Synaptic Package Manager can be installed via the software center. After thats installed, you can install most programs through the Synaptic Package Manager. Compiz can be installed as well, I have it on my Zorin OS 12 installation. Thing to note however, Zorin OS 12 runs on Gnome Shell 3, because of this, there is less effects you can have on the system, so there is less that you can customize, but there is still stuff you can customize with Compiz. And while I can't say this for certain, as long as the panel you speak of works on Ubuntu, it should work on Zorin OS 12 as well cause remember, Zorin is based on Ubuntu, the only real difference between OS 9 and OS 12, is that OS 12 uses Gnome Shell 3.
BTW, that panel is looking really cool with that custom background. You might be able to do that with Zorin OS 12 but I am not certain. Other then looking amazing graphically wise, the other thing that Zorin OS 12 is good at and is quickly becoming known for is its excellent performance. This OS literally flies! Not that OS9 was slow by any means, absolutely not. OS9 was a fast OS sure, but because of the excellent use of integration technology in OS 12, it utilizes memory and CPU far better, which allows for a more streamlined experience.
