Zorin OS vs. Linux Min – The Detailed Comparison

Zorin OS and Linux Mint are some of the most popular Linux distributions (distros) in use today. Both solutions have Ubuntu at their core and have been designed for users changing from Windows or Mac to Linux. As such, both Linux-based operating systems (OS) have similar functionality. 

Though built on the same core, each distro has been designed differently to offer a unique appearance and experience. With Linux Mint, you will get all the software versions free of charger. Most Zorin OS software editions are free, but the Ultimate edition requires you to pay a monthly subscription fee. 

Additionally, the two sisters differ in terms of design and functionality. Get to know how Zorin OS compares to the Linux Mint distro. 

D.R 

Both are community-driven distro based on Ubuntu and Debian. What are the differences between Linux Mint and Zorin OS? The main difference between Linux Mint and Zorin OS is Linux Mint is meant for beginners who are looking for the best workstation distro while Zorin OS is meant for users who need the best WINE support for using windows apps

All Linux Mint Editions are free, Zorin OS has a paid edition 

What is Zorin OS? 

This a personal computer operating system of choice for users making the transition from a Mac or Windows operating system to Linux for the very first time. In this regard, the Zorin Appearance app allows the user to alter the interface in such a way that it resembles a macOS or Windows desktop. 

For enhanced versatility, the distro may be installed alongside another operating system, such as macOS or Windows. It features support for Wine and PlayOnLinux apps that allow you to run the compatible Windows applications on the Zorin Linux-based OS. 

Zorin OS comes in multiple software editions and desktop environment choices to suit different applications. The software is offered in more than 50 languages and is supplied pre-loaded with assistive technologies. 

Pros 

  • Features a highly-customizable desktop environment, you can change the appearance to resemble a Windows or macOS desktop
  • The OS comes pre-loaded with essential applications and games to get you started, ranging from the professional photo editing apps to the full Microsoft Office-compatible office suite.
  • Features partial Windows compatibility, with WINE and PlayOnLinux to run a considerable number of Windows games and apps. 
  • The software is light and runs great on both new and older computer hardware 
  • Since the OS is Ubuntu-based, it is compatible with the various Ubuntu software repositories  offering you a wide range of free apps
  • The software has been proven to be stable and secure with several accessibility options 
  • The Zorin operating system only has minimal resource requirements.

Possible Drawbacks 

Despite being a great OS choice for beginners to Linux, Zorin OS only offers limited desktop configuration options for the free versions. With the free Zorin OS editions, you only get Windows 2000, XP, and 7 as well as the default Gnome 2 desktop styles. 

To get additional themes, such as the Mac OS X, and Unity (Ubuntu) themes, you need to pay a subscription fee. 

What is Linux Mint?  

This is another community-driven Linux distro that is suited for new Linux users. The Linux-based operating system is also based on Ubuntu, just like the Zorin OS. It incorporates an elegant and modern design into a powerful, yet easy to use operating system. 

As opposed to Zorin OS, Linux Mint is a free and open-source software solution that was primarily meant for use on desktop computers. The various editions of Linux Mint come with a myriad of games and apps pre-installed. 

With Linux Mint, you will also get a number of configuration options, regardless of the desktop environment you choose. According to most of its users, the OS is a perfect choice for users who are new to Linux, but are conversant with Windows or macOS.

Pros 

  • Mint comes with a selection of bundled applications to get you started. It comes pre-loaded with the basic apps, including Pix, VLC, Pidgin, and Hex. 
  • The Mint OS features numerous customization  options for the desktop, such as the pre-loaded selection of wallpapers within the wallpaper repository, and customization features for themes and panels
  • The software is relatively easy to install and use, it is even ready for normally daily PC applications right out of the box. 
  • All Mint versions are free and open-source 
  • The Linux Mint OS is stable and reliable. Featuring a rather conservative approach to updates and a robust Linux architecture, the software requires minimal maintenance 
  •  It is community-driven, which has resulted in remarkable improvements to the functionality and effectiveness of the software

Possible Drawbacks 

Though based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint is a bit different. As such, not many Ubuntu features and repositories will work on Linux Mint. Again, the latest Mint version is not always based on the latest Ubuntu release. Normally, Linux Mint is two to three releases behind Ubuntu.  

The Similarities and Differences Between Zorin OS and Linux Mint 

Both the Linux Mint and Zorin OS Linux distro are used on Ubuntu and their desktops could be configured to resemble a Windows or Mac environment. This makes them a preferred OS choice for users transiting from either macOS or Windows to Linux. Both system are community-driven, safe and secure for normal PC applications. 

Though similar in some ways, the two distros differ from each other in many ways. While the latest Zorin OS version is always based on the latest Ubuntu LTS release, Mint is normally a few releases behind. To help you choose the right Linux-based operating system, here are the key similarities and Differences between Linux Mint and Zorin OS: 

Software Editions and Desktop Environments 

Each of these Linux distributions comes in multiple software editions desktop environment options to suit different applications. So, how do the various Zorin OS and Linux Mint editions compare? 

Linux Mint Editions 

The Linux Mint distro is offered in three different flavors, each using a different desktop environment. This being the case, the different Mint flavors have different features and appearance—such as panels, menus, and configuration tools. 

Discussed below are the three Linux Mint editions you should consider:

Cinnamon

This is the most modern, full-featured, and innovative operating system of the three. It is also the flagship edition for Zorin OS, which makes it one of the most popular operating systems for beginners. It is offered in LMCE—the edition whose desktop environment is developed by Mint developers—and Mint Cinnamon Edition variants. 

The LMCE edition of Cinnamon features a user friendly, Windows-like experience. In essence, the Linux Mint Cinnamon is a modern fork of the Gnome 3 environment—but runs without too many 3-dimension visual effects. While it is the best-looking desktop of the three Mint editions, Cinnamon is comparatively heavy on resources (especially after you have enabled many visual effects). By default, the software ships with only a few effects enabled for optimized performance. 

In addition to the Linux Mint repositories, Cinnamon is also compatible with Ubuntu repositories and is compatible with PPA. It comes with the basic apps for home computing applications, including Firefox, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird. The Mint Cinnamon OS features Update Manager, Software Center, Software Sources, and Synaptic as the GUI package managers. 

MATE 

As compared to Cinnamon, the Linux Mint MATE desktop is faster and more stable. While Cinnamon is a continuation of GNOME 3, MATE is a continuation of GNOME 2—which was offered as the default desktop environment for Linux Mint between 2006 and 2011. The development of MATE is relatively slower and the desktop lacks some of the features found on Cinnamon. 

Even so, Linux Mint MATE Edition (LMME) requires fewer resources, and runs faster even on older hardware. With LMME, you get an experience similar to that offered by older Ubuntu within a Windows-like layout. LMME  is relatively lightweight, as compared to the flagship Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition (LMCE). 

Mate uses Caja—a fork of the GNOME file manager Nautilus—as the default file manager. It comes pre-loaded with the essential apps to get you started, but also supports Mint as well as Ubuntu repositories. 

Mint XFCE 

This is the most lightweight desktop option of the three Linux Mint editions. Just as is the case with other Mint Editions, XFCE is designed to look like a Windows desktop. In this regard, it features a Start Menu that may be launched using the Super key or from the desktop layout. 

Linux Mint XFCE is based on an Ubuntu core, hence is compatible with Ubuntu repositories. As opposed to the other two desktops, XFCE uses Thunar as the default file manager. Additionally, it comes pre-loaded with the apps you need to get started, including Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and Firefox.

What of Linux Mint Debian Edition?

The three Mint desktop editions discussed above are based on the Ubuntu core. The Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE), on the other hand is based on Debian. It is essentially a Debian-based Cinnamon Edition of the OS that features a Mint repository. The graphical user interface used on the Debian edition is similar to the one used on the flagship LMCE. 

In addition to a Cinnamon user interface, LMDE uses Nemo as the default file manager, just as is the case with the flagship Mint Cinnamon Edition. Since the Debian edition is built from a Debian source code, it does not support Ubuntu repositories. Instead  it uses Debian repositories in addition to a unique Debian-compatible repository that is maintained by Mint developers. 

The latest version of this edition is the LMDE 3, which is based on Debian 9 Stretch. Another difference is that the Linux Mint Debian Edition does not support PPAs.

Zorin OS Editions 

Similar to the Linux Mint distro, Zorin OS comes in multiple software Editions that are suited for different applications. The latest OS releases include Zorin OS 15.3 Core, Zorin OS 15.3 Ultimate, Zorin OS 15.3 Education, and Zorin OS 15.3 Lite. While a the four editions are open-source, only three of them come free of charge. 

With these releases, Zorin continues to use the Ubuntu-based Linux kernel. As for the desktop environment, the four editions use either a GNOME or XFCE interface. As opposed to Mint, Zorin OS is fully graphical, featuring a graphical installer. 

So, how do the four Zorin OS editions compare? 

Zorin OS Core  

This is the standard desktop edition that is suited for most modern computers. You will find the desktop to be customizable with Touch and Windows desktop layout options. It comes pre-loaded with the essential apps for home computing applications, including a LibreOffice that is compatible with Microsoft Office. Similar to the Mint Cinnamon Edition, the Zorin OS Core edition features a GNOME 3 interface. 

However, the Core edition is much more twerked making the GNOME 3 interface more productive. In this regard, the operating system features a Zorin Desktop, which is mainly an advanced fork of the GNOME shell with an appearance similar to that of Windows 7. The enhanced integration of GNOME in this software goes beyond the standard GNOME desktop design.

As opposed to the standard GNOME interface, the Zorin OS GNOME design has a two-column listing of application categories and content listings. As such, it does not have the full-page, alphabetical display of installed applications as is the case with GNOME 3.

Zorin OS Education

This is a Zorin OS edition that is specifically designed to facilitate teaching and learning for tutors and students. In this regard, it features a large library of educational apps and games that help bring lessons to life. The interactive educational apps make it easier for students to grasp new concepts.

Such resources have also been proven to make learning more e hanging and exciting. The distro supports an assortment of engaging, yet powerful tools that may be used to teach coding and engineering. Some of the apps and tools you will come to like, in this regard, include: 

Builder

This is a powerful programming environment (IDE) on the Zorin OS Education edition. It includes all the features and tools you need to create a myriad of compelling desktop apps. This tool may also be used to develop world-class software.

Scratch

This is a programming environment for the Education OS edition. It may be used to create interactive games, stories, and animations. According to thousands of its users, Scratch makes the teaching and learning of programming concepts much easier. 

LibreCAD

LibreCAD is a professional 2D computer aided design (CAD) application for the Education edition of the Zorin OS distro. The app is perfectly suited for creating technical drawings of mechanical parts and electronics schematics of all sorts. 

Fritzing

This application makes electronics accessible on the Education edition as a creative material for different users. With such a tool, you will have an easy time building electronics projects for experiments and prototypes on your PC. 

Veyon 

This is a built-in management console that may be used by teachers to keep the learners on-task. Through this console, the teacher can see what each of their students is doing at a glance. The console allows teachers to take control of their student’s computer, when need be—such when offering assistance or demonstrating something. 

Additionally, Veyon allows the teacher to broadcast his/her screen to the students remotely and wirelessly. 

Zorin OS Ultimate 

While the other Zorin OS editions are free, the Ultimate editing is priced at about $39. The price is justifiable as the edition presents users with the most advanced open-source software that unleashes the full potential of their hardware. As opposed to the other Zorin OS Editions, the Zorin Appearance app on the Ultimate edition is extended to include all the 6 desktop layouts. 

It presents you with a choice of macOS, Touch, Windows, Windows classic, Gnome 3, and Ubuntu layouts. The desktop ships with a huge library of pre-installed Linux apps for media editing, office work, among other applications. This makes the software ready to use from a myriad of applications—ranging from home computing and business administration to 3D modeling—right out-of-the-box. 

If you need all the additional media and business apps as well as games Zorin OS Ultimate has to offer, you should not select the ‘Minimal Installation’ option during Installation. In addition to useful apps, the software comes pre-loaded with more than 20 fun and action-packed Open Source games. The Zorin Installation Support service is also bundled with this edition to ensure that you get all the help you need. 

Zorin OS Lite 

Lite is the lightweight and faster version of the Zorin OS distro. This desktop is streamlined to run faster and more efficiently on low-spec and older computers. Similar to the Linux Mint XFCE desktop, the ZORIN OS Lite editions use the XFCE desktop environment as a default. 

The developers at Zorin OS have developed a Lite version for each of the three main desktop environments—Zorin OS Core Lite, Zorin OS Education Lite, and Zorin OS Ultimate Lite. The lite versions use a lightweight XFCE as opposed to the GNOME desktop environment. 

Application Support 

Regardless of the desktop choice, both Zorin OS and Linus Mint distributions come pre-loaded wit the basic applications. Additionally, both operating systems allow the user to add more applications from the supported repositories as well as third-party sources. 

Both the Zorin OS and Mint operating systems also support PPAs as well as a number of Windows apps and games. While this is the case, the two solutions differ in terms of pre-installed software and supported repositories, as illustrated below: 

Zorin OS App Support 

The various Zorin OS desktop editions ship with all the essential apps pre-installed. This allows the user to start working or playing games right after the installation. With Zorin, you will get relatively large number of apps with the installation software, including the Empathy messaging software, Chromium web browser, LibreOffice office apps, and the Geary e-mail client. 

You will also get such tools as a Calendar, address book, scanner utility, and the GNU Image Manipulation Program right out-of-the-box. The software is also loaded with an assortment of multimedia apps like the Rhythmbox audio player, Videos (Totem) video player, and the Cheese webcam manager. To make things easier for you, the software offers you an option to install the required media codecs during installation. 

You can also download and install additional apps and tools from the Zorin OS repositories or Ubuntu repositories through the Ubuntu Software Center. Additionally, the OS allows users to install a selection of Windows apps by installing the Wine Windows App Support. As compared to the other editions, the Zorin OS Ultimate desktop has more pre-installed apps. 

Linux Mint App Support 

Similarly, the Linux Mint distro ships with a wide range of apps pre-installed. The various Mint desktop environments come with such apps as Firefox, LibreOffice, HexChat, Thunderbird, Transmission, VLC media player, and Pidgin. If the software does not have your desire app(s) installed, there are several ways you can download and install it. 

For instance, you can download and install additional apps to your Mint OS using the package manager. Alternatively, you can do this by adding the appropriate PPA or by adding a source to your sources file—located in the etc directory. Linux Mint can also run many of the apps designed for Windows OS, including the Microsoft Office. 

You can install Windows apps onto the Mint distro using the Wine Windows compatibility layer app or with the help of virtualization software like VirtualBox, and VMware. Starting with the Linux Mint version 18.1, the OS installer offers an option to add third-party as well as proprietary software. 

Package Manager 

The leading Linux distributions, especially the ones designed for beginners, feature a Graphical User Interface (GUI) package management tool. For instance, most of the leading Debian-based distros, such as Mint, use Synaptic as the GUI package manager. 

While both operating systems are based on Ubuntu and Debian, they use different package/software management tools by default, as explained below:

Zorin OS Default Package Manager 

All Zorin OS distro versions are based on the latest Ubuntu LTS at the time of their release. As such, the software is compatible with all the packages and apps available for Ubuntu. The default GUI package manager on this OS is referred to as the Zorin Software Store

The built-in store allows users to install a vast array of trusted apps and games onto the Zorin OS distro. To access the Software Store, open the Zorin Menu on your desktop then click on Software. The distro also supports the Synaptic Package Manager—a common graphical front-end advanced package tool. 

Both solutions may be used to install, upgrade, remove, and even fix broken packages on the Zorin operating system. In addition to displaying the latest package versions, Synaptic also incorporates dependencies, and accounts for root access. 

Linux Mint Default Package Manager 

Just as is the case with Zorin OS, Linux Mint supports both Ubuntu repositories, and distro-specific repositories for installing and updating packages and apps. Mint comes with a built-in GUI package manager that is very easy to use—the Mint Software Manager, accessible from the Applications Menu. 

The Software Manager (Mint Install) may be used to install apps from the Linux Mint as well as Ubuntu software repositories, and Launchpad PPAs. Starting with Mint version 18.3, the Software manager has been able to install apps from Flatpak remotes. The package manager is also configured with Flathub by default. The package manager interface is inspired by GNOME, but is built upon GTK3

Similar to Zorin OS, Mint also supports the Synaptic package manager. If not pre-installed on your OS, you first need to install the Synaptic package manager in order to use it. It may be installed/updated using the Software Manager. 

Release Cycle 

As of now, both the Zorin OS and Linux Mint distribution updates are based on the Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) release model. However, both distro developers are not fast enough with their releases. As such, their latest versions tend to use an older Ubuntu LTS version. 

Again, the LTS release cycles by Zorin OS and Mint differ a little, as explained below:

How The Ubuntu Release Cycle Works  

Both Mint and Zorin OS distros are based on Ubuntu. Ubuntu offers both a Long Term Support (LTS), and a short-term, more up-to-date release. The latest Ubuntu LTS release is the Ubuntu 20.04.1 LTS that was released April 2020. The latest Ubuntu bleeding edge release is the Ubuntu 20.10 that was released in October 2020.

Canonical—the Ubuntu developer and provider—avails LTS releases once every two years and a short-term release after every six months in between. In older Ubuntu versions, the LTS releases were supported for three years. Starting with the Ubuntu 12.04, LTS releases get support and updates for five years. The short-term releases, on the other hand, are supported for 9 months. 

So, how do the Zorin OS and Linux Mint release cycles compare in relation to the Ubuntu LTS release model? 

Zorin OS Release Cycle 

The latest Zorin OS Release is version 15.3 that was released on September 8 2020. Although Ubuntu released the Ubuntu 20.04.1 LTS, version  15.3 of Zorin OS is based on an older Ubuntu LTS release—the 18.04 Bionic Beaver. As you can imagine, the Zorin OS development team is still small, hence requires a longer period to develop and test updates following a release of an Ubuntu LTS version. 

If the previous Zorin OS releases were anything to go by, it will take the developers about 14 months to base the distro on the Ubuntu 20.04.1 LTS release. This is relatively slow, bearing in mind that it only takes a month or so for distros like Budgie and Lubuntu to use the latest Ubuntu LTS release.

Just like the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS release, the Zorin OS 15.3 version will be supported until April 26, 2023. This support features Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE), a solution to ensure that the Ubuntu base is always update to support newer hardware options. 

Linux Mint Release Cycle 

Currently, the Linux Mint distro releases are based on Ubuntu LTS with five years of support. Unlike some of the leading distros, Mint does not release a specific release schedule. Instead, new versions of the software are published ‘when ready’. This being the case, updates may be released early—when the development and testing is ahead of schedule. 

However, this also implies that the release of updates can be delayed and released late. This is particulate the case when bugs are found in the system ahead of a release. Mint has not always based its releases on the Ubuntu LTS release model. Initially, there were two Mint releases per year. 

Starting with the Linux Mint 5, every fourth release of the distro was deemed to be a long-term support (LTS) version. With the release of Linux Mint 17, the team adopted a new release cycles. Thereafter, new releases were to use a LTS version of Ubuntu. The release of Mint 17.1in 2014, Mint 17.2 in June 2015, and Mint 17.3 in December 2015 were in accordance with this strategy. 

Why the LTS Release Cycle is Superior 

Though slower, the LTS release model allows enough time for new features to be tested and improved before they are availed. This, in turn, allows for enhanced stability and security with every LTS version release. 

Security and Privacy

Almost all Linux distributions offer better security out-of-the-box  as compared to Windows operating systems. The Linux Mint and Zorin OS distributions employ different technologies to ensure that you get utmost security and Privacy on your OS, as illustrated below: 

Linux Mint Security Features 

One of the remarkable security features on the Linux Mint distro is its ability to close networking ports. This is achieved using the built-in customized port selection on the Mint Firewall. By default, the Firewall functionality on the Linux Mint distro is disabled. For enhanced security, it advisable to turn the Firewall On following a Linux Mint installation. 

You can Enable the Firewall on Mint either through the Terminal or by installing GUFW. Starting with the version 6, Mint software now includes MintNanny—the default domain blocker. This parental control tool allows you to manually add domains that need to be blocked system-wide. 

As opposed to many other Linux distros, Linux Mint applies both update levels and options. The options on Mint include the ability to display or choose security, and kernel updates. 

Zorin OS Security and Privacy Features 

Similar to Linux Mint, the Zorin OS distro does not really need an antivirus. Just as is the case with the mint, Zorin features a built-in Uncomplicated Firewall that is disabled by default. To begin with, it is advisable to turn this Firewall On. The distro applies advanced security features for improved protection against viruses and malware. 

Each version of the distro is supported for an extended period with software updates and security patches provided. The Zorin OS 15.3 version is powered by Linux kernel version 5.4—the same kernel used by the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS release. In addition to support for more hardware, this upgrade resulted in improved performance, stability, and security. 

The provider also offers the latest security patches for all Zorin OS software out-of-the-box. In addition to all these, Zorin supports a number of apps that may be used to improve security and privacy on Zorin OS, including: 

  • uBlock Origin – this is a browser add-on that may be used on Zorin OS to block online trackers and advertisements.
  • GnuPG – this software will encrypt all you emails on your Evolution email client on the Zorin OS distro. It ensures that only the true email recipient can open the email(s). This has been proven to improve email secrecy on the distro. 
  • HTTPS Everywhere – this another browser add-on that you should consider installing for enhanced browsing security on Zorin OS. In its functioning, the add-on automatically encrypts every connection to websites. 

Linux Mint already is more than reasonably secure. Keep it updated, use common sense on the web, and switch the pre-installed firewall on; if you’re using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN. Don’t use Wine for stuff that connects to the internet or for applications that you haven’t downloaded directly from a reliable manufacturer.

Linux Community Support 

Most of the leading open-source Linux distributions, including Zorin OS and Linux Mint, feature Linux community support. Although both solutions are supported by a community of users behind the OS, Mint boasts of a much larger community. This may be attributed to the fact that Linux Mint is more popular than the Zorin OS distro.  

A larger community means that your problems will be addressed much faster and from different angles for a lasting solution. With a larger community, it is very likely that the issue you are facing has already  been discussed and resolved on the forums. 

Intended Applications 

As you have learned throughout this guide, both Zorin OS and Linux Mint were primarily developed for new Linux users. The two sisters are essentially meant for use as operating systems on a personal computer (PC). Regardless of your preferred distro edition, both Mint and Zorin are bundled with the basic apps you need to get started. 

In this regard, both solutions ship with such apps as LibreOffice, an email client, browser, and multimedia players. This makes the distros suited for home computing applications out-of-the-box. However, the two OS options differ when it comes to app support for the more demanding applications, as illustrated below: 

For Developers

Basically, all the renowned Linux distributions, including Linux Mint and Zorin OS, are suited for coding and programing applications. The two distros support almost the same repositories, with a vast array of developer tools for almost all programing languages. 

Even so, the distros fair differently when subjected to software development applications. 

Zorin OS Developer Tools 

The best Zorin OS for developers is the Zorin OS Education distro. This desktop comes preloaded with the basic educational as well as coding and engineering tools, and apps. This distro edition features support for multiple programing tools and languages. 

Zorin goes a step further to offer you tools that allow you to program software without writing any code. The desktop supports the three development fields: web, desktop, and system development. By default, the operating system supports such programing languages as She’ll Script, C,C++, Assembly, Perl, and Python. 

It supports all popular fields namely system, desktop, and web developments. It support by default the languages Assembly, C,C++, Shell Script, Python, and Perl by including the tools assembler, compilers, interpreters, and debuggers. To write codes, it includes convenient editors namely Bluefish and GNOME Builder. 

Some of the pre-installed apps for develipers on Zorin OS include: 

Builder

Builder is a powerful Integrated Development Environment with all the features you need to create compelling desktop apps. It’s designed to bring the power of the desktop platform to more developers than ever before.

Scratch

Scratch is an interactive and collaborative programming environment designed for creation of interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art. Scratch is designed to help young people (ages 8 and up) develop 21st century learning skills. (Zorin includes magic tool to create software by drag and drop without writing the code. It is Scratch)

Fritzing

Fritzing makes electronics accessible as a creative material for anyone. Quickly build electronics projects on your computer so you can prototype and experiment quicker. You can even design your own circuits and PCBs boards, which you can share online or even order to manufacture in a click

NetBeans

 is an IDE, Integrated Development (for its acronym in English) that lets you create applications not only in the Java programming language, but also in a variety of languages in which support is being created environment.

NetBeans allows us to create java projects of various types (Desktop, Web, Mobile). It also has support for other languages. These projects have a defined structure, allowing the IDE proper management. Create a new project is very simple, you can make from the menu / File New Project.

GDevelop Game Engine

It is all thanks to GDevelop Game Engine inclusion in Education Edition. (Game Development Purpose)

This tool is a codingless game making software. To give you bigger picture, it is similar to the proprietary Game Maker or 3D Game Studio which is only available on Windows since long time. This can be fun s for a class to learn an overview of computer science through game development with drag-and-drop method. It includes game examples built-in you can instantly try and makes it easy to export into Android (.apk) and also GNU/Linux executable formats other people can play. 

Linux Mint

Mint has all the tools you need to write error free, easily readable and maintainable applications in record time. Mint has all the features you need, built in:

Styling

In Mint you can style elements directly with CSS using style blocks. Inside a style block you can nest as many sub selectors and media queries as you like.

Interpolate any Mint expressions in any value using the interpolation syntax: #{…}

You can even use if and case expressions inside any block to apply styles conditionally.

Routing

In Mint routing is a language feature instead of a library.Routes can be defined in a routes block, with support for typed path parameters.

The runtime handles clicks on anchor tags and navigates in a smart way so you don’t have to.

 

Data Management

In Mint a store contains and manages some data.Stores are globally accessible and can be connected to components. When the data in a store changes the connected components are re-rendered.You can inline any JavaScript code easily by using bacticks: `…`

There are constructs for helping converting values:

  • encode converts a typed value into a JavaScript object
  • decode converts a JavaScript object into a typed value
  • Interpolating Mint code in the inlined JavaScript can be done with the interpolation syntax: #{…}

Gaming on Zorin OS:

Zorin OS is also a very good Linux distribution for gaming. You can easily install Steam from the Zorin OS software center and start playing your favorite games.

NVIDIA Drivers Works Out of the Box:

Zorin OS makes installing NVIDIA drivers really easy. Zorin OS 15 even includes an option to install it when you install Zorin OS on your computer. Even if you don’t install NVIDIA drivers when you install Zorin OS, it is really easy to install it after Zorin OS is installed using the Software & Updates app.

NVIDIA support

Linux Mint 20 will feature enhanced support for NVIDIA Optimus. The new NVIDIA prime applet shows your GPU renderer, and you should be able to select the card to switch from its menu. Doing this, Linux Mint joins the likes of other distros such as Ubuntu MATE, Pop!_OS, which already have such applets currently

Optionally, you can run on-board Intel graphics during all times to save laptop battery life and switch to the on-demand option “Run with NVIDIA GPU” when needed for particular graphics-intensive apps. The feature is now fully supported both in MATE (by mint menu) and in Cinnamon (by the Cinnamon menu applet). It’s that simple to switch!