Does anyone use this? I've yet to find a defining feature list of why anyone should use it aside from cosmetic differences. Does it even have a defining feature set?
A better question might be why shouldn't they? I'm not being pedantic (at least not intentionally) but if their defining characteristic is that they're nothing special, just a simple Linux distro that does the basic shit easily enough and looks nice - that has major appeal to people unfamiliar with Linux looking to leave other OS's behind. The vast majority of people that use an OS really have very little idea how it works or why. They just want some basic level of understanding and control over it.
I mean, most DEs copy Windows (KDE does, Cinnamon does, etc).
Taskbar along the bottom that shows opened programs
Start button that opens a small start menu in the bottom left
Clock in the bottom right
System tray in the bottom right
Frequently have menu bars at the top of apps
Minimise, maximise, close at the top right of each app
etc
So tbh it seems harsh to criticise Zorin for copying Windows when it seems, with the exception of Gnome, that all actual up to date DEs have copied Windows. And if they went with vanilla Gnome they'd not really be offering anything different at all.
Tbh I used it few months ago and it's a pretty decent noob distro but I had some annoying graphical issues caused by snaps, which zorin use(d?) even by default so I can't recommend it because of that. It also doesn't allow much customization but that's GNOME for you.
spoiler
Also, this is just a me thing and not the distro's fault, but I couldn't stand having Zs everywhere even if it is a pure coincidence and I actually know the volunteers stand with Ukraine.
It's a good distro for those who want an easy introduction to Linux, I just think Linux Mint or Pop_OS are better, but there's many who use it and swear by it.
I use it. It's great. I've tried Linux many times over the past decade but it never stuck until Zorin. If you're coming from Windows it's a very friendly (and polished) way of being welcomed to Linux while also showing off Linux's strengths, things that are often hidden to the user unless they want to explore the terminal.
For Mac users who are Linux-curious I would recommend Ubuntu because it's much similar, whereas Zorin seems clearly designed with people who liked Windows 10 but not Windows 11.
I disagree: elementary is quite limited with really basic desktop features out of the box, limited personalization, weird interface decisions with some ugly panels, and pretty behind on updates, relying heavily on their own walled gard-
Zorin was, at least a few years ago, tailored to be easy to adapt to for people switching from Windows. This new version looks beautiful, I'm going to take it for a spin!
oh yeah. its an out of the box for folks (like myself) who like that. Lots of apps preinstalled including play on linux. So I can install and start using without adding any additional software. Its not the only oob distro but combining that with the look feel emulation is great and I have never seen an oob that sets up wine so well to use immediately. So its a bit like a combo of a gaming distro with oob and then the lookNfeel thing.
That's not exclusive to Zorin however, that's just a Gnome 42 feature (unless the base gnome implementation is the one you're referring to that needs configuring in the terminal).
It seems ok, guess I should try the free version before making judgements, realized the pro is ONLY $50 and completely optional. Sorry
at minimum Seems they charge a shitton for "bonus" software like they're a wannabe windows or some fuckin shit. Avoid this if you have any respect for yourself or open source software
Having respect for free (as in "libre") software means caring if the software can sustain its own development, and not just caring if you get it free (as in "gratis"). It's not always viable to support a project on donations and free time the way GNU is. https://xkcd.com/2347/
$2,000 for autocad? Misunderstood what the site was saying Doesn't sound like the kind of thing a linux distro should be selling. When was the last time Debian tried to get you to spend thousands of dollars on it??
They are just showing you that you don't need to spend $2000 on Autocad and other listed software, because Zorin has all these open source tools bundled in it.
Though tbh replacing Autocad or office365 with FOSS alternatives are bold claims because these alternatives just aren't viable in a commercial environment.
It's just support, for people that can afford it or want it. The bonus software is all free or foss, the rest are wallpapers or other gnome themes that can be get otherwise