Release of Zorin OS 16.2, a distribution for users accustomed to Windows or macOS

The release of the Linux distribution kit Zorin OS 16.2, based on the Ubuntu 20.04 package base, has been presented. The target audience of the distribution is novice users who are accustomed to working in Windows. To control the appearance, the distribution offers a special configurator that allows you to give the desktop a look characteristic of various versions of Windows and macOS, and a selection of programs is included that are close to the programs that Windows users are used to. The Zorin Connect app (powered by KDE Connect) is included for desktop integration with a smartphone. In addition to the Ubuntu repositories, support for installing software from the Flathub and Snap Store directories is enabled by default. The size of the bootable iso image is 2.7 GB (four builds are available - the regular one based on GNOME, "Lite" with Xfce, and their variants for educational institutions).

In the new version:

• Updated versions of packages and user applications, including the release of LibreOffice 7.4. The transition to the Linux 5.15 kernel with support for new hardware has been made. Updated graphics stack and drivers for Intel, AMD and NVIDIA chips. Added support for USB4, new wireless adapters, sound cards and manipulators (Xbox One Controller and Apple Magic Mouse).
• The Windows App Support handler has been added to the main menu to simplify installation and search for programs for the Windows platform. The application database used to identify files with Windows program installers and provide recommendations on available alternatives has been expanded (for example, when you try to launch the installers of the Epic Games Store and GOG Galaxy services, you will be prompted to install the Heroic Games Launcher built for Linux).

It includes open fonts that are metrically similar to popular proprietary fonts commonly used in Microsoft Office documents. The added selection allows you to achieve close to Microsoft Office display of documents. Suggested alternatives are Carlito (Calibri), Caladea (Cambria), Gelasio (Georgia), Selawik (Segoe UI), Comic Relief (Comic Sans), Arimo (Arial), Tinos (Times New Roman) and Cousine (Courier New).

Enhanced desktop integration with a smartphone using the Zorin Connect application (an offshoot of KDE Connect). Added support for viewing the state of charge of the laptop battery on a smartphone, the ability to send the contents of the clipboard from the phone, and expanded controls for playing multimedia files.

The Zorin OS 16.2 Education build includes the GDevelop game development app.

The implementation of the Jelly mode has been redesigned, which includes animation effects when opening, moving, and minimizing windows.

Source: opennet.ru