Applications spanning across monitors

Hardware Support
1

Hi all,

I've run into a "design choice" limitation of Pop!_OS COSMIC that I'm running on a Dell desktop with two monitors. The video card is an AMD if that makes any difference.

One of the more useful tools is being able to open a spreadsheet (or a circuit diagram, etc, etc, etc) and spread the display across two monitors for more effective work experience.

I do this routinely on my Windows 10 machine, so I tried it out on the Pop!_OS COSMIC box.

Applications will not display across both displays. I posted a bug report and was told that it was a design choice because of the way they manage workspaces.

So, does Zorin allow this type of usage?

Thanks!

Chris

2

I am running Zorin OS Lite, however in testing Core, I have repeated this action and I have no trouble widening an open window across two monitors.

3

Thank you.

I might give Zorin another try.

The fact that a design choice was made prohibiting this befuddles me.

chris

1 Like
4

I am not sure on this one. Cosmic is written with Rust - so there may be an underlying reason.
"Design choice" sounds a lot like an exit door.

5

Dunno.

Could well be. I like Cosmic a lot, but there are a few "features" that are not exactly my cup of tea. I realize it's brand new, but conversations seems to indicate that the feature set is complete. The files application is still a bit weak, but honestly the same could be said for Zorin when I tested it about a year ago.

I am going to try Zorin out on a USB drive and see how it works out.

Appreciate the feedback.

6

When Using Zorin OS, I do tweak it a lot. I use Nemo File manager insteadof Nautilus.

So if you get a good base, I recommend Modify what is modular as best you can. Though Gnome is integrating more and more to be less modular...

7

Cosmic is still in Beta. So, it could change.

8

So,

I spun up a version running on a USB SSD.

Sorry, just can't wrap my head around it.

I realize that Zorin needs to create revenue, but to hide virtually all the customization behind a paywall is just too much for me.

The 4 "options" are ugly, uglier, ugliest, and OMG.

Sorry.

No, I'm not interested in changing it via CSS, or whatever.

Just wish they hadn't worked quite so hard to make it virtually uncustomizable.

I'll come back to it from time to time.

The lure of being able to spread an application across two monitors is strong.

Is it enough to overlook the other shortcomings?

Dunno

Thanks all.

9

It is not ''hide behind a Paywall''. You can set up the Layouts by Yourown with Gnome Extensions, too. The additional Layouts only take this Step up from You. It is more a Comfort Thing.

What specific Layout do You want?

10

I... really think there is most likely a misunderstanding or miscommunication, here.

I am one of the more vocal critics about how the Gnome Developers have removed customization options and features from the Gnome Desktop.
And the ZorinGroup opts to continue using Gnome, to the exclusion of all else.

For many users, especially those coming straight from Windows OS, they try out a few things and they accept what they see. I think you do not just accept what you see.
Given your posts, it sounds like you have tried several different desktop environments and with this experience, quickly spotted some of the shortcomings in Gnome.

That being said... The ZorinGroup has not locked configuration behind any paywall. You would probably have the same feelings had you tested a USB of Zorin OS Pro.
In fact, the ZorinGroup uses extensions and addititional software to restore a lot of the functionality Gnome removed and put those controls back in the desktop users hands (On all versions, equally, Core or Pro).

I also feel stifled by what Gnome has done to the Desktop. I can honestly say that I see the appeal for Windows users: Being on Gnome feels exactly like being under Microsoft's thumb.

I stopped using Zorin Gnome D.E. years ago and had switched to Zorin OS Lite. This does not use Gnome, but instead a full featured desktop that includes configurability.
You might also prefer Plasma D.E.