Zorin comes out far less often than Ubuntu, on which it is based. So the
kernel will indeed be older. Its latest still does not have Linux 3. Older
versions of Zorin would be a year older than that. Not sure which version
we are talking about.

I do not think that backports will help as it will likely cause some
compatibility problems and result in errors due to not being aligned with
Ubuntu versions. The only suggestion that I could make would be to compile
a newer kernel, but that is easier said than done for many users.

I know that Zorin is good for Windows users, but going with something to
far from the Ubuntu tree has its problems. If you cannot get it to work
then try Ubuntu or a derivative that is newer and which allows for version
compatibility.

You may get wireless working but it may take more time than if you were
trying to do it in Ubuntu. Instead search for your wireless and an older
version of Ubuntu such as natty or maverick using those search terms.