Breaking up with Big Tech: how switching from Windows transformed my digital life

There is no reason to throw out your computer or laptop when your Windows version stops getting updates… Or when you are just frustrated with the Windows operating system as is. There’s always an alternative to Windows to be found that works just as good or even better. And the switch is easier than most people think, even if you’re not that tech savvy.

I’ve always been interested in alternatives for the Windows operating system (OS). Why? Well, because why should the default OS be the best one? Maybe there is something better out there. One of my requirements has always been that it must be easy to use and you should be able to do all the things you do on a daily basis on your Windows system.

Therefore I’ve occasionally played around with and tested some Linux versions (distros) through the years, but it never convinced me in ease of use. For me, in order for a Windows alternative to be successful it must be just as easy to use for a non-tech user. As a marketer, ease of use is important to me. Not for myself, as I don’t mind the occasional trip into a CMD or Terminal or Konsole system and run some command codes. Although I rather not do it on a daily basis. I must be able to recommend an alternative to Windows to any non-tech user and it must make sense to them.

Switching from Windows to Linux – the easy way

About 5 years ago, I came across ZorinOS, an operating system based on Ubuntu (Linux) but with a more familiar look & feel. Their approach is to give users a familiar lay-out so the switch from Windows to Linux is as easy as possible. Their Windows-like desktop environment, or a more Apple Mac-like look & feel, gives even the most die-hard Windows fan a sense of “hey, this is what I’m used to… I can really use this”.

My biggest worry was whether I would be able to use the same software as on Windows. But that is an easy task. Just make a list of all the software you use now and see if there is an alternative for Linux. And it’ll surprise you how much great alternatives there are. Check it out.

As I was already using LibreOffice and GIMP and did not have many proprietary or Windows-only software it made sense to make the switch to ZorinOS, the switch to Linux.

The only “challenge” was the softphone I needed for work, as that one didn’t work that well under Windows emulation (Wine), so I had to come up with an alternative. Btw Wine is a tool that lets you run some Windows apps on Linux, though not all work perfectly. If you rely on niche software, check if it has a Linux version or ask your provider for alternatives.

But for me the solution was relative simple. Just have your company’s phone provider supply you with a SIP account/number so you can use a softphone like LinPhone. Easy as. Problem solved.

A SIP account (Session Initiation Protocol account) is like a phone number for the internet. It lets you make and receive calls over the internet instead of using a traditional phone line.Think of it as a virtual phone line that works on your computer or smartphone. Instead of a physical SIM card, you get a username, password and sometimes a phone number from your provider. You can use it with apps (like LinPhone or Jitsi) to call anyone, just like Skype or WhatsApp calls but often with better sound quality and more features.

Why ZorinOS is the most logical alternative to Windows

First of all, the most important requirement for switching to ZorinOS (Linux) is that you as a user must be open to the new experience. If you’re happy with Windows, no worries, then stick to what you like. I’m not trying to convince you that switching is a must, it’s totally up to you.

Once you are ready to make the switch there are plenty of reasons to use ZorinOS as alternative for Windows.

It’ll be a familiar user experience

ZorinOS is designed to feel instantly familiar. Its desktop layout can be switched with a single click to mimic Windows or macOS, so you won’t feel lost after switching. The Zorin Appearance app lets you choose a layout that matches what you’re used to, making the transition seamless even for non-tech users or people who have never worked with Linux.

Installation is easy… Plus you can test it via dual boot

You can install ZorinOS alongside Windows, keeping all your files and apps. The installation process is straightforward and you can even try it from a USB drive before committing. This means you can test it out without risking your current set-up.

You don’t need a fancy computer set-up as low system requirements are fine

ZorinOS runs smoothly on older hardware, even computers up to 15 years old. The minimum requirements are modest (1 GHz dual-core processor, 2 GB RAM, 10 GB storage), so it’s a great way to breathe new life into an old PC or laptop.

Built-in compatibility with Windows apps

ZorinOS supports running many Windows applications (.exe files) with minimal set-up, thanks to built-in tools like Wine and Bottles. It also integrates with OneDrive and supports popular Windows apps so you won’t lose access to your favourite software.

No forced updates or performance degradation

Unlike Windows, ZorinOS doesn’t slow down over time or interrupts you with forced updates. Because it is Linux, a lot of the updates happen in the background and don’t require a restart. Keep working while your system is updating itself. You do your thing, it does its thing.

Privacy and security

ZorinOS is more secure and privacy-focused than Windows with no built-in telemetry or ads. It’s also less targeted by malware, giving you peace of mind

User-friendly for non-techies

The interface is clean, intuitive and requires no technical knowledge to use. Everything from the start menu to the taskbar is designed to be immediately recognisable, so you don’t need to learn anything new to get started

Strong community and support

ZorinOS has a vibrant community and official support options. If you ever get stuck, help is easy to find.

It’s cheap to move from Windows to ZorinOS

Unlike Windows, there’s no expensive licence fee to pay. The core version of ZorinOS is completely free and even the premium Pro version is a one-time purchase, a small price of NZ$98 or US$56 (€47.99) which is so much cheaper than the high prices Microsoft charges for Windows. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs

Modern features & productivity tools

ZorinOS includes modern features like window tiling, cloud integration and a built-in software store with thousands of apps. It’s designed to be productive right out of the box, with no bloatware

Will ZorinOS work on my old(er) system?

ZorinOS is the perfect alternative to an outdated operating system like Windows 10. Its required specs are really modest, as you can see from the info above. I’m creating this blog post on my ZorinOS desktop from 2012/2013. And it runs perfectly. Same for my 10-years old laptop.

Why purchase new hardware every X years when you can get more out of your current system by switching to a Linux-based OS like ZorinOS. It’s better for your wallet and for the planet. Re-use & recycle is so much better than buying new stuff. And once you have installed ZorinOS on your old(er) system, it’ll feel like new again. You’ll notice a big difference compared to when it was running Windows. No unnecessary programs aka bloatware, just a lean mean machine thank to your new OS.

Step-by-step guide how to switch to ZorinOS

As mentioned before, ZorinOS is the easy way to switch to Linux (Ubuntu). I only made the switch in full – both on my personal as business systems – when it was as straight-forward as using Window or MacOS. I’m a digital marketing geek, not a coding geek so I only use and recommend easy-to-use systems. See how easy it is to install ZorinOS as Windows alternative and test it.

Stage 1: Try ZorinOS without installing (risk-free)

• Download ZorinOS from the official website
• Create a “Live USB”: Use a free tool like BalenaEtcher (Mac/Windows) to put ZorinOS on a USB stick.
• Boot from the USB: Restart your computer, press a key (usually F12, F2, or ESC) to boot from the USB and select “Try ZorinOS.” You can use it without it touching your current system.

Stage 2: If you like it, it means you are ready to install ZorinOS

• Double-click the “Install ZorinOS” icon on the desktop.
• Follow the simple on-screen instructions: It’s like setting up a new phone, just pick language, keyboard and where to install it.
• Choose “Install alongside Windows” (if you want to keep Windows) or “Erase disk and install ZorinOS” (if you’re ready to fully switch).

Final tweaks: everything works out of the box

• Wi-Fi, sound and printers usually work automatically.
• Apps are easy to install: ZorinOS has an ‘App Store' (called ‘Software') where you can download apps like Firefox, Spotify or even Microsoft Office alternatives (LibreOffice).

You are now ready to start using your Windows alternative aka ZorinOS. The desktop, taskbar and start menu all work the same way. Same for files & folder, its just like Windows Explorer. Set updates to automatic, and occasionally run the updater yourself, so there’s no need to worry about viruses or outdated software.

And even if you get stuck or have a question about ZorinOS. There’s of course your favourite search engine or AI companion, but you can also post your question here. Happy to answer your questions about moving from Windows to ZorinOS.

Pro-tips to fine-tune ZorinOS further

If you prefer the easiest, most complete and worry-free experience then ZorinOS Pro is the best option for you. It comes with heaps of handy software and tools pre-installed so you’ll have everything up & running in one go, from an Office-like Suite to Graphic Photoshop-like tools. All done & dusted in one easy install session.

But if you want to tweak your experience, feel free to go for it. It’s just as easy as installing software under Windows, all from the app store. Here are some recommended tweaks:

• Not a fan of the default web browser Brave? Install Vivaldi or LibreWolf with one click.
• The audio player and music organiser tool Rhythmbox works well, but Lollypop will take your music collection to the next level.
• Play around with the options for the look & feel of the desktop to see which one you like best: macOS-like, Windows 11-like, Windows Classic-like, ChromeOS-like, Ubuntu-like, elementary OS-like, Linux Mint-like

ZorinOS will give you the feeling again that it is your computer. You decide what you want to install, not some Big Tech company putting all kinds of promoted stuff on it. Stuff you don’t even want or need. It's your computer, so you decide its look & feel.

Are you ready to break up with Big Tech?

Switching from Windows to Linux is really that simple. ZorinOS is Linux for users with no tech skills, or the ones that can’t be bothered with messing with the OS. If you can use a smartphone or a web browser, you can use ZorinOS. It’s just a different flavour of the same thing! Happy switching!