Zorin OS 15 is based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS. This solid foundation underpins a number of other Ubuntu-based distros, like the recent Peppermint OS 10 release. Zorin OS 15 users also get access to a swathe of recent app updates and will receive future Linux kernel updates in the future, including Linux Kernel 5.0, via Canonical’s Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE).In use, it’s easy to forget that the Zorin OS desktop experience is based on GNOME Shell, i.e. the same GNOME Shell used almost everywhere these days. There’s a real harmony to the way this distro is put together that just sings in usage, making the whole desktop feel truly in tune. And boy does it make a great first impression! It’s easy to forget that Zorin OS is based on GNOME Shell; there’s a real harmony in the way it’s put together
Chances are probably keen to learn a bit more about Zorin OS 15, so let’s dive in!
Zorin OS 15 Released, Based On Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS
Zorin has been serving up a slice of user-friendly Linux for almost as long as regular Ubuntu has been around. And over the years it’s clearly learned a thing or two about what it takes to make a successful, well-thought-through distro.
But let’s be clear about one thing from the start: Zorin is not just another Ubuntu derivative. Like Linux Mint and like elementary OS it’s a Linux distro that stands out on its own merits.
And the latest release, out now, is Zorin OS 15…
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Wait, what happened to Zorin 13 & 14?
The previous stable release of Zorin OS was version 12, so you might be wondering where versions 13 and 14 went.
Well, don’t panic: you didn’t miss them. Zorin’s lead developer explains why there’s a small ‘jump’ in version number for this release:
“The reason is that this is actually the 15 version of Zorin OS. In between Zorin OS 1.0 and 2.0 way back in 2009, we released a version called “Limited Edition ’09” [so] we decided to take the opportunity to correct the version number with this release.”
Zorin OS Desktop & Appearance
Zorin OS looks pretty Windows-y — call it “traditional” if you prefer — by default. This is by design; the distro is tailored towards Windows converts dipping their toes in the often scary waters of Linux. Familiarity is a feature. Out of the box, Zorin OS looks pretty Windows-y but several layout options are available.
To this end the desktop sports a single panel along the bottom of the screen. This is home to a traditional application menu, quick-limach app launchers, a taskbar area, and, on the farthest end, a system tray and notification area.
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Although it looks pretty different it is still GNOME Shell.
Interestingly Zorin developers back-ported GNOME Shell 3.30 to Ubuntu 18.04 so that users benefit from a raft of upstream performance improvements and feature highlights.
GNOME Shell 3.28 is the version vanilla Ubuntu 18.04 LTS offers, so 3.30 is quite the leap!
New Touch Mode
If the ‘traditional’ layout doesn’t jive with you, you’re not stuck with it.
The Zorin operating system offers with a couple of alternative desktop layouts, including, in its latest release, a new “touch mode”:
Looks pretty swish, right?
When Touch Mode enables the desktop reconfigures itself to “maximize space for apps and content”. Gesture support is also enabled, letting you use various swipes and pinches to trigger windowing actions and reveal the taskbar.
On a convertible 2-in-1 device I’d imagine you could easily set up a script that automatically enables touch mode when the device is folded back on itself.
Auto Dark Theme Support
Theming is another area of change in Zorin OS 15. The distro ships with a brand new GTK theme that’s been built exclusively for the distro. It’s even available with a choice of 6 color accents — take that, Adwaita!
If you find the default “out of the box” look a tad bright you’ll be pleased to hear that a dark theme mode comes included too.
Better yet, Zorin OS 15 features a setting to automatically enable theme mode after sunset, and revert back to the light, bright version in the mornings. To make use of it users just check the middle setting in the Zorin Appearance > Theme > Background dialog.
Zorin Connect
Another notable addition in Zorin OS 15 is integration with Android smartphones. This is via a dedicated app called Zorin Connect — but it might be familiar to some of you. Zorin Connect integrations your Android smartphone with the Linux desktop.
Based on GSConnect and KDE Connect, “Zorin Connect” helps integrate and bridge your laptop or PC with your smartphone, enabling all kinds of cool features including:
- Use your phone as a mouse
- Quickly transfer files to/from phone and PC
- See and reply to Android notifications on the desktop
- See media player controls
And a whole heap more.
The desktop portion of Zorin Connect comes pre-installed. You’ll need to pair it with the free Zorin Connect Android app on your mobile, which is available to install from the Google Play Store:
Other Changes
Mozilla Firefox is now Zorin’s default browser (earlier versions of the distro used Chromium), but the Evolution mail client ships by default, not Thunderbird.
The distro update also sports the latest LibreOffice 6.2 release, plus a crop of GNOME core apps, including Calendar, Weather and Todo.
Other changes in Zorin OS 15 includes:
- Linux kernel 4.18
- Color emoji support
- System font: Inter
- New background & boot screen artwork
- Customization settings for the taskbar & app menu
- App menu opens with super key
- Thunderbolt 3 device support
- Captive portal detection
- Bulk file renaming in the File browser
Zorin OS 15 is based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS and does ship with support for the hardware enablement stack.
This means that, in the near future, when Ubuntu rolls out Linux kernel 5.0 as part of Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS, Zorin OS 15 users will also get the upgrade.
Download Zorin OS 15
Like what you see? Then why not try what you see!
The official Zorin website offers a number of versions for download including a Core (free) edition and an Ultimate (paid) edition.
To download Zorin OS 15 from the official project website (for free) just head to the official website:
