If you have an old laptop lying around that struggles to run Windows smoothly, you might have considered trying a lightweight Linux-based operating system. One popular recommendation among tech enthusiasts is Zorin OS, known for its user-friendly interface and light resource usage. In this article, we’ll explore how Zorin OS performs on an older machine, what it offers, and whether it truly supports Windows applications as advertised.
Why Zorin OS?
I had an aging laptop that couldn’t handle Windows efficiently anymore. After receiving numerous recommendations through comments and discussions, I decided to try Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system that’s often praised for being lightweight and functional.
Zorin OS comes in multiple versions:
- Zorin OS Pro (Paid – around ₹2000)
- Zorin OS Core (Free)
- Zorin OS Lite (Designed for very old hardware)
I went with the Zorin OS Core, as it’s free and suited for most average machines.
Installation Process
The installation process was quite simple. I downloaded the ISO from the official website and created a bootable USB drive. If you’re unfamiliar with creating bootable drives, refer to basic tutorials on how to write an ISO file to a USB stick.
Once installed, Zorin OS booted up without any issues. The system felt clean and modern right from the start.
First Impressions
Upon booting, the Zorin OS interface resembled a polished desktop environment—very similar to Windows 11 in look and feel. Here’s a breakdown of what was available out of the box:
Accessories:
- Clock
- Files
- Google Maps
- Text Editor
- To-Do App
- Weather
Games:
- Classic games like Minesweeper and Solitaire
Graphics:
- GIMP (an open-source alternative to Photoshop)
- Image Viewer
- Photo Manager
Office:
- LibreOffice Suite (Writer, Calc, Impress, etc.)
Internet:
- Firefox Web Browser
- Remmina (likely a remote desktop client)
Sound & Video:
- Video player
- Sound recorder
- Music player
System Tools:
- Disk Utility
- Software Updater
- Settings Panel
- Startup Applications Manager
Appearance and Customization
Zorin OS offers a wide range of customization options. You can:
- Change themes and interface layout
- Adjust desktop icons and fonts
- Switch wallpapers (many beautiful options are pre-installed)
- Configure multiple displays
It allows users to replicate the feel of Windows, macOS, or pure Linux depending on personal preference.
Can You Run Windows Applications?
One of the key selling points of Zorin OS is the supposed support for running Windows applications using tools like Wine or other compatibility layers. So, I tested it.
Here’s what I did:
- Searched for the Windows app support option in the Software Center.
- Tried to install it.
- Encountered multiple errors:
- Failed updates
- Missing package lists
- No successful installation of Wine or similar tools
Even though the internet was working fine, the system failed to fetch updates or display proper installation options. I checked system utilities and plugins, but the required modules were missing or malfunctioning.
Realistic Expectations
Let me be clear: Zorin OS is not a direct substitute for Windows. While the UI is user-friendly and some Windows apps may work through emulation, the core idea of Zorin OS is to offer a lightweight and privacy-respecting OS, not to replicate the full Windows experience.
Running Windows apps in a Linux environment typically involves additional resources due to emulation. If your main concern is performance, running heavy Windows apps in Zorin may defeat that very purpose.
Final Verdict
Pros:
- Beautiful and modern interface
- Lightweight and fast on older machines
- Pre-installed essential software
- Great customization features
Cons:
- Windows app support is inconsistent
- Software Center and updates can be buggy
- Not suitable for users who heavily depend on Windows-exclusive programs
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a simple, clean, and fast OS for everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, and media consumption, Zorin OS is a great choice. However, if you’re expecting full Windows compatibility or professional software support, you may face disappointment. Use Zorin OS for what it is—a polished, resource-friendly Linux distro—not a Windows replacement.
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