14 DAY TRIAL // Zorin OS 9 RC, an Ubuntu-based operating system aimed at Windows users who are switching over to Linux, has been released and is now available for testing.
There are quite a few Linux distributions that take direct aim at the Windows users, but not all of them are as appreciated as Zorin OS. The developers have managed to release a fresh take on the old desktop paradigm used by Windows. It somewhat resembles that well-known interface, but it manages to also feel new.
This latest edition is still in the development stages and it will take a while until it is ready, but, from the looks of it, Zorin OS 9 RC is already a winner. It's now based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr), which was released a couple of months ago, meaning that it will also come with extended support.
"This is a pre-release version of the next generation of Zorin OS. We have built it to get your feedback on what we have created so far. The main focus for Zorin OS 9 has been on stability and the refinement of Zorin OS’s wide array of incredible features. Firstly, Zorin OS 9 includes a myriad of updated software and bug fixes to ensure that your computer runs better than ever."
"EFI support has also been added, making it easier to get Zorin OS on newer computers (64 bit only). In addition, we have introduced a new Blue desktop theme to the Zorin Theme Changer in complement to the Light and Dark themes," say the developers on their website.
Ubuntu 14.04 LTS is supported until 2019 and the makers of Zorin OS have pledged to do the same with this iteration.
As usual, Zorin OS 9 RC uses the Zorin Desktop Environment and the Zorin Looks Changer to make the transition of Windows towards Linux much easier. Actually, transforming the entire desktop into something akin to Windows 7 or Windows XP is done with only one click.
The developers have also added another tool called Zorin Web Browser Manager which should make it easier to install a large selection of Internet browsers in just a few easy steps.
Check the announcement for the major Zorin OS launch for more details about this Linux distribution. You can download Zorin OS 9 RC right now from Softpedia.
Remember that this is a development version and it should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended for testing purposes only.