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.
