Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux OS aimed at novice users who may be taking their first steps into the Linux world after having employed Windows all their lives. The latest release, Zorin OS 3, is the most polished version yet and comes with some interesting, new features. Top among these is the Zorin Look Changer, a tool that enables one to customize the way their desktop looks and acts depending on their preferences or what they’re used to.
The big, new feature in Zorin OS 3 is the Look Changer. In keeping with the distro’s aim, the tool enables users to quickly and easily switch between predefined themes based on the other popular operating systems. There are also several new themes for this new release.
Of course, being built on the very latest Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx, Zorin OS 3 comes with all of the new features and updates the Lynx brought. Those include the new integrated social features, the Plymouth splash screen, faster booting, and so on. There are five flavors of Zorin OS 3 available, the Core and Educational editions are free, while the Multimedia, Games and Ultimate editions are available only with a donation.
System Requirements
Minimum:
· A 700 MHz processor;
· At least 256 MB of RAM;
· 6 GB of drive space;
· A DVD reader or USB connection;
· Graphics card capable of 640×480 resolution.
Recommended:
· A 1 GHz processor;
· At least 512 MB of RAM;
· 10 GB of drive space;
· A DVD reader or USB connection;
· A 1024×768 resolution monitor;
· Internet access.
Default Software
Almost the same as Linux Mint. Zorin 3 comes stock with all the normal Ubuntu software plus
* Openshot
* VLC
* Ubuntu Tweak
* GIMP
* Scribus
* Cheese
* Play on Linux
* Wine 1.1.42
* Adobe Flash
* All Multi-Media Codecs (excluding w32codecs)
GUI
The default compiz configuration Zorin 3 has is fantastic! This is a really nice addition. Furthermore, it’s designed in a unique fashion, with effects you do not normally encounter. Combined with soft transparency, reflection and other elegant transition effects, you’re in for a visual treat. The Zorin OS Team are very pleased to announce that Zorin OS 3 is now officially released. This is a groundbreaking new release. For those who have not used the Release Candidate some new features include the astonishing new Look Changer program which lets you switch easily between multiple user interfaces (Windows 7, Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000 and Linux’s GNOME).
Control Center
Head into the Zorin Control Center and you’ll find a handful of other cool programs and features, including CompizConfig setting, Remastersys backup, GUI firewall configuration, GParted, Gespeaker (for visually impaired) and etc.
Downloading
Zorin offers three different free version downloads
1. 32bit Core
2. 64bit Core
3. Educational 32bit
In addition to these there are also three “premium” versions of Zorin
1. Gaming (10 euro)
2. Multimedia (10 euro)
3. Ultimate (15 euro)
Zorin OS 3 is available for download here.
Conclusion
Probably its a new OS, the Zorin community is the weakest link in the distro. Overall, Zorin is a re-branded Ubuntu flavor, with some extras added. But Zorin is a fantastic distro and I think many Windows converts will feel at home using it when first making the transition to Linux.
jonboy60
I’m a Malaysian, my name is Jon Loh (jonboy60) living in Kuala Lumpur and working in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Jonboy60.com is a blog magazine about Linux and other open source softwares. All about to a daily jobs or real life experiences I had since the year 2002 administrating Linux and Windows server in a hosting company. Basically i will be offering Linux tips, howto, tricks, latest news and tutorial. Contact Me for Career opportunities, business offers, Linux solutions for business or home, web and email server solutions, Linux consulting and expertise requests. Email to me on jonboy60{@}gmail.com. The site I’m running is VenCouture.com – Malaysia Online Fashion Shopping Boutique, VenCouture. We sell fashion clothes, sexy lingeries, baby clothing and etc.
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