Artyom Zorin

Artyom Zorin: Co-Founder of Zorin OS

Artyom Zorin is an Irish software developer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Zorin OS, a popular Linux distribution designed to provide a familiar, user-friendly experience for newcomers transitioning from Windows or macOS. He is recognized for his work in making open-source software more accessible, particularly through customizable desktop environments that mimic other operating systems.

Background and Early Life

Artyom, along with his younger brother Kyrill Zorin, launched the Zorin OS project in the summer of 2008 when they were teenagers—Artyom at age 12 and Kyrill at 14. The idea stemmed from their discovery of Ubuntu 7.10, which they found faster, more customizable, and free of viruses compared to Windows and macOS. However, they noticed Linux's steep learning curve deterred general users, including their father, prompting them to create a more approachable distribution. Self-taught in programming via books, YouTube, and online resources (with no formal computer science education in school), the brothers were inspired by their father, a translator familiar with Linux, and their mother, an artist. The project began as a hobby in their family home.

After completing school, Artyom and Kyrill pursued Computer Science and Business degrees at Trinity College Dublin. Today, they work full-time on Zorin OS through Zorin Group, a company based in Dublin, Ireland, supported by community contributions, paid users of the "Ultimate" edition, and a small team of remote developers. As of recent accounts, Artyom continues to lead development efforts while emphasizing sustainable growth.

Zorin OS: History and Impact

Zorin OS, named after its creators, officially launched as version 1.0 on July 1, 2009. Built on Ubuntu, it focuses on ease of use with features like the Zorin Appearance tool, which allows one-click changes to desktop layouts (e.g., resembling Windows or macOS). The distribution follows a "release when ready" model, typically delaying a few months after Ubuntu releases for testing and enhancements. Key milestones include:

• Zorin OS 12 (November 2016): Based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, with support until April 2021; point release 12.2 followed in September 2017.
• By 2017, the project had exceeded 17 million downloads, with over 1 million for its latest version at the time, and about 60% of users migrating from Windows or macOS.

The OS prioritizes "frictionless" adoption of Linux's full capabilities, aiming to boost its desktop market share. Long-term goals include expanding to businesses, governments, and developing regions, where affordable Linux-based PCs could bridge the digital divide for billions without access to traditional computers.

Recent Activities and Interviews

In November 2024, Artyom appeared on the Destination Linux podcast, discussing the project's evolution, challenges in user adoption, and future directions. Listeners noted his humble demeanor and passion for the open-source community; he revealed using a 9-year-old PC himself, highlighting Zorin OS's efficiency on modest hardware. An older 2012 interview resurfaced in August 2025, offering insights into early plans like broader hardware compatibility and community building.

Artyom maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) as @ArtyomZorin, where he shares updates on Zorin OS. The project continues to release updates focused on security, hardware support, and new features, with commitments to long-term support (LTS) bases.

For more, check the official Zorin OS website or recent interviews like the Destination Linux episode.