Zorin OS 18: The Windows Alternative Promising Enhanced Performance and Extensive New Features

For Linux enthusiasts anticipating a surge of users migrating from Windows 10 due to its imminent end of support, recent data from JPR suggests that this shift may not materialize as expected. Despite this, the Zorin Group maintains optimism, officially launching the highly anticipated Zorin OS 18 for testing.

This significant release introduces a modernized visual design, an array of enhanced multitasking capabilities, and numerous features specifically crafted to facilitate a smoother transition for Windows users. The central aim of Zorin OS is to serve as a “faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting”alternative to the Windows operating system.

The latest update boasts a sleeker desktop interface, characterized by rounded elements, lighter color accents, and tinted backgrounds that enhance text readability. Notably, the task panel adopts a floating, rounded aesthetic, while the activities overview button has transformed into a responsive workspace indicator, optimizing task switching efficiency.

Visual customization has received a boost with the introduction of two new theme colors: Yellow and Brown. Additionally, the Pro edition features three fresh desktop layouts, including a compact panel, a Linux Mint-inspired menu, and a minimalist view reminiscent of elementary OS.

Zorin OS 18 also introduces an innovative window tiling manager designed to enhance multitasking. By dragging a window to the top of the screen, users are presented with a pop-up that displays predefined layouts, simplifying app organization without the need to memorize complex shortcuts.

The inclusion of a built-in Web Apps tool allows users to convert any website into a desktop application, integrating seamlessly with major browsers and featuring in the Start menu alongside native applications. This integration facilitates direct access to services such as Microsoft 365, Teams, Google Docs, and even Adobe Photoshop from the desktop environment.

For those utilizing cloud storage, Zorin OS 18 has added OneDrive integration through the Online Accounts feature. Upon signing in via Settings > Online Accounts > Microsoft 365, users can conveniently browse and manage their OneDrive files directly from the Files app sidebar.

Additional enhancements and highlights expected in this release include: