My Favorite Zorin OS Settings and Why You’ll Love Them

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.

ZDNET Key Takeaways

• Zorin OS is one of the best Linux distributions available.
• There is an endless range of possible customizations.
• These are the settings I believe are necessary.

I’m a big fan of Zorin OS. I have compared the operating system with operating systems like Linux Mint and AnduinOS and have always found that it comes out on top. In short, 10 out of 10; Would recommend.

Out of the box, Zorin OS looks and behaves great, but there are always tweaks and optimizations to make to better suit the desktop OS to your aesthetic or your workflow.

I’d like to show you the Zorin OS settings that I always tweak for every installation.

Also: 8 Most Windows-Like Linux Distros – If You’re Ready to Leave Microsoft

Note that these modifications are a matter of taste. What I like may not exactly match your needs. However, I’m sure you’ll want to use at least some of these variations.

With that being said, let’s get to it.

1. Zorin Layout

One of the best tools found in Zorin OS is the Appearance tool. With Zorin Appearance, you can change the desktop layout instantly. The free version offers four layouts, and the Pro version ($47.99) offers double that.

But the available options can also be changed. For example, you can take the default GNOME layout and easily turn it into a MacOS-like desktop. Each layout can be customized, so pick one and start making changes until you get it exactly how you want it.

If you’re like me, you’ll have to change the layout a few times.

2. Zorin Dash

Every desktop I use, has a dock at the bottom of the screen. I find docks to be incredibly efficient, and they also suit my aesthetic. Whether I’m on Linux or MacOS (sorry, Windows), there’s a Dock, and I use it extensively.

On Zorin OS, you can enable Dash, which is similar to GNOME’s Dash to Dock extension.

Also: I’ve tested a lot of Linux email clients – why I’m recommending Ariane above all the rest

With Zorin Dash, you can customize the Dock in a number of ways to make it unique and effective. The Zorin dash is also quite beautiful and can be easily given a transparent look.

To enable Zorin Dash, open the Extensions app, scroll down, and click the On/Off slider associated with the feature until it moves to the On position.

3. Online Accounts

With the Online Accounts feature, I can connect any number of my online accounts (like Google) with the desktop. With this feature, I can integrate my Google Calendar, Gmail, Contacts, and more into various apps (like Calendar and email apps) found on the desktop or in the desktop menu.

By connecting an online account, I don’t have to worry about configuring each app to connect to those services.

Also: How can I speed up my Linux system for free when RAM prices are out of control

Online accounts make this task much easier.

To access Online Accounts, open Settings and click Online Accounts in the left sidebar. You can then select the account you want to add and follow the wizard for that account.

4. Jelly Mode

I like jelly mode. Essentially, this feature moves the windows when you move them. No, Jelly Mode won’t make you more productive or a better Linux user, but it sure is fun. This effect is one of the first I enabled on Zorin OS, simply because it makes me smile.

To enable Jelly Mode, open Zorin Appearance, click Effects, and move the On/Off slider for Jelly Mode to the On position.

5. Desktop Cube

The Desktop Cube takes me back to the days of the window manager, Compiz. With the Desktop Cube, you can navigate the desktop (and its various virtual desktops) by clicking the Overview button (the ellipse visible in the panel), clicking your left mouse button, and dragging the mouse around.

Desktop Cube gives you a 3D representation of your desktop and its layout. This feature creates an amazing effect that I love to show to people who have not yet experienced the power and awe of Linux.

Also: Best Linux Distributions for Beginners: Tested and Review by Expert

To enable Desktop Cube, open Zorin Appearance, go to Effects, and move the On/Off slider to the On position.

6. Icon on desktop

I hate icons on the desktop. I know most people like them because they make access to applications, files or bookmarks easier, but I find that they instantly ruin the look of the desktop I’ve designed around my aesthetic.

To that end, I always disable icons on the desktop. With Zorin OS, that task is accomplished in Zorin Appearance > Desktop > Icons on the Desktop.

7. Zorin Tiling Shell

The more I use tiling window managers, the more I like them, as they are the most efficient way to place windows on the desktop.

Also: I’m a Linux power user, and this distro made me rethink what an operating system could be.

Zorin OS Zorin comes with Advanced Window Tiling within Appearance > Windows > Advanced Window Tiling.

Once you’ve enabled the feature, you can click and drag a window to the top and then select the position you want. Or, you can drag a window to an area to place it.

Within the settings, you can customize elements like show indicator, interval, threshold, animations, and tiling behavior.

8. Secure Shell Access

Zorin OS makes it easy to enable Secure Shell (SSH) access on the desktop. All you have to do is open Settings and go to System > Secure Shell. Once there, click the On/Off slider for Secure Shell until it moves to the On position.

One thing to keep in mind is that Secure Shell will command access to the desktop, but it uses the hostname. You need to find your desktop’s IP address to ssh into it.

Also: bash vs fish? I’ve tried both Linux shells, and using a command line makes it much easier

You can find out the IP address by opening the Terminal app and issuing the command:

ip a

And those are my favorite Zorin OS settings. Try each of these and see if one or more of them makes Zorin OS even better for you.