Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Debian VS Zorin OS

Compare Debian VS Zorin OS and see what are their differences

Debian logo Debian

Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Zorin OS logo Zorin OS

A powerful operating system designed to make your computer faster, more secure and easier to use. DownloadDownload Lite - Install Zorin OS - Education - .
  • Debian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-12
  • Zorin OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-18

Debian features and specs

  • Stability
    Debian is known for its rock-solid stability, making it a preferred choice for servers and critical systems that require long-term reliability.
  • Package Availability
    Debian offers a vast repository of packages, ensuring that you have access to a wide range of software and tools without needing third-party sources.
  • Security
    Debian has a strong focus on security with timely updates and a dedicated security team, providing a secure environment for users.
  • Community Support
    Debian has a large and active community, providing extensive support through forums, mailing lists, and comprehensive documentation.
  • Flexibility
    Debian is highly configurable and supports multiple architectures, allowing it to be used on various hardware platforms and for diverse use cases.
  • Free and Open Source
    Debian adheres strictly to the principles of free software, ensuring that users have freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS)
    Debian provides long-term support for its stable releases, making it a suitable option for systems that require extended maintenance.

Possible disadvantages of Debian

  • Older Software Versions
    Due to its focus on stability, Debian tends to use older, well-tested versions of software, which may lack some of the latest features and updates.
  • Complex Installation Process
    The installation process for Debian can be complex and intimidating for new users compared to more user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.
  • Slower Release Cycle
    Debian has a slower release cycle which may result in longer wait times for new features, updates, and support for newer hardware.
  • Resource-Intensive Configuration
    Setting up and configuring Debian can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for users who are not familiar with its system.
  • Less Focus on Desktop Experience
    Debian's strong focus on stability and server use means that desktop users might find it less polished and user-friendly compared to distributions specifically tailored for desktop environments.

Zorin OS features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Zorin OS offers a highly intuitive and Windows-like interface, making it an excellent choice for users transitioning from Windows.
  • Pre-installed Software
    Includes a wide variety of pre-installed software, covering most basic needs such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback.
  • Performance
    Optimized to run smoothly even on older hardware, providing a fast and responsive experience without requiring the latest technologies.
  • Customization
    Features a highly customizable environment with Zorin Appearance, allowing users to tailor the desktop to their preferences.
  • Security
    Based on Ubuntu, it benefits from a large repository of secure and stable software, along with regular updates and community support.
  • Compatibility
    Supports a wide range of software applications and hardware devices out of the box, reducing the need for additional configurations.

Possible disadvantages of Zorin OS

  • Limited Edition Features
    Some advanced features are only available in the paid editions (Pro), which may be a limitation for users wanting a completely free experience.
  • Gaming
    While it supports Steam and other gaming platforms, it may not run all the latest games as efficiently as Windows due to limited driver support.
  • Smaller Community
    Compared to larger distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Zorin OS has a smaller user community, which may result in fewer online resources and support options.
  • Limited Deep Customization
    While Zorin OS is customizable, deeply technical users may find it less flexible than other distributions that cater specifically to power users, such as Arch Linux.

Debian videos

Debian 10 "Buster" Full Review and My Thoughts

More videos:

  • Review - Debian 10 Review (GNOME)
  • Review - Debian 10 "Buster" Review! Excited for THIS

Zorin OS videos

Zorin OS 17 : Download and Install on VirtualBox Complete Guide Step by Step And Review

More videos:

  • Review - Zorin OS 15 Review - the desktop shell to beat?
  • Review - Zorin OS 15 for Windows Users

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Debian and Zorin OS)
Operating Systems
52 52%
48% 48
Linux
49 49%
51% 51
Linux Distribution
55 55%
45% 45
Distributions
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Debian and Zorin OS

Debian Reviews

10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
Currently, Debian runs the FreeBSD kernel or Linux kernel. Debian was developed by many volunteers who are managing this operating system amazingly. The significant advantage of Debian is its vast software support. Learn – Install Debian 12 Bullseye on VirtualBox
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
The Debian Project adheres to a rigorous set of principles, the Debian Social Contract. It outlines its relationship with the community and underlines its dedication to delivering a free and secure high-quality operating system. This contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines ensure that the software within Debian's repositories respects your privacy and freedom.
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Debian has a Testing branch, similar to a beta version, it is an intermediary stage between Debian's unstable and stable branches. The Testing branch is intended for users who want a balance between access to newer software and a relatively stable system. Debian Testing gets new features and fixes before the stable Debian release, allowing users who are comfortable...
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Debian is what Ubuntu is based on, making it one of the oldest Linux distributions. It was released and developed in 1993. For a long time, the abundance of software packages for Debian was unsurpassed and it is still notable. Commercial programs are easy to install. Installation, maintenance and usage are intuitive and not particularly difficult for both Windows and Mac...
Source: www.ionos.com
6 Best Free Alternatives to Windows for Advanced Users
Debian OS also offers a different variant for users to choose from and made the rolling release option available.
Source: techcult.com

Zorin OS Reviews

12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
Besides, Zorin OS also has a Pro version that costs $40, and for that price, you get more desktop layout customizations, preloaded apps such as GIMP and Blender, and the ability to share your mouse and keyboard across computers. Now, we wouldn’t recommend going all out on the Pro version, since most of the paid features can be added by using extensions. However, for what it...
Source: beebom.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu derivative that is primarily aimed at Windows users, making it easy for them to switch to Linux. For companies relying on Microsoft’s office programs, Zorin OS is worth taking into consideration.
Source: www.ionos.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and it comes with a GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop environment, but it’s highly tailored to enable Windows and macOS users to switch to Linux. It is designed to make your computer faster, more powerful and secure.
Best Linux distros of 2021 for beginners, mainstream and advanced users
The Zorin OS project began in 2008 with the sole intention of making Linux user-friendly. Its developers wanted to make Linux accessible to regular users and they did this by introducing familiarity in the user interface.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zorin OS should be more popular than Debian. It has been mentiond 151 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Debian mentions (66)

  • Coding on a Chromebook
    The terminal is actually a Debian terminal. Debian is a version (distribution) of Linux, so if you've used it or Ubuntu before, you'll be very familiar with the commands. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • Can I contribute to a redesign of the Debian website?
    Can't figure out debian.org? Then you probably won't figure out the distribution either. The website is perfectly fine, if you know how to read and think. They have mainly been focusing on making Debian stable, so it's more about reading manuals than expecting user-friendliness from it. There's loads of userfriendly-focused linux distributions out there. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Your guide to Debian iso downloads
    Https://debian.org/ has a huge DOWNLOAD button. Source: over 1 year ago
  • where all the isos are? (broken links)
    Links on the debian.org doesn't work. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Debian 12 froze. How to diagnose ?
    Https://debian.org/ download the iso, dd to a pendrive and reinstall... Source: over 1 year ago
View more

Zorin OS mentions (151)

  • Microsoft starts testing ads in the Windows 11 Start menu
    I tried several over the years, specifically looking for a good out of the box experience, GUI-first usage, and one that's stable over time, and after upgrades. Zorin OS fit the bill the most. I think the landing page is good as well. https://zorin.com/os/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Introduction
    My first Linux distro was PopOS and It was a refreshing experience. It was really easy to install, use, and game on. I distro hopped a few times to see what other linux flavors are like. These are the ones that I remember trying Zorin OS and Linux Mint. These ones looked mostly like windows and it was easy to use. At work, I gained most of my linux knowledge from docker and configuring / administrating RHEL... - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • I'm planning to go full on linux without previous experience
    Zorin and Linux Mint are two popular Linux distros that are very friendly to those coming from Windows OS. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Edge sends images you view online to Microsoft
    > and never felt Linux was a worthwhile alternative on desktop ZorinOS (https://zorin.com/os) can hopefully change your perspective. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Manjaro is a free and open source Linux operating system that emphasizes privacy
    ZorinOS[0] is fantastic! I switched from Ubuntu too and it was surprising how polished ZorinOS was. Everything was super stable and in the last 2 years, it didn't break by itself, which I can't say the same for Ubuntu sadly. Linux Mint too is cool but the outdated UI is the only deal breaker for me. [0] - https://zorin.com/os. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Debian and Zorin OS, you can also consider the following products

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Windows 10 - Windows 10 unveils new innovations & is better than ever. Shop for Windows 10 laptops, PCs, tablets, apps & more. Learn about new upcoming features.