You can easily make Zorin OS look any feel like Windows, MacOS, or Linux – here’s how


Zorin OS

The Zorin OS desktop cube in action.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

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ZDNET key takeaways

  • Zorin OS is a flexible desktop OS.
  • You can make the desktop anything you want.
  • Pay for the Pro version for even more options.

Since the demise of Windows 10, Zorin OS has been one hot property. Within six months of its release, Zorin OS 18.1 has been downloaded over 3.3 million times. I even proclaimed Zorin OS 18.1 to be one of the best operating systems on the market. The OS is gorgeous, user-friendly, fast, and customizable to the point where you can make it look and feel however you want.

Do you prefer a Windows-like UI? Zorin OS has you covered. MacOS? Yep. Linux? Of course. Zorin OS gives you so many options to make the desktop look the way you like it. 

Also: Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I’ve tried both Windows alternatives, and here’s my winner

So, how do you customize everything? The answer starts with Zorin Appearance.

Customizing Zorin OS

Zorin Appearance is a tool that allows you to quickly switch between layouts, change themes, enable/disable animations, change the desktop switcher, enable/disable desktop icons, customize window placement and advanced tiling, switch the titlebar buttons (from right to left), set mouse button actions and window focus, set various interface options, and change the fonts.

The Layout option is what you want to focus on. In this section of the tool, you have four layouts to choose from: two different Windows-like layouts, a GNOME/panel layout, and a GNOME layout with a top bar. 

Zorin OS

You get four default layouts with the free version of Zorin OS.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

If you opt to pay for the Pro version ($47.99), you get four more layouts, including those that resemble MacOS, Windows 11, Ubuntu, and KDE Plasma.

Even if you don’t opt to pay for the Pro version, you can further customize the desktop. For example, if you go with a layout that offers only a top bar, you can customize it from within an extension (more on that option in a bit). 

Also: 5 ways I make Zorin OS faster and better than it already is

In other words, each layout can be tweaked to look and feel exactly how you want. I’ve spent probably more time than I should getting the Zorin OS desktop to look exactly how I want it. But then again, I’ve been customizing Linux desktops for decades, so this tweaking is nothing new.

It took me no time to transform one of the Windows-like layouts into something more to my liking, including changing the panel’s corner radius, length, and opacity.

Zorin OS

I’ve always preferred hover focus and auto-raise.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Finally, in the Zorin Appearance app, I enabled Jelly Mode, Spatial Windows Switcher, Focus on Hover, and Raise Windows When Focused. Try those options; I think you’ll like them.

Extensions

Beyond the Appearance app, there’s the Extensions app, where you can add GNOME extensions to customize the desktop. For instance, I added/enabled the following extensions:

  • Custom Hot Corners – Extended: Defines hot-corner actions for each corner of the desktop.
  • Zorin Taskbar: Gives you more customization options for the taskbar.
  • Zorin Tiling Shell: Adds tiling options for the window manager.
  • Zorin Window Move Effect: Allows you to customize various aspects of window movements. This can be really cool in combination with Jelly Mode.
  • Zorin Desktop Cube: Brings back the old-school desktop cube effect when switching workspaces.
Zorin OS

The Extensions Manager is another way to customize your desktop.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

With the above changes, I had a Zorin OS desktop that was unique and exciting.

Make it yours

The great thing about Zorin OS is that you can really make it yours, such that your version is nothing like any other Zorin OS desktop. Depending on how much fun you have, you can spend a couple of minutes or a couple of hours tweaking the desktop. In the end, there’s a good chance you’ll be more than happy with the results. If not, undo what you did and start over.

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

Don’t forget: if you opt for the Pro version, you’ll have even more options to tinker with.





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A toolkit can go a long way toward helping you stock up on essentials. All of the major tool brands offer different kinds, including the longstanding power and hand tool favorite, Craftsman. Its products can be found in many online stores, and Amazon is currently holding a major sale. At the time of publication, a 262-piece Craftsman hand tool set is on a massive markdown of 40% off, saving you $100 at checkout.

The collection currently costs $149, which is still a lot of money, but is a big budgetary improvement over the $249 regular price. With the discount, you’re getting more for your dollar, and this kit includes 118 sockets, three ratchets to use them on, 24 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 specialty bits, and seven extra accessories. The set comes in a three-drawer, handled toolbox that’s part of the Craftsman VersaStack modular storage system. You’re also getting a full lifetime warranty.

While the price and quantity of tools may seem right, what is there to say about the quality of this Craftsman kit? According to most customers, it’s a worthwhile buy for any DIYer, even without a huge sale to sweeten the deal.

How online buyers feel about this Craftsman tool kit

On Amazon, the response to this specific Craftsman tool kit has been resoundingly positive. There are currently close to 300 reviews discussing this specific variant and over 10,000 for the overall product, and the vast majority gave it five stars. Most found the quality of the tools and sockets more than up to par, the VersaStack toolbox sturdy and great for organization and protection, and the price adequate. Still, it’s often said this is more of a beginner or around-the-house kind of kit, so if you want it for professional use, it’s not considered the strongest option on the market.

Elsewhere online, this kit has continued to garner largely positive press. On the Craftsman website itself, almost all of the 18 reviews gave it five stars. Some applauded the functionality of the VersaStack case and its ability to connect to other boxes in the line, while others praised the versatility of the tools within. Meanwhile, most of the 289 reviews on Lowe’s website are five-star and approve of the kit’s piece selection and durability.

There are a lot of great mechanic tool sets for anyone’s budget, and there could be a case to make that this Craftsman 262-piece set belongs alongside them. At its sale price or otherwise, it’s a hit across several retailers. Whether it’s the right set for you and your hand tool-related needs, though, is a question only you can answer. 





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