Zorin OS 17.2 Review: A Smoother, Faster, and More Personalized Desktop Experience

Zorin OS, the widespread Linux distribution designed for a user-friendly experience, has just released its latest update: 17.2. This release brings many enhancements, focusing on a smoother, faster, and more personalized desktop experience for users. From upgraded core software to enhanced customization options, let's delve into what makes Zorin OS 17.2 a compelling upgrade.

Personalize Your Desktop with Zorin Appearance

Zorin OS 17.2 boasts an upgraded Zorin Appearance app, offering even more ways to customize your desktop and make it your own. The update brings a new level of control over the visual aspects of your workspace, with the ability to customize even the most minute details:

• Cursor Themes: Zorin OS 17.2 now offers a selection of cursor themes to match your chosen aesthetic. You can change cursors directly from the "Themes" section within Zorin Appearance, providing a personalized feel to every click and hover.

• Third-Party Theme Installation Guide: For those seeking a deeper level of customization, Zorin OS 17.2 features a new Third-Party Theme Installation Guide within Zorin Appearance. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on applying custom styling to your native Libadwaita applications, allowing you to extend your personalization options beyond the standard themes.

• Intuitive Window Management: Zorin Appearance also introduces a new "Windows" section. This section provides a streamlined interface for adjusting window placement, title bar actions, and focus settings between open windows. This level of granular control gives users the power to tailor their workspace to their specific workflow and preferences.

• Traditional Look and Feel: For users who prefer a more traditional desktop experience, Zorin OS 17.2 offers an option to disable Overlay Scrollbars within the "Interface" section. This allows scrollbars to remain visible at full width instead of appearing dynamically while scrolling, giving a more familiar and intuitive user experience.

Enhanced Software and Productivity Tools

Zorin OS 17.2 comes pre-installed with the latest version of LibreOffice, the award-winning open-source office suite. This update brings:

• Improved Compatibility: LibreOffice 24.8 offers even better compatibility with Microsoft Office and 365 documents, ensuring seamless document sharing and collaboration.

• Enhanced Features: The latest update brings many powerful new features to LibreOffice, including a more intuitive "Quick Find" sidebar, a new presentation Notes pane, and additional spreadsheet functions such as XLOOKUP and XMATCH. These features provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for handling various tasks within the office suite.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

Beyond the user-facing improvements, Zorin OS 17.2 benefits from a solid foundation under the hood. While based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Zorin OS 17.2 utilizes the same Linux kernel version, 6.8, as the 24.04 LTS "Noble Numbat" release, offering:

• Updated Drivers: Zorin OS 17.2 comes with improved support for a broader range of hardware, including the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, AMD Zen 5 CPUs, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards, Logitech peripherals, and various gamepads like the Nintendo Switch Online and Google Stadia controllers. This ensures compatibility with the newest hardware and provides a seamless user experience across different devices.

• Enhanced Security: The latest security patches are pre-installed in Zorin OS 17.2, providing peace of mind that you are running the most secure version of the operating system. This ensures a safe and protected computing environment for users.

• Long-Term Support: Zorin OS 17.2 has long-term support, receiving software updates and security patches until June 2027. This guarantees stability and ensures that users can rely on their operating system for years without worrying about outdated software or security vulnerabilities.

How to Upgrade or Install

Upgrading to Zorin OS 17.2 is a breeze for existing users. Simply install the latest updates through the Software Updater if you are running Zorin OS 17. For users of Zorin OS 16, a comprehensive in-place upgrade guide is available, allowing you to preserve your files and data during the upgrade process.

The Zorin OS 17.2 installation ISO image can be downloaded directly from the project website for those looking for a fresh install. The official release announcement provides a detailed breakdown of all changes and improvements introduced in this latest version.

Conclusion:

Zorin OS 17.2 is a compelling release offering a well-rounded experience for new and seasoned users. The focus on user-friendliness, a secure foundation, and a wealth of customization options make Zorin OS 17.2 attractive for those looking for a stable and personalized desktop experience. Whether you're seeking a smooth upgrade or a fresh start, Zorin OS 17.2 is worth considering.