Softpedia >Linux >Linux Distributions >Zorin OS >  Changelog

Zorin OS Changelog

What's new in Zorin OS 12.4

Aug 15, 2018
  • Zorin OS 12.4 introduces an updated hardware enablement stack. The newly-included Linux kernel 4.15, as well as an updated X server graphics stack, add compatibility for newer computers and hardware in Zorin OS. In addition, new patches for system vulnerabilities are included in this release, so you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re using the most secure version of Zorin OS ever.

New in Zorin OS 11 (Feb 4, 2016)

  • With Zorin OS 11, we’ve focused on improving the overall desktop user experience, from the smallest details to the bigger picture.
  • In addition to shipping new and improved versions of our standard pre-installed applications, we’ve included new applications to help you get more done in Zorin OS faster, better and more enjoyably. These apps include a built-in Contacts manager, Clocks – which allows you to set alarms, a timer, stopwatch as well as view the time in different parts of the world – and a simple and beautiful new video player.
  • The scrolling behavior has been revamped and modernized to give you more space for your content, while allowing you to navigate applications more easily and and enjoyably. The scrollbar only appears when you need it and auto-expands when your cursor gets close to it, allowing you to have more precise control quickly. In addition, a helpful glowing animation now appears when you’ve reached the bottom of the content.
  • We’ve also made improvements to the theme and artwork to make sure that Zorin OS looks better than ever. New to the Zorin Theme Changer is a Grey variant of the Zorin OS theme, available in Light, Dark and Black variants.
  • Zorin OS 11 is based on Ubuntu 15.10 and comes pre-installed with the updated Linux Kernel 4.2 which brings bug fixes, improved hardware support and performance improvements.
  • As always, Zorin OS 11 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customizability and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.

New in Zorin OS 11 Beta (Jan 19, 2016)

  • With Zorin OS 11, we’ve focused on improving the overall desktop user experience, from the smallest details to the bigger picture.
  • In addition to shipping new and improved versions of our standard pre-installed applications, we’ve included new applications to help you get more done in Zorin OS in a faster, better and more fun way. These apps include a built-in Contacts manager, Clocks – which allows you to set alarms, a timer, stopwatch as well as view the time in different parts of the world – and a simple and beautiful new video player.
  • We’ve also made improvements to the theme and artwork to make sure that Zorin OS looks better than ever. New to the Zorin Theme Changer is a Grey variant of the Zorin OS theme, available in Light, Dark and Black variants.
  • Zorin OS 11 is based on Ubuntu 15.10 and comes pre-installed with the updated Linux Kernel 4.2 which brings bug fixes, improved hardware support and performance improvements.
  • As always, Zorin OS 11 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.

New in Zorin OS 10 (Aug 1, 2015)

  • We have made major strides with the visual styling in Zorin OS. In addition to the refined & perfected desktop theme and the new default FreeSans desktop font, we have introduced a stunning new icon theme, its first major overhaul since Zorin OS 2.0.
  • The Zorin Theme Changer has been expanded, with the inclusion of new theme colors: Green, Orange and Red alongside the classic Blue theme from previous versions of Zorin OS.
  • With Zorin OS 10, we have refreshed the selection of default applications with the addition of a streamlined new Media Player, the gorgeous Geary Mail client, Calendar app and the new Activity Journal, which lets you see the files and documents you have worked with based on duration and the time throughout the day. Our existing app selection has also been treated with updates, bug fixes and design enhancements throughout.
  • Zorin OS 10 is based on Ubuntu 15.04, and comes pre-installed with the updated Linux Kernel 3.19 and systemd for performance boosts, stronger security and improved hardware support.
  • As always, Zorin OS 10 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.

New in Zorin OS 10 RC (Jul 12, 2015)

  • We have made major strides with the visual styling in Zorin OS. In addition to the refined & perfected desktop theme and the new default FreeSans desktop font, we have introduced a stunning new icon theme, its first major overhaul since Zorin OS 2.0.
  • The Zorin Theme Changer has been expanded, with the inclusion of new theme colors: Green, Orange and Red alongside the classic Blue theme from previous versions of Zorin OS.
  • With Zorin OS 10, we have refreshed the selection of default applications with the addition of a streamlined new Media Player, the gorgeous Geary Mail client, Calendar app and the new Activity Journal, which lets you see the files and documents you have worked with based on duration and the time throughout the day. Our existing app selection has also been treated with updates, bug fixes and design enhancements throughout.
  • Zorin OS 10 is based on Ubuntu 15.04, and comes pre-installed with the updated Linux Kernel 3.19 and systemd for performance boosts, stronger security and improved hardware support.
  • As always, Zorin OS 10 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.

New in Zorin OS 9 RC (Jun 23, 2014)

  • This is a pre-release version of the next generation of Zorin OS. We have built it to get your feedback on what we have created so far.
  • The main focus for Zorin OS 9 has been on stability and the refinement of Zorin OS’s wide array of incredible features. Firstly, Zorin OS 9 includes a myriad of updated software and bug fixes to ensure that your computer runs better than ever. EFI support has also been added, making it easier to get Zorin OS on newer computers (64 bit only). In addition, we have introduced a new Blue desktop theme to the Zorin Theme Changer in complement to the Light and Dark themes. As Zorin OS 9 is based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS you can expect to receive continuous software updates until 2019, making it the ideal operating system for large-scale deployments.

New in Zorin OS 8 (Jan 28, 2014)

  • We have introduced a myriad of changes in Zorin OS including updated software, improvements to the user interface and entirely new software. Zorin OS 8 includes a simpler and more beautiful Music player app, the Empathy Instant Messaging Client as well as the Zorin Theme Changer. We have created a beautiful new Dark theme in complement to a new and improved Light theme. We have created this simple app to switch between the two quickly and easily.
  • We have revamped the look of the bootloader so that switching between operating systems looks better than ever.
  • As always, Zorin OS 8 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers. In addition, we have now made it super easy to install the Zorin World Community Grid program in Zorin OS 8 to help humanity. Zorin OS 8 is based on Ubuntu 13.10.

New in Zorin OS 8 RC (Jan 3, 2014)

  • Zorin OS 8 includes a simpler and more beautiful Music player app, the Empathy Instant Messaging Client as well as the Zorin Theme Changer. Zorin OS 8 features a beautiful new Dark theme in complement to a new and improved Light theme. We have created this simple app to switch between the two quickly and easily.
  • As always, Zorin OS 8 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers. Zorin OS 8 is based on Ubuntu 13.10.

New in Zorin OS 7.1 (Oct 17, 2013)

  • Zorin OS 7.1 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 7 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and bug fixes. Zorin OS 7.1 Core and Ultimate are based on Ubuntu 13.04 and utilize the Zorin Desktop environment by default.

New in Zorin OS 6.4 (Aug 28, 2013)

  • Zorin OS 6.4 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.3 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and bug fixes. As Zorin OS 6.4 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.

New in Zorin OS 7 (Jun 10, 2013)

  • Zorin OS 7 brings about a plethora of changes and improvements such as a wide array of updated software, the Linux Kernel version 3.8, the introduction of new software (Pidgin replacing Empathy and Steam in Zorin OS 7 Ultimate) and an enormous design overhaul. We have given the brand a face-lift with our new logo. In addition to this, Zorin OS itself includes a brand new desktop theme.
  • The Zorin Look Changer is integrated into Zorin OS 7, which allows users to choose between the Windows 7, XP and GNOME 2 graphical interfaces in Core as well as the Mac OS X, Unity and Windows 2000 interfaces in Zorin OS Ultimate. As always, Zorin OS 7 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and ease-of-use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager, Zorin Background Plus (Ultimate only) and other programs from our earlier versions.
  • Zorin OS 7 is based on Ubuntu 13.04.

New in Zorin OS 7 RC (May 23, 2013)

  • Zorin OS 7 brings about a plethora of changes and improvements such as a wide array of updated software, the Linux Kernel version 3.8, the introduction of new software (Pidgin replacing Empathy and Geary Mail replacing Thunderbird) and an enormous design overhaul.
  • We have given the brand a face-lift with our new logo. In addition to this, Zorin OS itself includes a brand new desktop theme which you can see here. You can take a look at the default Zorin OS 7 desktop here.
  • As always, Zorin OS 7 uses the Zorin Desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization and the Zorin Look Changer for ultimate ease of use. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager to ease the installation of web browsers.
  • Zorin OS 7 is based on Ubuntu 13.04.

New in Zorin OS 6.3 (May 14, 2013)

  • The Zorin OS Team are pleased to announce the release of Zorin OS 6.3 Core, our operating system designed for Windows users. Zorin OS 6.3 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.2 with newly updated software and a newer kernel out of the box. As Zorin OS 6.3 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.
  • Users who already have Zorin OS 6, 6.1 or 6.2 Core installed can update their system using the Update Manager to avail of the aforementioned updates and improvements in 6.3.

New in Zorin OS 6.2 (Feb 28, 2013)

  • Zorin OS 6.2 builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6.1 with newly updated software, a newer kernel out of the box and Zorin Menu. Zorin Menu is our continuation of the GnoMenu start menu software which has been included in every version of Zorin OS before. The first release of Zorin Menu, included in Zorin OS 6.2 for the first time, provides lots of bug fixes to ameliorate the overall stability of Zorin OS. As Zorin OS 6.2 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with software updates until April 2017.

New in Zorin OS 6.1 (Nov 8, 2012)

  • The Zorin OS Team are pleased to announce the release of Zorin OS 6.1 Core, our operating system designed for Windows users and those who are dissatisfied with the Unity and Gnome Shell offerings. Zorin OS 6.1 Core builds on top of our popular previous release of Zorin OS 6 Core with newly updated software and a newer kernel out of the box. As Zorin OS 6.1 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with 5 years of security updates.
  • Users who already have Zorin OS 6 Core installed do not need to get Zorin OS 6.1 Core as all the aforementioned updates and improvements in 6.1 can be applied by installing the latest updates from the Update Manager.

New in Zorin OS 6 (Jun 18, 2012)

  • The Zorin OS Team are proud to release the Zorin OS 6 Core and Ultimate, the latest version of our operating system designed for Windows users and those who are dissatisfied with the Unity and Gnome Shell offerings. At the core of Zorin OS 6 lies our new, unique desktop environment named “Zorin Desktop”. We also include our innovative Zorin Look Changer which allows users to choose between the Windows 7, XP and GNOME 2 graphical interfaces (in Core) as well as the Mac OS X, Unity and Windows 2000 interfaces in Zorin OS Ultimate. Zorin Desktop embraces all of the latest and greatest Open Source software and technologies such as Gtk3 and other software from the GNOME 3 software stack, all without affecting the familiarity, usability and customizability of the desktop and retaining the Compiz window manager. Along with the new desktop environment, Zorin OS 6 packs a ton of software updates: a newly redesigned Software Center, Linux Kernel version 3.2 and a load of other improvements and features. We also include our Zorin Web Browser Manager, Zorin Background Plus (Ultimate only) and other programs from our earlier versions. As Zorin OS 6 is based on Ubuntu 12.04 it is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, provided with 5 years of security updates.

New in Zorin OS 5 (Jun 6, 2011)

  • The Zorin OS Team are proud to release Zorin OS 5 Core and Ultimate which bring a lot of new and enhanced features to Zorin OS, our operating system designed specifically for Windows users. This release utilizes the GNOME 2.X Classic environment instead of Ubuntu’s Unity shell. We have included new features such as an installer welcome video, a new theme and updated artwork, simplified application names, updated software and many program changes to improve and simplify the user experience. We also include our innovative Zorin Look Changer, Zorin Internet Browser Manager, Zorin Background Plus (Premium versions only) and other programs from our earlier versions.
  • Both Zorin OS 5 Core and Ultimate versions are available in 32 bit and 64 bit versions. You can download The Core version here and you can get the Ultimate version here. The Zorin OS 5 Lite, Educational, Business, Multimedia and Gaming versions will be released over the next few weeks.

New in Zorin OS 4.0 (Dec 22, 2010)

  • The Zorin OS Team are proud to announce the availability of the Core and Premium versions of Zorin OS designed for Linux beginners. In addition to the easy to use interface and our unique Look Changer, Zorin OS 4 incorporates such new tools and features as the improved File Manager, file previews and the redesigned sound menu which help you to get more done in less time while our Splash Screen Manager, our Internet Browser Manager and the refined Software Center make performing customization tasks even easier. We have made changes to the core system which makes Zorin OS 4 even faster than Ubuntu. We have created new desktop and splash screen themes to even further improve Zorin OS's appearance. The Premium versions (Gaming, Multimedia and Ultimate) of Zorin OS 4 now include our new Background Plus application as well as the extended Look Changer with the Mac OS X, Windows 2000 and Windows Vista looks. A new system installer has also been introduced to make it as easy as possible to install Zorin OS to your computer.

New in Zorin OS 3.0 (Jun 10, 2010)

  • Zorin OS Look Changer:
  • Zorin OS 3 now comes pre-installed with a brand new exclusive program called the Zorin OS Look Changer. This allows you to use your desktop in not only a Windows 7 style, but also WIndows XP and Linux's GNOME interface. Users of the premium releases (Zorin OS Gaming, Multimedia and Ultimate) can also enjoy a Windows Vista, Windows 2000 and Mac OS X interface in as well as the other three. With this new program you can switch between these looks easily and expediently. This will make your desktop easier and more enjoyable to use. You can find out more about this new application here.
  • Installer Slideshow:
  • During the installation of Zorin OS 3, you will see a slideshow that shows you around Zorin OS. This slideshow will get you familiar with Zorin OS and it's advantages, programs and features such as Security, the Look Changer (see above), its social networking features, Back In Time, Firefox, Accessibility and Support.
  • New Looks:
  • Zorin OS 3 sports some nice new looks. Ranging from the new themes (Shine Mac and Shine Dark) and the better looking splash screen (now using Plymouth instead of USplash) we have made the desktop look gorgeous!
  • The new Shine Mac theme resembles the Mac OS X theme with a Zorin OS Shine look. This theme will automatically be set when you select the Mac OS X look in the Look Changer. We have also included a dark theme called "Shine Dark". This looks like Zorin OS' regular theme but with one difference, it's dark.We have also made a Start Menu theme to suit the Dark look.
  • The splash screen has also been changed. If you don't know what a splash screen is, it is the loading screen you see when you are starting your computer. We have used the Plymouth engine instead of the older USplash engine which was used in previous versions of Zorin OS. Now the splash screen was made to fit on any screen size without resizing the image and it has also been made to look different than the previous splash screen.
  • A new set of wallpapers have also been included in Zorin OS 3. The default wallpaper in Zorin OS 3 is called "Galaxy".
  • Social from the Start:
  • Thanks to Ubuntu 10.04, we have also included the new integrated social networking solution into the desktop. If you click on your user name in the panel you will now see your full name (if you set it) followed by an input box, a few IM statuses and some settings links. This menu is called the MeMenu. The MeMenu is tightly integrated into Gwibber, which is a new social networking centric application preloaded in Zorin OS 3 and Empathy IM. From the MeMenu you can Tweet, update your IM status, change your account settings and set up Ubuntu One which is Ubuntu's integrated cloud storage and syncing service, straight from your desktop!
  • Rhythmbox Music Player updates:
  • Two key updates have been made to the Rhythmbox Music Player:
  • 1. iPod and iPhone compatibility
  • 2. The Ubuntu One Music Store
  • Rhythmbox (and the File Browser) now have iPod and iPhone management compatibility. You can browse the files stored on your iPod or iPhone natively through the File Browser without having to install anything. You can sync your music collection on your computer with your mobile device easily and quickly. It's as easy as plugging it in!
  • An iTunes like music store is now included in the Rhythmbox Music Player, it is called the "Ubuntu One Music Store". With the help of the 7 Digital Music Store you can download and playback high quality, DRM-free (this varies with which song you choose) music legally from one place. When you download a song it automatically copies it over to your Ubuntu One account so you can play it back on any Zorin OS or Ubuntu computer with your Ubuntu One account.
  • Multimedia software changes:
  • Zorin OS 3 now ships with the OpenShot movie editor instead of Kino which was shipped with Zorin OS 2.0. We believe OpenShot is an easier and more powerful movie editor.
  • We have also included the VLC Media Player by default in all versions of Zorin OS 3. This will bring more multimedia playback compatibility to Zorin OS.
  • New, open source Nvidia drivers:
  • Zorin OS now ships with the open source Nouveau Nvidia graphics card driver. The new driver accelerates 2D graphics performance. You can still install the official, proprietary Nvidia 3D driver if you wish from the Hardware Drivers program in Start>System>Administration>Hardware Drivers.
  • Better wireless card support:
  • We have included new native wireless drivers in Zorin OS for better hardware compatibility. Although Zorin OS supports most wireless cards, some cards aren't. We have solved this problem with a new program we have included called "Windows Wireless Drivers" which lets you install the Windows wireless card drivers in Zorin OS. We still recommend using native Linux wireless drivers in Zorin OS if you can find them.
  • Performance improvements:
  • As usual, we always push the envelope in performance with every Zorin OS release. Now users can enjoy 10 second boot times with good hardware. Overall performance has also been improved dramatically.
  • Wait, but that's not it!:
  • It will be impossible to list all the new feature of Zorin OS 3 here so we listed the main ones here. There are lots and lots of other new features and improvements in Zorin OS 3 like updated programs. The best way to find these new features out is to get Zorin OS 3.

New in Zorin OS 1.0 Beta (Jun 30, 2009)

  • It includes many bug fixes and is safe to install. The only known bug is OAFIID and this is mentioned on the site.