The Linux Thread

[Doublezero]

I've been using Zorin OS for a while, but I'm switching back to Mint.

Zorin is a rock-solid distro and I've never had any technical issues with it. It just works, and is better than Windows, but you could say that about most Linux distros. Well, maybe one minor issue. When dragging and dropping files to upload them, I always get a notification saying the browser is ready, but the files never upload. I have to click the button to open the file explorer and browse to the folder where the file is. This happens when using either GNOME or Xfce, and with all the different browsers I use. This does not occur on Linux Mint.

It's an annoying issue, but one I can live with. I wouldn't go back to Windows over that.

Another annoyance is GNOME itself. I knew it wasn't customisable before installing Zorin OS, but the desktop doesn't work in the same way as a Windows desktop. For example, many windows lack full header bars. The desktop is inconsistent in how it handles windows, and it seems that the designers prioritized style over functionality. It's strange, some windows have full header bars and others don't and sometimes you may have to hold down the mouse and the super key to drag windows around.

This distro is lauded by YouTubers as one of the best for Windows users looking to switch to Linux. However, it uses a desktop environment that is completely different to the Windows experience. The Start Menu isn't opened by the Super Key; it displays all the windows that are open. This is not something that former Windows users are accustomed to. I haven't used Windows 10 in over a year, and I never used Windows 11, so if that has changed, let me know. I'm starting to think that YouTubers are being paid for their reviews, because none of the channels I've watched have mentioned these issues. They're small issues, but they add up.

On a positive note, I really like the advanced window tiling feature. It was this feature that convinced me to install Zorin in the first place. Simply drag the window over the menu that drops down from the top and onto the grid to which you want the browser to snap. It's that simple! It's super smooth and easy, and I use it all the time!

The Zorin Connect app allows you to stream videos and music to your smartphone. I didn't know about it until I connected my phone to my computer. It's cool, but not something I need.

Xfce is another annoyance. If you cannot adjust to using the GNOME desktop, you can switch to Xfce instead. However, the problem with that is that it defaults to the Zorin Lite version, which is based on Xfce. If you change the Zorin Lite theme, it reverts to the default after about 30 seconds. That was my experience, at least. And the great window tiling feature that convinced you to try Zorin in the first place? It's not available with Xfce.

You might be wondering why not install KDE Plasma or Cinnamon? I'm not the biggest fan of KDE. I think it's too heavy (I prefer light desktops) and, from what I've read, it's difficult to remove completely. As for Cinnamon, you may as well just use Linux Mint.

You might think that this whole post is just me criticizing Zorin OS. It isn't. I think it's a very good distro, rock solid, but I can only recommend it to Linux users who know what they're getting into. Apparently, Zorin has experienced over three million downloads, largely attributed to Windows users who don't want to downgrade to Windows 11. I would like to know how many of those three million people are still using Zorin.

TL;DR: I'm switching back to Mint. Zorin is great, but Mint is better.