Aside from the interface, the installation process of Zorin OS is also user-friendly. You don’t need to know any code, and there are no complicated matters. In this article, we take a look at Zorin OS and walk you through the installation process.
What Is Zorin OS?
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with an emphasis on an easy-to-use graphical interface. Zorin was developed with the goal of making Linux more user-friendly, in a way that Windows or Mac users would have no difficulties transitioning to Linux with Zorin.
Zorin OS comes packed with apps, so you can seamlessly start using it without having to spend hours installing essential apps.
In a way, Zorin is one of the best Linux distributions available for people who have used Windows or Mac all their lives, and want to switch to Linux.
Despite its very graphical interface, Zorin is just as capable in the backend as any other Linux distribution. The eye-catching looks of Zorin won’t make it any less functional for pro Linux users.
The latest version of Zorin OS was released in 2021. You can read about its latest features in our article on Zorin OS 16 and what’s new about it.
Zorin OS is available in three main editions:
Zorin OS Lite: Optimized for use on older and lower-end computers. This edition still has the graphical interface but is XFCE-based rather than GNOME. Zorin OS Core: The fully-fledged Zorin OS. This edition has everything that you’d expect from Zorin and features a GNOME-based desktop. Zorin OS Pro: Same as the Core edition, but with themes that make your desktop nearly identical to Windows or Mac at your whim. This edition also comes with a pack of commissioned desktop backgrounds you can use. The Pro edition costs $39, and you can install it on multiple personal computers. However, you’ll need to get a license for each computer if you’re using it for businesses or schools.
Once you’ve decided on the Zorin OS edition that suits you best, it’s time to install it. There are other Linux distributions designed to accommodate newcomers and beginners just like Zorin OS does. Check out our article on the best Linux distros made for Windows users.
How to Install Zorin OS With a USB
To install Zorin OS, you’ll need the ISO image file, a USB drive, and an app to create a bootable USB. Head to the Zorin OS download page and download the edition that you want.
Download: Zorin OS
Step 1: Creating a Bootable USB for Zorin OS
Zorin OS itself recommends using balenaEtcher to create a bootable USB. However, you can use the much lighter Rufus to do this as well.
In this article, we’re going to use Rufus to create a bootable USB. You can download the latest version of Rufus from the Rufus website.
Download: Rufus
Once you have downloaded Rufus, launch it and follow the steps below:
Inside Rufus, under Device, select your USB drive. Make sure that the USB you want to use is at least 4GB in capacity. Next to Boot selection, click SELECT and select the Zorin OS ISO file. Click START. Press OK in the pop-up window and warning windows. This is a final warning that all the data in your USB drive will be deleted. Rufus will now start copying the files to your USB. This will take a while.
Step 2: Install Zorin OS on Your PC
Once your USB is ready, stick it in your PC and then reboot your PC. To install Zorin OS from the USB, you have to access the boot menu on your computer’s BIOS. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but usually, you have to press F2, F10, F12, or Del on your keyboard before the BIOS hands the computer over to your existing operating system.
Once you’re in the BIOS menu, go to the bootloader and select the USB drive. This will now boot the system from the USB drive, rather than the existing operating system. Now it’s time to install Zorin OS.
In the initial menu, select the installation graphics you’d like to see. Select modern NVIDIA drivers if you have those, or select the first option if you’re unsure. You can navigate with the arrow keys and press Enter to select an option. The setup will now check the files to see if everything is in place.
Once Zorin OS finishes checking the files, the installation window will appear. You have the option here to try Zorin OS without installing it, or to just install it right away. Select your language and then click Install Zorin OS to initiate the installation.
In the next step, select your keyboard layout. You can also add additional keyboard layouts here. Once you’ve selected your keyboard layouts, click Continue to proceed.
Here you can check whether you want to download and install additional drivers or not. You can also check if you want Zorin OS to download updates during the installation progress. Click Continue to go to the next step.
If you want to keep your former operating system and dual boot Zorin OS, check Something else and then click Install now. This will take you to the partition settings where you can freely delete and create partitions. Otherwise, if you want to delete everything else and install Zorin OS check Erase disk and install Zorin OS and then click Install now.
Select your region from the drop-down menu and then click Continue. In the next step, the installer will ask you to enter your name and credentials for your account. Click Continue when you’re done.
Now Zorin OS will begin installing. The installation will take some time, depending on your computer and your settings.
Zorin OS will reboot when the installation is complete. You’ll be prompted with a black screen asking you to remove the USB. Remove the USB and then press Enter on your keyboard.
Welcome to Zorin OS! Take a tour and get comfortable with your new Linux operating system.
Seamlessly Transition to Linux With Zorin OS
Installing operating systems used to be a daunting task best left to professionals, but now even Linux is easy to install, thanks to the new graphical interfaces.
One of these Linux distributions is Zorin OS which places a strong emphasis on being user-friendly. Zorin OS is easy to install and use, and is similar to Windows or Mac in layout and looks. But don’t let the looks fool you, Zorin OS is still as capable as Ubuntu when it comes to backend coding with the terminal.
