I don't use Linux all that often, but I wanted to use a 2012 macbook pro as a test machine. Found a decent distro that I am really liking called Zorin, its based off ubuntu, and pretty much tries to have a Windows 7 gui. So far so good, had an issue with the wifi, but just need to get the broadcom driver, and mess with the terminal. Any ways up and running and I love it :) Now I just have to fiddle with key bindings, command key doesn't register as control so a few more tweeks and I'm golden.
Any one else use Zorin? Would be glad to learn a bit more if anyone has useful tips.
I just got manjaro + bspwm running... I need a break, but maybe I will get a VM running and try it out xD. But I wont go with the ubuntu "underbody".... wasnt there a Debian one?
The fact, that ubuntu serves adds inside bis operating system isnt my thing.... I allways took the alternative when there was one besides ubuntu, its pretty power-hungry too..... So Ubuntu meh
Zorin is nice but they do seem to have some money issues when it comes to crippling their distro. The "free" version(s) will work just fine and you won't even notice that anything has been left out -- but it has. Personally, I don't like that kind of mentality / arm twisting. So I avoid Zorin particularly when it's really just another re-skinned version of Ubuntu / Debian.
Therefore, my suggestion would be to try Linux Mint (also Ubuntu compatible). I know it's number one on Distrowatch right now but there's a reason it's number one. So if you like Zorin, you may want to try Linux Mint instead which also has all the bells and whistles that Zorin has. Mint has KDE, Cinamon and even Mate flavors but I personally like Xfce version since it's the best when it comes to potentially low system specs. (32-bit is generally the best here too unless you know you will always have 4GB of RAM or more.)
And as always, if you like it please consider donating to the authors / project. But please don't feel you have to -- like Zorin may someday require.
Lubutu is even better for low spec machines -- especially for really old stuff like a 500MHz Pentium III. I love it and use it myself even on more modern PC's. But there's also XUbuntu, or Puppy to consider here too. Even Ubuntu regular might work more often than you might expect. And that's just scratching the surface. However, they don't all come with all the codecs or other "non free" bells or whistles that a complete noob would tend to expect, especially if transitioning from Windows/OSX.
So far as I've been able to tell, only Mint has about the most complete set of multimedia stuff built in by default. And since Mint has a Xfce version which is also very easy on system resources, I usually recommend it first. Zorin might be a close second. But like I said, I just can't get past Zorin's stealthy cripple-ware money thing.
Yes. I believe all Ubuntu variants do have options to install along side, independently or even on top like with Wubi or something. Personally, I run my Linuxes (Mint, Lubuntu, SuSE, whatever) either exclusively on real metal or in a VM. So I almost never go into those options.
But when it comes to codecs (libav, for example) or even something like Flash, you almost always have to install that stuff after the install. But not with Mint (Flash being about the only exception and yet there is support with another plugin/add-on the name of which I seem to forget). In other words, Mint seems to be more ready to roll out of the box than most anything else. It even feels a lot like MS Windows too.
And if you want to talk about missing proprietary wifi driver support, they all usually have to be installed post-op. Often, any missing hardware (firmware) support has to paradoxically be installed which requires an internet connection. But here too, Mint shines through better than most since at least wired Ethernet almost always works.
I actually installed and started using Zorin OS today. Like others have stated, Mint is just better. I've had driver issues with each Debian-based distro I have used, but once you get passed that, you get to see the distro's true colors. Zorin is good-looking, but the features and some of the UI stuff isn't as intuitive/feature rich as the other options out there.
Here's my issue with this statement. Just because it "has ads" doesn't mean it's bad. You can turn off by a simple switch in the settings and you also can go to fixubuntu.com
Because it supports some form of profiteering does not mean it's a bad OS. They're trying to make money so they can continue to provide a good OS. It's one of the few OS's people can load and not have to get proprietary ATI drivers to run the latest AMD driver for their GPU or experience constant crashes with Xorg.
Fedora 20 doesn't support the latest AMD drivers, Debian requires a lot of crap to start-up just to get your drivers to work properly, and Ubuntu runs triple monitors out-of-box. Yes, there are a lot more flavours out there but newbies can get a Linux experience and learn the OS without jumping through hoops and making it a 2 month project to get adjusted to things.