desktop offers multiple looks: Windows-like / macOS-like / original GNOME.
  14. Smooth experience after minor initial hiccups.
  15. Windows-like window management: - snap to edges/corners - top drag menu with arrangement options
  16. Customization via Zorin Appearance (layouts, accent colors, “Jelly mode,” 3D cube).
  17. Ability to import/create desktop layouts via community/customization.
  18. Desktop icons supported (unlike typical GNOME).
  19. Option to use KDE Plasma, pre-installed on some setups.
  20. Zorin Desktop is described as heavily customized and not practical on other distros.
  21. Limited built-in visual customization compared to KDE.
  22. Core includes a clean set of apps; Brave pre-installed; LibreOffice included.
  23. For Windows office continuity, Zorin is framed as seamless.
  24. Software installation is easy via GNOME Software (GUI store).
  25. Steam can be installed via apt or Flatpak.
  26. apt vs Flatpak tradeoffs explained (integration vs isolation; disk space; sometimes stability).
  27. Example: Steam Flatpak had choppy Big Picture Mode; apt worked better.
  28. Command line not needed for most tasks.
  29. Updating is one-click in GNOME Software.
  30. .exe handling suggests alternatives like Flameshot instead of ShareX.
  31. If no alternative exists, user can run via Wine.
  32. Example: IrfanView works with Wine.
  33. Wine used for game support via Steam Proton.
  34. Keno tried it too and was impressed.
  35. Reviewer test hardware: AMD GPU (Strix Halo)—installation was extremely smooth.
  36. Installation avoids cryptic boot text; desktop zooms in after boot from USB.
  37. Reviewer characterizes the look as a mix of Windows 11 + macOS.
  38. Gaming out-of-the-box is close to other distros; Path of Exile 2 runs ~5–10 FPS lower than Windows (Nvidia context).
  39. Steam Controller recognized immediately.
  40. Non-Steam game support may require extra setup (Battle.net in Steam, Lutris, etc.).
  41. X11 + Nvidia + multi-monitor caused jerky/unstable behavior and delayed snapping.
  42. Explanation implied: X11 vs Wayland; Wayland handles modern hardware better.
  43. Solution: use Zorin Desktop Wayland at login; issues disappear.
  44. Totem fails under Wayland for the reviewer.
  45. Fix: remove Totem, install VLC, set default.
  46. After fixes: desktop feels fantastic; stable over a week; won’t switch back soon.
  47. Suggestion: try Live ISOs of Zorin and Mint before installing.

Speakers / Perspectives

  • Main reviewer (plus “Keno and I” / “Keno also tried”)
    • Primary hands-on testing: desktop behavior, install smoothness, software/install prompts, Windows .exe guidance, gaming tests, and troubleshooting (X11→Wayland, Totem→VLC).
  • Keno (secondary tester)
    • Also impressed and called it beginner-friendly.
  • Mammuth ad sponsor
    • Mentioned as part of the video, not specifically about Zorin OS.

Original video