Every once in a while during the first heat of summer you run across a desktop computer operating system that just works beyond expectations on the PC you were not using because Windows 10 is a bloated, slow Microsoft product, macOS is a bloated, slow Apple-only product and all the previous Linux operating systems I tried were lacking in one way or another.
For me Zorin OS 15 is that operating system.
With just the right mix of Apple-like ornamental qualities, Microsoft Windows utility and the apprehension factor that comes when installing any new operating system, I can say that Zorin OS 15 has been a delight to install, update and use–all without issue.
I liked Zorin OS 15’s predecessor which was Zorin OS 12. But, it did not have enough Mac-like fruity goodness to keep me happy. In its defense, it was and is stable and has not slowed down over time.
So, why not stick with it you ask.
I actually have stuck with it.
It is loaded on a completely different machine than this one (which is dedicated entirely to Zorin OS 15).
The multi-boot configuration machine that has Zorin OS 12 also has Deepin 15.10, Windows 10 and Linux Lite–all of which I use regularly.
Why not Ubuntu?
I had Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Long Term Support) loaded on this i5 with 4 GB of memory. It worked well enough that in hindsight I should have left it alone. As with all things Linux, however, and if you are a tinkerer at all like me, you never leave well enough alone.
I eventually updated this micro PC to Ubuntu 18.10 and then jumped on the Ubuntu 19.04 bandwagon when it recently became available. This turned out to be bad call.
Ubuntu 19.04 witnessed me re-installing it a couple of times. It was not stable on the machine and I soon grew tired of the repeated Xorg and GNOME 3.32 problems introduced resulting in my desktop not materializing at start up.
Ubuntu long term support versions are really the ones I recommend to people first trying this operating system. Ubuntu has one of, if not the best user support community around. If you are willing, and no matter your issue, you can typically find the solution to any problem you are experiencing by searching Ubuntu support forums.
The 18.04 Irony
Zorin OS 15 is based on Ubuntu 18.0.4.2 LTS.
In a way, this means I have gone back to Ubuntu 18.04 which ran mostly fine on this machine (currently running Zorin OS 15).
Ubuntu 18.04 was not completely fine for me, though, as there were minor issues that arose and were solved with the assistance of the voluminous support articles available for perusal.
All that said about Ubuntu 18.04, Zorin OS 15 is definitely a ready for everyday use kind of operating system. It is very fast on this i5. It is very stable. The light and dark themes featuring an Apple-style dock provide all of the fruity goodness anyone could want and while I am not doing so, I am thinking Zorin OS 15, like Zorin OS 12, will run Wine and Microsoft programs like MS Word just fine.
…
One thing I get asked about frequently is my criticism of both Microsoft and Apple’s desktop computer operating systems.
While there are too many philosophical considerations regarding commercial desktop systems for me to get into here–and I do not feel there is a holy grail when it comes to Linux operating systems–my preference is to work in a world where I have choice, freedom and the ability to craft a desktop environment that enables me to get my work done efficiently and in an aesthetically-pleasing manner.
Zorin OS 15 lets me do all of that and more pain free.