Discover Zorin OS 17.3: A Windows-Friendly Linux Experience

Zorin OS 17.3 marks a significant milestone for users seeking a familiar yet innovative Linux experience. The latest update offers an impressive blend of stability and modernity while specifically appealing to Windows users who may be constrained by Windows 11 compatibility. With a focus on privacy, usability, and aesthetic excellence, Zorin OS 17.3 not only refines its core components but also breaks new ground with a controversial change to its default browser.

A Fresh Take on the Desktop Experience​

Zorin OS has long been known for its Windows-like charm. The 17.3 release continues this trend by combining the reliability of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with a host of custom tweaks designed to make Linux accessible to those transitioning from Windows environments. In this version:

• The underlying system remains robust with older but trusted components such as kernel 6.8 and GNOME 43.
• The interface has been overhauled with a comprehensive GNOME makeover featuring enticing animations and interactive tours.
• New versions of core apps and innovative features aim to bridge the gap between Linux and the Windows experience.

This careful curation caters primarily to users whose hardware may not support Windows 11, thereby offering a lifeline to enthusiasts still enjoying legacy systems. For many, the familiarity of the Windows-like interface combined with the versatility and security of Linux is exactly the recipe for a worry-free computing experience.

Windows-Friendly Adaptations​

One of the standout features of Zorin OS 17.3 is its tailored approach to application installation—a challenge for many new to Linux. Windows users are accustomed to downloading executable installers directly from websites and running them with minimal fuss. Recognizing this habit, Zorin OS has introduced an intelligent system that:

• Detects if you’re attempting to run a Windows installer.
• Automatically suggests a native Linux version (when available) found in the Software Store.
• Proposes installing Windows App Support, a pre-configured version of WINE, to ease the transition for those who need to run legacy Windows programs.

This seamless mechanism not only simplifies the migration process but also reinforces Zorin’s commitment to creating a user-centric environment. By reducing the friction of adapting to Linux’s package management system, it makes the transition smoother and less intimidating for newcomers.

The Browser Debate: Brave Versus Firefox​

Perhaps the most provocative change in Zorin OS 17.3 is its switch of the default browser from Firefox to Brave. This decision has sparked a lively debate within the tech community, particularly among free and open-source advocates. Let’s break down the critical factors:

Why the Change?​

• Privacy Concerns: Community members raised alarms over recent privacy policy changes at Mozilla, prompting Zorin Group to take a proactive stance. As privacy remains a core value of Zorin OS, the company sought a browser that aligns with its principles.
• Criteria for Selection: The search was for a FOSS browser that is privacy-respecting, robust, mature, and widely recognized. This effectively narrowed down the choices, putting browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge out of contention.
• Security and Support: While alternative browsers such as LibreWolf or Ungoogled Chromium might seem appealing to purists, their development teams are often small, leading to concerns about rapid security updates and long-term support. Zorin Group needed a choice that would not only perform well today but also offer stability into the future.

The Customization Angle​

Recognizing the inherent concerns about Brave's association with cryptocurrency features, Zorin OS has taken proactive steps to tailor the browser for its user base. In this release:

• A customized version of Brave is deployed.
• Features that could distract or potentially raise privacy concerns—such as Brave Rewards, Wallet integrations, Leo AI, sponsored backgrounds, and Brave News—come disabled by default.
• This ensures that while Brave’s performance and security benefits are leveraged, users aren’t inadvertently exposed to the cryptocurrency-centric components that some critics find problematic.

Community Reactions​

The change has not gone unnoticed. Some commentators, including voices from the free and open-source community, expressed dismay. Critics have noted that despite the customizations, Brave’s underlying connections to cryptocurrency functionalities might not sit well with users who prefer a purist approach, especially when juxtaposed with Firefox’s legacy. Yet, Zorin Group remains steadfast, as their decision was not taken lightly but was driven by community feedback and a rigorous evaluation of alternatives.

Tailoring the Experience for Diverse Users​

Beyond the browser pivot, Zorin OS 17.3 continues its tradition of offering multiple editions to suit diverse needs:

• Pro Edition: Priced at around £47.99 (or $62.25), this edition includes the full suite of apps, extensive desktop layouts, and dedicated technical support. It targets advanced users and professionals transitioning away from Windows environments.
• Core and Education Editions: These free variants are based on GNOME but come with a pared-down set of applications and layouts. They offer streamlined experiences for everyday use and academic settings.
• Zorin OS Lite: For users preferring a lighter, more resource-efficient system, the Lite edition uses the Xfce desktop environment. Despite some critics often bemoaning Xfce’s outdated looks, Zorin’s version is noted for its modern aesthetics and the same level of polish found in the GNOME editions. However, users should note that since this edition is built on Xfce 4.18—and with plans to eventually phase out the Lite edition after the next major release—it may not receive the same updates as the other versions.

By offering such a range of options, Zorin OS ensures that every user—whether a diehard Windows fan or a Linux purist—finds a configuration that fits their needs. This flexibility is a clear indicator of Zorin’s understanding of its diverse user base and its commitment to continual improvement.

Privacy, Security, and the Evolution of Browser Technology​

At its core, the decision to switch default browsers reflects broader trends in the tech ecosystem surrounding privacy and security. Users today demand both robust performance and uncompromised data protection. With ongoing changes by major players like Mozilla, the ripple effects are felt across the board.

The Broader Landscape​

• Privacy First: With increasing scrutiny of data collection practices, privacy has become a cornerstone for both operating systems and applications. Zorin’s shift aligns with an industry-wide movement where user data protection is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
• Security Updates and Support: In our rapidly evolving threat landscape, security patches and rapid response to vulnerabilities matter immensely. The choice of Brave, a browser known for its proactive security stance, underscores Zorin Group’s commitment to a secure computing environment.
• User Empowerment: By disabling auxiliary features by default, Zorin OS empowers its users to make choices about what functionalities they want enabled. Advanced users can always re-enable features if they so desire, but the default settings ensure that newcomers start off with a secure baseline.

The Cryptocurrencies Conundrum​

The concerns raised about Brave’s association with cryptocurrencies are not unfounded. Many in the FOSS community worry that integrating features tied to crypto could open doors to potential privacy leaks or undue monetization efforts. However, by stripping these features out of the default settings, Zorin OS mitigates these risks while retaining Brave’s otherwise robust security and performance benefits.
The delicate balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and guarding user privacy is a challenge that modern operating systems must navigate. Zorin OS 17.3’s approach—listening to community concerns, thoroughly vetting alternatives, and customizing its offerings—demonstrates a thoughtful strategy in addressing these industry-wide issues.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Windows Users?​

For Windows enthusiasts, Zorin OS 17.3 offers a compelling alternative that marries the convenience of a familiar interface with the customization and security of Linux. Key takeaways include:

1. A Windows-like desktop environment that is both visually appealing and functionally versatile.
2. An intelligent system for handling app installations that bridges traditional Windows paradigms with modern Linux practices.
3. A carefully customized default browser that champions privacy and security without burdening users with distracting cryptocurrency features.
4. Multiple editions tailored to varying degrees of resource availability and user expertise.

These enhancements, coupled with Zorin OS’s dedication to free and open-source principles, underscore the company’s intent to create an ecosystem that respects the legacy of Windows users while pushing the boundaries of what Linux can offer.

Final Thoughts​

Zorin OS 17.3 is not just another Linux update; it represents a thoughtful convergence of user feedback, modern privacy mandates, and a forward-thinking approach to user interface design. By addressing the nuanced needs of Windows users through an intelligent installer detection system, a seamlessly adaptable desktop, and a contentious but carefully refined default browser choice, Zorin OS is setting a new standard for what an operating system can be.
The debate over Brave versus Firefox will likely continue as both browsers evolve, but Zorin’s measured move—customizing Brave to disable potentially divisive features by default—demonstrates a clear intent to prioritize user choice and security. For those stuck between a rock and a hard place due to incompatible hardware or legacy applications, Zorin OS 17.3 offers a promising, refreshed environment that feels like home yet pushes Linux innovation forward.
In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, one thing remains clear: the future is about finding the right balance between familiar usability and forward-thinking technology. Zorin OS 17.3 is a bold step in that direction, inviting Windows users to reconsider what their computing experience can be while setting a benchmark for privacy-first innovations in operating systems.

---

Source: theregister.com Zorin OS 17.3 takes Brave step of changing default browser