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ZDNET Highlights
- Linux Mint and Zorin OS are both great operating systems.
- You will find ease of use and a wide range of supported hardware.
- Find out which one best suits your needs.
Downloads of Zorin OS increased significantly after the release of Windows 10. Within two days, Zorin OS had over 100,000 downloads, a record for distribution.
Meanwhile, Linux Mint has been one of the most popular distributions for some time.
Also: After 30 Years with Linux, I Switched It for Windows 11 – and Found 9 Serious Problems
Given that both of these distributions are continuing to grow in popularity, along with the end of Windows 10 support, you may be considering one or the other to serve as your first or your next Linux distribution. Do a quick search and you’ll find countless articles claiming why one is better than the other (or why one is better than them all).
This probably won’t help you decide which Linux distribution to try.
Let me see if I can help you with that decision.
Linux Mint: who is it for?
Since it’s so popular, let’s start with Linux Mint.
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, so it has a solid and user-friendly foundation. Additionally, Ubuntu has excellent hardware detection, thanks to the HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel found in Ubuntu Long-Term Support (LTS) releases. The HWE kernel provides better support for new hardware while maintaining system stability.
Also: How can I speed up my Linux system for free when RAM prices are out of control
On top of that, Linux Mint is the default in the Cinnamon desktop environment. Cinnamon will be instantly familiar to new users because it’s laid out like any standard PC desktop, with a panel, Start menu, system tray, and clickable icons. Cinnamon is incredibly easy to use, but not very flexible.
The lack of flexibility is an option, as it ensures a stable environment that is more challenging to break than Xfce.
So, right out of the gate, you have a solid foundation and user-friendly desktop environment. Those two elements alone create an operating system that anyone can use reliably (and enjoyably). Linux Mint has almost zero learning curve for Windows users.
And then, there’s the lack of telemetry. Linux Mint does not spy on you, push ads on you, or include any unwanted features (like AI).
Also: Best Linux Distributions for Beginners: Tested and Review by Expert
Additionally, Linux Mint:
- Uses a minimal amount of RAM (especially compared to Windows)
- Performs great on older hardware
- Optimized for SSDs with proper TRIM support
- Offers multiple power modes for better power management
- Allows theming, applets, desktops, and advanced workspace management
So, who is Linux Mint ideal for?
- Windows 10 users who want to leave the Microsoft OS and don’t want to deal with any kind of learning curve.
- Those who have old or new PCs.
- Users who want a rock-solid OS.
- Users who value their privacy.
- Users who want long-term support.
Zorin OS: who is it for?
Now we move to another distribution that is based on Ubuntu.
As I said earlier, Zorin OS has seen an impressive rise in popularity since October last year. Those who have been using or testing Zorin OS for years already know why this Linux distribution is one of the best choices for new and old users.
Zorin OS is as easy to use as any operating system available on the market.
Also: I’m a Linux power user, and this distro made me rethink what an operating system could be.
Sure, I can make this claim about many Linux distributions, but Zorin OS takes ease of use to a whole new level.
First, there is the desktop environment. Zorin OS lets you choose from four layouts. You can also purchase the Pro version for a one-time fee of $47. The Pro version gives you six additional layouts (including a MacOS-like option), so you can get the exact desktop interface you want.
Thanks to the Zorin Appearance app, you can change the desktop layout whenever you want.
Let’s see another operating system do this with such ease.
To make it more attractive, each desktop layout has been highly polished and refined. The developers have put a lot of effort into ensuring that the UI is great, no matter which layout you choose.
Zorin OS has another cool trick.
Let’s say you forgot that you’re not using Windows and you download a Windows app to install. You double-click that .exe or .msi file to launch the installer, and Zorin OS will inform you of Linux-compatible options you can install.
For example, if you had to download an installer for MS Office, Zorin OS would probably recommend you install LibreOffice.
How useful is that?
Plus: Zorin simplifies the task of installing Windows apps on Linux. This way
Like most Linux distributions, Zorin OS also includes a GUI app store that makes it incredibly easy to install applications. With the Zorin OS App Store, you get categorized app browsing, a powerful search tool, one-click installation, Flatpak and Snap integration, and a ton of apps to choose from (both open-source and proprietary).
Because Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu, you get the same hardware compatibility as Linux Mint. You also get a nice collection of preinstalled software, including:
- libre office
- firefox
- thunderbird
- reinforced tape
- VLC media player
Right from the start, Zorin OS is ready to go. And with Flatpak/Snap integration, you can easily install the proprietary apps you need, like Spotify and Slack.
In addition to those features, Zorin OS also includes:
- Zorin Connect – to create a seamless connection between Linux and Android
- painless upgrade
- Pre-installed gaming tools (like Steam and Lutris)
- excellent access tool
- Does not collect any data and does not contain AI
- built-in window snapping
Which one is for you?
I’m going to make it simple for those who may still be wondering which one to choose. It’s easy to break.
- If you want a modern, stable and privacy-respecting operating system that offers serious hardware support, ease of use and a Windows-like UI then use Linux Mint.
- If you want a modern, stable, and privacy-respecting operating system that offers serious hardware support, multiple desktop layouts to choose from, simplifies syncing with your Android phone, and supports both Flatpak and Snap applications, then try Zorin OS.
Also: How to Choose the Right Linux Desktop Distribution for You
In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Finally, if you want a more modern looking desktop environment, choose Zorin OS. If you prefer an old-school Windows-like layout, Linux Mint is your best choice.
