Watched a video that lead me to finding the Zorin OS website.
Thought why not give it a go, would love to ditch the Microsoft AI push.
But despite the Free Open Source tag the download for Zorin OS Pro is not free after all.
Really wanted to test it out - but perhaps was just another of those many fake news videos on the AdTube.
The big ticket for me is production tools for Game Design:
Software like:
Photoshop
Blender (should be doable)
3D Game tools (Unity may work)
Would need to install to test - but the price is not a carrot I am willing to bite, and then just hope it is finally a Linux version that is actually useful.
Anyone able to verify any of the above tools or alternatives are available and actually work?
The Pro version cost money, you can try core for free to test it. The difference between core and Pro is that Pro comes with a lot of software installed by default, but it's software that you can install by by yourself in core.
Photoshop can be tricky depending which version. It may run in winboat, someone else has to confirm it.
Blender comes natively for Linux, so there's no problem.
There's several gaming tools available. Godot, Unity or Unreal engine 5 which rank highest.
Just download Core. It's free and the OS itself is identical to Pro.
All depends on your motivation. If you are trying to get away from MS spyware etc to an environment where your computer is your own to do with as you choose, then the answer is pretty clear. As a side benefit you can save the cost of all the MS Office stuff (and use free alternatives) and all the security programs that really aren't needed in Linux.
There are native Linux alternatives to Photoshop, but none that can match it feature for features. My advice if you want to escape Windows (having done so myself several months ago), is that you keep a Windows box just for Photoshop. But by all means, come on over. I can tell you that I am very glad I did.
I suggest that before you make the jump, that you generate a copy of your complete specifications, hardware and software, and go to the "Installing Linux" discussion group on this forum, post them there and ask for advice prior to your installation, based on those specs. Contrary to the "it's easy!" hype of the marketing department, you and I both know that there is always more to the process than first meets the eye. There are several things you may or may not be advised to do based on your specs, to make the installation a smooth one.
And Zorin is free. Zorin Core is not some stripped down version of the operating system. Pro just added a bunch of preinstalled software that you may or may not use or want, and which is also all free and downloadable by you later if you want it. For your $50 they also offer individual tech support assistance, which is great I'm sure, but I've always relied on this forum, and general searches to answer my questions. Oh, and you get 4 more layouts for a total of 8 I think, if you're into that sort of thing. I'm not. Zorin "out of the box" provides a beautiful gui, which is already pretty intuitive to a windows user (though NOT a replacement for windows - people get their knickers in a twist over that unreal expectation, thanks again to carefully worded implications from the marketing department which are then fanned into flame by breathless reviewers.
I did pay the $50 not for so-called pro, but because I could and because I like Zorin so much that I want it to continue. "Pro" by the way is a misnomer that generates unintended expectations. What your getting for "pro" is more of a thank you gift for helping support them a bit to keep the project going strong. You know - like a public radio fund drive gift mug.
Anyway, welcome OldFlak, to the forum and to Zorin. Stick around. This is a great group and always willing to help.
You don't need to pay for the Pro Version. You can simply take the Core Version. This is free. Paying for Pro brings Support for the Project itself, some additional Desktop Layouts, additional preinstalled Software and Installation Support.
When You want to take a Look at the OS, I would recommend to use the Core Version. And because You have a specific Use Case, You can install Your needed Software by Yourself. then You have what You need.
And if You want support the Project because I like it,, You can instead of paying for the Pro Version donate Money, too.
Don't want to criticize but I found that the Pro installation support was pretty minimal. I asked for help a couple of times and waited a day or two then got back something not very specific and basically cut and paste out of the installation instructions off the website. This forum is much more useful. Again not criticizing but just saying the Pro is more about giving a donation to help the development.
This is something that has caused confusion before: Zorin OS Pro includes FOSS alternatives to the Big Company Production suites. For Example, it includes GIMP as an alternative to Photoshop; it does not include Photoshop.
Zorin OS is Free Cost and Free. Zorin OS Pro is a pay-for tier that covers development since the ZorinGroup does Zorin OS Full Time. This is their job, not their side gig.
Thanks for the feed back people - much appreciated!
I will give it a shot. Sick to death of the MS BS - like for decades now - lol.
Ditched Office 365 the moment Co-Pilot dropped and couldn't be removed, been using Libre Office for some time now. Should thank MS for giving me a reason to pull the plug on their subscription.
Photoshop is a powerful tool, and although I currently use Gimp, it does lack a lot of features found in PS. That said I could happily move over to Gimp completely, and also finally get rid of that blasted Adobe sub to boot.
I do use Unreal Engine, would be interesting to see if it works as well in a Linux distro as it does on Win 11.
I have often tested newer Linux distros, but have yet to find one that works with all my hardware, and doesn't require you to be Geek that loves tinkering with command lines (I actually want to use my PC to be creative), so I will definitely drop my specs over on the "Installing Linux" thread - thanks for the tip
Spend way too much time trying to keep all the MS BS out of my system, especially all the AI garbage - Co-Pilot my foot. MS are like a bunch of belligerent teenagers and care zilch about what their customers actually want.
So hoping this will be the distro I have long been waiting for. Don't mind spending dollars to support development, but would prefer to do that directly. The whole idea for me is: get rid of bloatware, and gain back control my system.
I use this and have native Unity installed without any problems, at all.
I would start with Lite or Core.
If you feel like you want to gain the benefits or Pro or support the development later, you can donate or choose Pro as in In-place upgrade.
You do not need to buy Pro to test things out.
Maybe Krita is something for you instead of Gimp. You can give it a try. There's also FogPanther, though it's not free, but there's a demo version in the software center.
Hey, thanks for the feedback.
So have been doing a little research while waiting for a new SSD (to use as dedicated drive for Zorin OS) to arrive.
I entered a question regarding Unity and Unreal compatibility on Linux platforms, and the results were a tad convoluted, but along the lines of they work but definitely not without issues.
It was a generic Linux question rather than for any specific Linux Distro. So should I take that as garbage, or is it accurate. Wanted to ask you because your human, and I have zero faith in anything an AI chip can spit out.
As a Current and Very Recent Windows OS user, you know well that much software works, but not without troubles on Windows OS.
As a Windows OS user of well over a decade and a half, I experienced plenty of vague crashes, errors and Illegal Operations and needs to be shut down.
It does not matter what OS you use - you likely will end up troubleshooting software that is invasive and complex as DevTools always are.
As a human being... Using these specific tools; I have not yet had any issues; none that needed fixing, troubleshooting or otherwise. I may just be lucky.
So performed a full install of Zorin OS alongside Windows - have to wait for another SSD, the AI train has made them all super expensive.
Zorin OS doesn't like the TP-Link AXE5400 Wi-Fi 6E attached to my system, but I guess that is expected as it is designed for Win 11 after all.
So will have to invest in an adapter that is Zorin OS friendly it seems, can't have cables running through the house - lol.
Wondering, is there a file manager for Zorin that uses the left panel to good advantage, or can the built-in one be configured - tis a little daft to have a whole panel down the side of the screen with mostly nothing in it. There is good reason why a list of folders were developed. Just click the folder to see what is in it or what your looking for is a lot more intuitive than opening folders in the right screen, and clicking arrows to go back a level
Have to say I seem to be spending as much time trying to get Zorin OS working as I do removing MS garbage from Windows, and haven't even gotten to software migration yet. Hopefully these few glitches will be the sum total of the headaches - lol, been around long enough to know that is expecting the impossible of course.
Maybe try Nemo. You can install it with sudo apt install nemo
One Thing to that, so You are not wondering about it: Nemo and Nautilus will treated both as ''Files''. So, You will see 2 Entries for ''Files''. You can rename them if You want.
Just done a Brave A.I. search regarding your WiFi hardware:
" The Linux driver for the TP-Link AXE5400 depends on the specific hardware revision and interface (PCIe vs. USB), as there is no single universal driver.
PCIe Versions (Archer TXE75E/TXE72E) These models typically use an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX210 chipset. The driver is iwlwifi, which is included in the Linux kernel and generally works out-of-the-box with kernel versions 5.10 and newer. Users may need to ensure the linux-firmware package is up to date. Some users report issues with the card not being detected on cold boots, which can sometimes be resolved by connecting the Bluetooth F_USB header or adjusting BIOS settings.
USB Versions Contrary to some expectations, the TP-Link AXE5400 USB adapter does not use a MediaTek chip as originally documented by some enthusiasts; it uses a Realtek chipset (likely requiring the rtw8852cu driver). This driver is not always included in the mainline kernel by default and may require manual installation via DKMS from community repositories (such as the cilynx/rtl88x2bu or similar Realtek WiFi driver repos) or a newer kernel version (6.7+) that may have improved support.
Key Considerations:
Identify Your Chipset: Run lspci for PCIe or lsusb for USB to confirm the exact device ID, as there are multiple revisions of the AXE5400 product line.
ChromeOS Flex: The Intel AX210 chipset found in PCIe versions is currently on the unsupported hardware list for ChromeOS Flex.
Driver Installation: For USB Realtek adapters, you may need to compile the driver using DKMS if your kernel version does not include native support.
To install the rtw8852cu driver via DKMS, follow these steps based on community-maintained sources:
Install Prerequisites: Ensure you have the necessary build tools and kernel headers.
Clone the Driver Repository: Use the lwfinger/rtw88 repository, which supports the rtw8852cu chipset.
git clone https://github.com/lwfinger/rtw88.git
cd rtw88
Install via DKMS: Use the dkms install command with the path to the cloned source.
sudo dkms install $PWD
Install Firmware: Build and install the required firmware.
sudo make install_fw
Configure Module Loading: Copy the configuration file to ensure the module loads correctly.
sudo cp -v rtw88.conf /etc/modprobe.d/
Reboot: Restart your system for the changes to take effect.
sudo reboot
For distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, you can also check the kelebek333/kablosuz PPA for a pre-packaged DKMS version (rtw88-dkms ), which can simplify the process. Remember to disable Secure Boot in your UEFI settings if it's enabled, as it can prevent unsigned DKMS modules from loading."
so you are essentially paying for +a couple of desktops = there is an alternative to the ArcMenu extension
then +a couple of additional wallpapers.
the software you need will already be installed and configured - although you can install and configure everything yourself.
official support, you will contact support if you have any problems.
the distro turned out to be really cool, because Linux is about freedom)
honestly, I'm planning to upgrade to Zorin Pro myself, I also came here as a new Linux user and I generally like everything
