Hi! I'm very new to Zorin OS and one of the main reasons for switching to this Disto specifically was its support for exe apps. After setting up the OS and installing Windows Install Application, I tried running one of my windows exes from my windows exes that I already knew aren't dangerous because I already tried them in Windows, and I was greeted with a pop-up asking if I'm sure I want to run it. I didn't mind, thinking it was a one and done pop-up that wont show up again, only to be greeted by it again and again and again every single time I wanted to open the exe! Is there any way to either disable it or make it show up only when opening a specific exe for the first time and not show up again for the specific exe?
Don't know if this is related but I also can't double click a exe file in the Files app to open it. It just won't open.
This is a Gnome annoyance. Gnome Developers defend the fact that it will not cache app data in "trusted" even while refusing to allow a setting to enable remembering as "trusted."
The general workaround is to create a .desktop file for a launcher for the .exe to bypass Gnome's nagware.
We can walk through the process. But - when you click to add a launcher, it creates the .desktop and places it for you. Have you tried this method, yet?
(I do not use Gnome, I use XFCE, so I am not quite sure how to do the GUI auto process on Gnome. Maybe a Zorin Core user will chime in.)
Ah... It seems that popup is really annoying you!
Enough to be a dealbreaker - I am not sure.
But yes, I would actually suggest you make use of LiveUSB or
to testdrive other Desktop Environments by using them on already fully configured distros.
This is an alternative to installing and trying out different D.E.'s on Zorin OS which could get chaotic.
Linux Mint offers the Cinnamon D.E. which is based on Gnome so is similar - but they add in a lot of the features Gnome has removed.
Mint offers XFCE, as well.
You can try out KDE variants that offer the Plasma D.E.
OR Trinity - based on Plasma.
Once you settle on your preference, you can use that distro or - install that D.E. on Zorin OS.
I have installed Cinnamon, Enlightenement and XFCE on Zorin OS without any issues at all.
However, not all D.E.'s are as easy... Installing Plasma on Zorin OS causes frustration, not breakage. Same is true of Mate or Budgie - and in some cases, breakage with Budgie.
I recommend you try them out and find your best fit. They are all different and that matches that people are, too.
My top picks are Cinnamon, XFCE - I do not use Plasma, but I can recommend it.
I do not like Plasma.
It does not fit Me. You might find it dreamy.
Installing XFCE on Zorin OS is Easy - but you also would end up with the base system and with Zorin OS 18 XFCE version in the works to be released reasonable soon... I am not sure if you would be better off waiting on that release to try it out...
If gungho, though:
sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop
will do the job.
You will... need to change that ugly wallpaper right away...
One thing I forgot to ask:
How will I know when Zorin OS 18 XFCE releases and how will I be able to download it? Will it be some kind of an update to the version I'm currently using? or will I need to completely reinstall Zorin OS from scratch?
Check back here or on the Zorin blog from time to time.
It is not possible to change the system from core to lite version, you need a fresh install - or you can just add the Zorin lite desktop.
For testing which desktop you like more and compare both, that's a good idea, but for permanent use a system with only one desktop makes less problems and is easier to use.