I think that zorin os should be in debian since linux mint did and on how ubuntu 26.04 is requiring a minimum of 6gb and 2ghz cpu though unlike windows u can still use it under the minimum require ments though snap packs are getting more agressive and i hate snap packs and it will be lower usage and thats my feed back
Hi and welcome.
I totally agree. I have long argued that Zorin should move to Debian, not just because of Ubuntu, but also because of Gnome's disregard for developers and more importantly, it's user base.
I also wish they would adopt Plasma as it can offer an even closer match in terms of Windows.
I would also love it if they created a systemd-free version ... and that my friend is why my daily driver is PCLOS Debian.
100% agree Zorin should be on Debian.
What would be the strongest reason Zorin cannot be on Debian in the near future? Is it because it requires maintenance and extra work on the shoulders of the Zorin brothers?
Since 18 Lite is getting eliminated much later on, couldn't a Debian edition flavor fulfill it's place?
Inquiring minds wanna know. ![]()
That is a good question. As a base, Debian would be solid.
But... Does it offer the User End Enhancements that Ubuntu does?
The problem with Ubuntu is that there is as much of a cost, with its decisions being brazen like disabling os-prober by default, including Amazon Advertising in the app menu, forcing Snap packages, including without notifying the end user...
As Ubuntu has done a lot for GnuLinux and contributed a lot of good, they also contribute a lot of bad, create unnecessary problems and friction and create more work for derivatives, too.
I suspect that while some additional work would be needed on Debian to add certain features; it could be a lesser workload from having to add some features to Ubuntu stock while simultaneously undoing and changing the things that infringe on privacy or force Snap packages and so on.
I loved Zorin for its ease of use and simplicity, but I did not like the ubuntu base, the Gnome desktop and the "remoteness" of the developers and some of their decisions from an ethical perspective, so I looked around for something a bit less "compromised".
I was attracted to a "community" developed distro, and I liked the idea of the xfce desktop environment as an option. I tried CashyOs and really liked the experience, but didn't enjoy the constant stream of upgrades. I tried their Plasma version and really liked that too.
Then I found MX with "the solid Debian base" and xfce and Plasma editions too, and have really liked that. It has ticked all my boxes so far. Except I really appreciate the people here and especially the mods and the AMAZING and WONDERFUL work they do, so I drop back in quite regularly.
I am happy to be away from Ubuntu, and Debian has such a wonderful history I am happy to be a tiny part of it.
What if Zorin switched its foundation to MX Linux 25.1?
They are doing a good job of building on the Debian base with new hardware adaptations, etc., aren't they?
I was reading how MX 25.1 offers both systemd and sysinit in the same iso. So...choice.
KDE Plasma beautiful according to Swarf.
And no more forced use of snap.
Does 25.1?
I had understood that post 25, the Sysvinit and SystemD would be separate iso downloads.
They are put in the same .iso at MX 25.1
https://mxlinux.org/blog/mx-25-1-infinity-isos-now-available/
In MX 25.0 it were separate .iso files.
The reason for separate iso's was due to a shim problem with kernel's past 6.12...
I guess they found a fix....
i'm no expert, just a regular user; I like Zorin the way it is. It's simple, and since it's based on Ubuntu, it works perfectly fine for me. For regular users, it's almost perfect.
If you want Debian, install Debian; if you want MX, install MX Linux. Why change everything?
Like I said, I’m no expert, just a regular user, so I have no idea. That’s what Zorin is all about—it’s for users who want things to be simple, and Zorin delivers on that.
One of the most rock solid Debian based distros is developed by most of the Debian devs that left with the foundation of Devuan following the adoption of systemd.
They also enable a blind user to install it via a Brailliant device as it has speech enabled with the installer. Now at Devuan 6 and default is xfce, but you can install other DE's at point of install.
I last used Devuan (3.0) working from home until I retired, using KDE Plasma.
There is already a solid Debian release that offers a free Desktop Appearance changer, Q4OS, and a closer feel to Windows in general with Plasma and a rolling release:
and a lightweight TrinityDE (what KDE used to look like before Plasma) in both 64-bit and 32-bit:
And found out yesterday they offer businesses migration solutions because they have a larger team of devs:
" Yes, Q4OS offers commercial support specifically tailored for enterprises and businesses.
Commercial Services and Customization
The Q4OS development team provides paid professional support for organizations that require customized system modifications. This includes:
- System Customization: Tailoring the operating system to meet specific business needs.
- UI Modification: Adjusting the user interface, such as applying corporate themes, logos, and predefined software sets via the "Desktop Profiler" tool.
- Core API Programming: Assistance with core-level API programming and the development of Q4OS-specific applications.
Enterprise Features
Beyond direct support, Q4OS is designed with enterprise requirements in mind, offering:
- Long-Term Stability: The OS focuses on security, stability, and long-term deployment, making it suitable for virtualization and cloud environments.
- Low Hardware Requirements: Its lightweight nature allows it to run efficiently on older hardware or in resource-constrained virtual environments.
- Backported Security: The enterprise repository provides backported security fixes and proprietary driver support.
Developer Transparency
It is noted that the Q4OS development team remains largely anonymous, with their identities not publicly disclosed on the main website. However, they maintain an active support forum for non-commercial assistance and handle commercial agreements on an individual basis. The project is based in Prague and has historically been associated with Germany."
and
" What specific industries have successfully customized Q4OS?
While specific named industries are not widely publicized, Q4OS has been successfully customized and deployed in concrete use cases, demonstrating its enterprise suitability:
- Education: A school district successfully re-provisioned approximately 1,000 decommissioned Chromebooks and deployed them across the institution, finding Q4OS outperformed other distributions for this task.
- General Business/IT: An organization created a custom Plasma desktop image with specific settings and software, then used Q4OS's S4 Snapshot tool to deploy this image across 300 PCs , replacing Windows 10 in a rapid and painless process."
From an organisation standpoint Debian is very poor with a history of bullying with a litany of some devs taking their own lives.
Moving away from Debian I recently drew someone to Artix. It is based on Arch but uses nothing from Arch and advises against it, they have their own repos and Devs help on the forum. I got a thank you from them and now all their devices are running Artix.
In respect of Zorin, you have to remember the history. Team Zorin were young boys and had immersed themselves in Ubuntu when Ubuntu was in a relatively good place. Canonical is super arrogant, and issued a cease and desist order against "Thee Mahn" who produced Ultimate Ubuntu which became Ultimate Edition. He now only uses Arch.
A Debian consortium was set up and Ubuntu was invited to join it. They were the only ones to refuse to join.
Their other arrogance at boot time is "Ubuntu with Linux".
Debian is a bit more ... raw that Ubuntu. The Zorin's would have to set up a bit more when it is about Preinstallation. That might not be the biggest Issue but it is additional Work.
The Kernel is here a Thing, too. Debian uses the standard kernel.org LTS Kernel. Ubuntu makes it a dit different and uses these HWE (Hardware Enablement) Kernels. These are LTS Kernels in a Way but supported by Canonical and they feed it with Security Updates, Bugfixes and Backports from newer Kernel from their STS Versions. And the Kernels gets normally bigger Updates with Point Releases.
Debian stands on one LTS Kernel - currently 6.12. But You have the Possibility to install a newer Kernel through the Debian Backports. The Thing is: You have only these 2 Options. On Ubuntu, You have Mainline where You have a bit more Options when You need a Kernel. And of Course for both - Ubuntu and Debian - You have the Possibility to use external Kernels. From Liquorix for Example.
The Gnome Desktop is a Topic, too. Debian uses the Vanilla Gnome Desktop. Ubuntu uses a configured Gnome Desktop. that might not be too much difference because the Zorin Dev's offer their own Desktop with gnome Extensions. What they would have to handle is the different Desktop Version.
So, it is makeable but would mean Work. I personally would very like to see a Zorin Debian Edition. But for now I wait for the Singularity Desktop.
Debian would be a good way, stable, no snap or flatpak, I do not hope for Singularity Desktop because of Wayland only, sorry but when Wayland will be ready (in about 10 years or so :D) I could change my mind, I would prefer xfce or cinnamon...
I'd completely forgotten about that one. Yeah; that was bad. Wow.
This is exactly my situation, too. 100%.
No, Singularity Desktop will be something that I personally will try because I find it quite interesting. I never had to build a Desktop by myself. Hopefully I can handle it, hahaha! I didn't suggested it as Desktop Replacement for Zorin. Wasn't maybe the best Way to word it.
Just prompted my memory. I created this wall with its original title of 'Singularity for Zorin'!
https://www.deviantart.com/swarfendor437/art/Singularity-827753405
Does anyone have a link to this Singularity Desktop Environment for information on it?
I have no idea what you are talking about.
There is a Singularity OS, which uses Gnome. And is immutable. And Flatpak heavy.
There is a game that clutters the search... But I am not finding anything about a planned or proposed Singularity Desktop Environment...
