this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2023
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I mean, you literally described 99,999% of distros tbf.
Sure, but that's what I'm asking about. Why should people try this one?
A better question might be why shouldn't they? I'm not being pedantic (at least not intentionally) but if their defining characteristic is that they're nothing special, just a simple Linux distro that does the basic shit easily enough and looks nice - that has major appeal to people unfamiliar with Linux looking to leave other OS's behind. The vast majority of people that use an OS really have very little idea how it works or why. They just want some basic level of understanding and control over it.
I mean, most DEs copy Windows (KDE does, Cinnamon does, etc).
Taskbar along the bottom that shows opened programs
Start button that opens a small start menu in the bottom left
Clock in the bottom right
System tray in the bottom right
Frequently have menu bars at the top of apps
Minimise, maximise, close at the top right of each app
etc
So tbh it seems harsh to criticise Zorin for copying Windows when it seems, with the exception of Gnome, that all actual up to date DEs have copied Windows. And if they went with vanilla Gnome they'd not really be offering anything different at all.
Same reason as for any other distro: curiosity. If you're not curious about it, then don't give it a try.
Tbh I used it few months ago and it's a pretty decent noob distro but I had some annoying graphical issues caused by snaps, which zorin use(d?) even by default so I can't recommend it because of that. It also doesn't allow much customization but that's GNOME for you.
spoiler
Also, this is just a me thing and not the distro's fault, but I couldn't stand having Zs everywhere even if it is a pure coincidence and I actually know the volunteers stand with Ukraine.
It's a good distro for those who want an easy introduction to Linux, I just think Linux Mint or Pop_OS are better, but there's many who use it and swear by it.