Frustated with Zorin OS 17 ! It lags a lot! Freezes and Makes my laptop not usable!

General Help
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I am using Zorin OS from past 2 years and the experience is *

very frustrating!!

  • The reason I came to Zorin OS is that other Linux distribution or OS either crashes or lags or freezes or does not have good / pleasable UI/UX and is just a bad experience! After doing distro hopping for past 7 yeas, I got stable with ZORIN OS and willing to pay for it, but the horrible experience it gave me in the most critical time of usage is UnImagiable!!

Example -
My Zorin 17 is completely ready for production deployment, and I was having meeting with US team sharing my screen to show my code and Functional testing I did and sideways preparing my CI/CD pipeline to deploy it to AWS then suddenly my Zorin OS freezes and I could not do anything!!

As a result the company faces severe losses because of Zorin OS and terminated me!! Also scolded me "why did u used Linux??"

Similar situation also happened in which I was just using chrome(5 tabs) + firefox (1 tab) + music player and suddenly Zorin OS 17 starts lagging so much that I have to delete it and get back to deplorable Windows 10!!

I am sorry for such language

Moderator Note: Don't worry, I have removed it.

but I have tolerated a lot with this Linux and window game!! Every time I get troubled by Linux and I have to go back to windows but my love and real requirement for Linux never leaves, so I have to come back but as I said, It bites me like snake and Windows also deletes bootloader many times!!

This endless game is going from past 8 years, and I am too frustrated!!

I feel like to quit computers and shift to Pacific Ocean and live with whales and dolphins to live a peaceful life!!

I am an Indian from Kolkata facing this issues from a very long times!

Coming to my laptop-

it's Lenovo v15 g2 AMD ALC ryzen 3 5300u 16gb ram on which I am using Zorin OS 17.1 core.

Also, the battery drains insanely fast!! The average time is 10 hours for my laptop, but it gives only 3 hours in any Linux, specially Ubuntu and Zorin OS!

Moreover, Extreme overheating!!! It goes to 100 degree Celsius, and I am unable to touch the keyboard in IDLE!!

I brought this laptop 1.5 years ago.

I also want to hilight that Linux is untouched market in India so Zorin OS still has great change to create giant business out of India!!

See how china started with phones in India now KIA and other brands are capturing car market in India!!

Zorin has already polished UI and we Indians love it!!!

So, Dear Zorin OS, if you really want to stay in business then please come to india!!

Start with Targeting Corporates! Not directly Reliance Industries or TATA but with Small startups which get funding and are listed on websites like anglist(wellfond).

Once you get business there then start targeting mid-size companies! Then go with gains like Ambani or TATA.

And sell OS subscription in SaaS models ! U will have enough money to invest with brands like Lenovo and Dell and HP so that individuals like me can use Linux preloaded! It might take 5 to 10 years, but India won't disappoint!

But remember, Indians love free things so cheap price like $50 or less is suitable so try to sell with OS price included with laptop mainly $120 to $200 laptop which Indians will love to use as you are targeting huge masses!

This is how china captured india market and now ruling! Use the same strategy and kick out windows from india!

I will be happy to sell and give technical support!

I use Zorin OS for Software Development, Manual Testing, Data Analytics, Server Administration and Photoshop.

And please help me with the issues I said! I am willing to use Zorin despite so many issues, but as I said how it troubled me!

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Out of curiosity, does this occur whether you use Wayland or Zorin on xorg?

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on a kinder note
i took the liberty of copying your rant into AI ,although it's being frowned upon here
anyway , here's it suggestions
God speed to you brother

It sounds like you’ve had a really tough time balancing your needs and frustrations with Zorin OS and Linux in general. It’s understandable to feel frustrated when you’re facing stability and performance issues that impact your work and productivity.

Let's break down some of the issues you're facing and see if we can address them:

1. System Freezing and Lagging

Possible Causes and Solutions:

  • Driver Issues: Make sure your system drivers, especially for graphics and chipset, are up-to-date. Sometimes Linux distributions might not fully support newer hardware out of the box.
  • Kernel Issues: The kernel version in Zorin OS 17 might not be the most stable for your hardware. You might want to try a different kernel version.
  • Resource Usage: Monitor your system’s resource usage (CPU, RAM) with tools like htop or System Monitor to see if any process is consuming excessive resources.

2. Battery Drain

Possible Solutions:

  • Power Management: Check if power management tools like TLP or Powertop are installed and configured correctly. These tools help optimize battery life.
  • Settings: Look into your power settings and adjust them to optimize battery life. Ensure that features like screen brightness, sleep modes, and other power settings are appropriately configured.

3. Overheating

Possible Solutions:

  • Thermal Management: Install lm-sensors to monitor temperatures and fancontrol to manage fan speeds if your laptop supports it.
  • Cooling: Make sure your laptop vents are clean and not obstructed. Consider using a cooling pad to help with airflow.

4. Performance Issues with Multiple Applications

Possible Solutions:

  • Lightweight Alternatives: Consider using more lightweight applications if you’re running into performance issues. For example, using a lightweight music player and browser might help.
  • Swap Space: Ensure you have enough swap space configured. Sometimes performance issues are related to insufficient swap space.

5. General Recommendations

  • Hardware Compatibility: Sometimes, issues arise from hardware not being fully supported. Checking forums or community pages for your laptop model might reveal some specific tweaks or configurations.
  • Community and Support: Engage with the Zorin OS community or forums. Sometimes specific issues with hardware or software can be addressed by the community or through updates.

Regarding Your Feedback to Zorin OS:

Your suggestions about targeting the Indian market and improving support are insightful. Companies do benefit from addressing specific regional needs and focusing on corporate partnerships to expand their user base. Given your experience and insights, you might want to consider reaching out to Zorin OS directly with your detailed feedback and suggestions.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that you have a strong preference for Linux and want to make it work despite the challenges. If you’re open to experimenting, you might also want to try other Linux distributions that are known for their stability and performance, such as Fedora or Manjaro, which might offer better support for your hardware.

PS : i suspect none of AI's "solutions" would help
except maybe try Fedora ?
i have noticed through threads here that higher spec PCs sometimes have have issues ?

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You're absolutely 100% correct that you will. I had to utterly delete a long series of posts you made in quick succession of each other in this thread that were so far out of bounds and the forum guidelines, it made the akismet bot spin its head around three times.

If you say that your posts are likely to cause a headache - then that shows you know better than to post them.

@14nd, posting in that manner can (and will if it persists) result in forum suspension.

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In addition to @14nd's suggestion above, I had a similar seemingly impossible issue with overheating on my desktop. I tried software fixes and hardware fixes (Increased cooling fans, new thermal paste, etc.) when I chanced to talk to someone else that pointed out that PC independent sellers will often overclock computers that they sell hoping to gain reputation for selling powerful computers.
I looked into mine and... It was indeed overvolted and overclocked. No wonder I was hitting temps of 95 degrees centigrade under a load.
I reduced the clock to a more sedate 3.8gigahertz and undervolted the CPU by a mere -120 and... even under heavy load, the highest the CPU hits is about 53 degrees Centigrade.

Moderator Note:

Two members needed a lot of post cleanup in one thread which only had the O.P. and two member replies. That must be a new record: But not one worth mentioning.
The Forum Guidelines are here:
https://forum.zorin.com/guidelines

Please Read Them.

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@frustated-zorin , I think anyone would understand your frustration, what has happened, especially being fired and the company losing business is really bad; that can't be overstated, but this is a community forum, a group of volunteers who do their very best to help, and the moderators have been very understanding of your situation.

So, the past can't be changed we can only move forward, and one thing you have to do is take the advice given to you about how to manage your device. Answer the question about Wayland or Xorg, because this could be fundamental in the issues you have experienced, and you may be able to solve them with help and advice. Provide all the relevant information using something like 'neofetch'.

Also, your problem with overheating has been experienced and solved by @Aravisian , who always goes out of his way to offer help, advice and technical support to everyone.

I feel very sad for you in this situation, and it is now time for reflection: had you reached out about your problems during the last two years many of your issues could have been solved. However, now it is time to move forward, address and solve the problems and get your OS working properly.

You quite eloquently state how things have gone wrong, and also have some interesting suggestions for the Zorin team of developers. With a cool head I'm sure you can write a post in the Feedback section of this forum, and put your suggestions forward in the place where they can be seen.

As I said before, while it is understandable that you feel anger and frustration due to your situation, keeping a calm head, reflecting honestly about why you are in this situation at this time will help you move forward in a positive way. Taking your frustration out on volunteers who have no blame or fault is not the way to gain respect, but you've still received kindness and advice to help you.

If you have Zorin Pro, reach out to the developers with clarity and respect.

I wish you the very best of luck for the future, and hope that you can help to bring about some of your suggestions for Zorin in India. :peace_symbol:

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You should have seen the ruckus I raised when I switched from Windows OS to Zorin OS. It was not very long ago... and I had never used any GnuLinux before. It was a definite lesson in frustration and a lesson in patience in dealing with my complaining.

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Yeah, we all have experiences that - in the end - teach us the patience we need!

I just hope he comes back and embraces the support that is waiting for him.

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Many times I remember I also blamed a ZorinOS but this was not fault a ZorinOS operating system but issue with hardware from producent.

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Hi @Aravisian @0Picass0 and all other Users, I am pretty shocked to get such fast replied within these few days as I was expecting replies after 2 or 3 months and I apologize for using such abusive language! If you were in my position then you will break the laptop in 1000 pieces and destroy as much as things u can because What I faced and still facing it non-stop pain which has maybe no solution and never ends!!

Right now, I switch to Kali Linux XFCE in a hope to get usable performance and learn hacking too, but this disappointed me more than any other Linux! Lots of drivers missing and unable to find any way to install them. I also installed GNOME and KDE Plasma DE, but they freeze the laptop just by opening 1 single app (ex- notes).

I am seriously shocked that how can Linux perform this bad! Even Linux in my 6 years old laptop HP 15 db0186au doesn't lag this much!

I understand I am representing India here and Indians too, but we Indians have very serious patience limit. Tolerating this performance issues more than 8 years in way to long!

This is the 1st time I am posting in any forum. Before that, I search the issues from Google and pasted the solutions I got which solved my problems, but this performance issues are persistent!

Answer to @swarfendor437 - I used wayland and hate xorg!

Again I am convinced to use Zorin because of its sexy and heart sealing UI, but last experience gives me nightmares and panic attacks!

More over, I said what I am facing on a serious note, so please don't take it as a personal attack!

Zorin OS really needs to solve this serious issues if they want to stay else they way I left, Users facing the same issues will leave for sure!

And I stringly suggest Zorin OS to trade in India, they may fail initially but once they succeed like OnePlus or Redmi Phones, nobody can beat Zorin OS!

And help required, I can do!

Also, I tried everything mentioned, nothing works!

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I've said this many times on the forum, if you have the resources, buy a dedicated GNU/Linux powered machine. Most hardware was built for that other OS, so you will always have issues.

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I reading your a laptop is very don't like a linux distributions any version. Your hardware in real words don't liked a linux. The same like apple working on some components hardware not all. Yes I know they are diffrents about linux and unix are not the same. Then like I sayed before don't blame a linux distribution. It is just your laptop not support that operating system that why you get that problems.

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Hi @swarfendor437 @Bourne In India u won't find Linux Laptops. India is such a place where privacy is a might! Companies from the US and other country only care "how to drain privacy of Indians and how to sell it".

If u ask, why no action from the government? Because of Corruption and many more things!

So, be it System 76 or any other company, they are not in india!

And importing is not possible because 100% tax on MRP so double the price!

And I am on budget means max 300$ to 500$, so I need such a laptop which does my job. Only for Video editing, I use windows and adobe apps.

So, Please help me out so that I can trust Zorin OS and install it and don't get cheated / face any such problems!

Every time I do very serious work, this happpens on Zorin!

@Aravisian Please help

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Yeah. That is very true. I know when I buying here a clothes example. Production in Indonesia because is very cheapest. Then go to Poland to gived the rules EU. Then it comes to my country with 3 times bigger price.
The same doing China production in India. Selling to Europe with double price.
India is very corrupted a country.

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I cannot help but think that this statement is made based on assumptions from experiences. This is, of course, perfectly valid. In fact, @swarfendor437 may remember when I did the same thing and declared how much I disliked XFCE and compared it to a virus.

In Depth Learning overcame a lot of these assumptions. The first step I needed to do was let go of fear and self doubt and develop a willingness to Learn The System. Realizing that you are capable is important. The next step is patience. A person must initially accept that time is needed to learn. There is no instant gratification.

My only response at this point is to suggest that if instabilities, freezing and lag trouble you the most - avoid experimental features like Wayland (Which is unready for full public use).
I would recommend avoiding the latest Gnome. Why not try your experiences with a solid and stable LTS distro based on an older version of Gnome or based on XFCE? For the subject matter of this forum: Zorin OS Lite.

I understand you may have personal preferences for workflow and U.I.
However, baby steps. By using a stable system that won't be so likely to crash and freeze, you can better learn the system in order to maintain control and your position of power over the machine.
Be mindful of trying to install extensive software or especially, always rushing to get the very latest software.
And if you need some software and you want to check if it is stable or what problems it may give - use this forum to the full advantage by starting a thread on that specific issue to gather suggestions and solutions.

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@Bourne Yeah Corruption is there in india routed to it's roots but Modi tried it's level best to remove it but failed!

  • Indian doesn't stands like EU in terms of its citizen privacy, so foreign company take a huge advantage of it!

@Aravisian

Thanks a lot! Sure I will try XFCE, but the fear is still there!! I see i need to buy 1tb external SSD for regular backups. Hopefully that will save me!

Tell me how can I do 3 finger swipe to change workspace in XFCE??

That's my favorite feature on Linux! I use that feature instead of ALT+TAB and it's feels like god!!

Please help!

It's too difficult to change workspace using gestures in XFCE!

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@frustated-zorin, this is what I'd suggest, too, if you look at Processes you might see some processes that are always consuming or using the CPU so much or at the max capacity that nothing else on your computer will work. I suggest right-clicking a column title and only let CPU, and optionally Memory and Virtual Memory. Then open the notes as you said that already blocked your computer once and see if a column suddenly soars. Of course order CPU column from highest to lowest value :grin:.

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Moderator note:
Please remember that unbiased and balanced discussions are welcome. Partisan politics are neither unbiased nor balanced. Everyone has freedom here, and that means all members enjoy the same freedoms, not those of one side or another.
I edited a post above to remove one-sided partisan political commentary. Please keep the forum clean and on topic of GnuLinux.

While some desktops come with this or similar, on the XFCE environment, it must be installed and configured.
You can see what you need here:

First, you must install some dependencies (I always recommend installing xdotool and wmctrl anyway):

sudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgrade

sudo apt install git libinput-tools xdotool wmctrl

Now, you can easily and safely install the software from the link above. First, use git to grab the software package, then cd (Change Directory) into it to run the installer:

git clone https://github.com/bulletmark/libinput-gestures.git

cd libinput-gestures

sudo make install

With that installed, now you will want to add your configuration for Three Finger Swipe. You can do this with GUI Text Editor, or you can do it swiftly in terminal:

mkdir -p ~/.config

nano ~/.config/libinput-gestures.conf

Add these lines:

#3 finger swipe left next workspace
gesture swipe left 3 xdotool key Ctrl+Alt+Right

#3 fingers swipe right previous workspace
gesture swipe right 3 xdotool key Ctrl+Alt+Left

Tap ctl+o to overwrite, then tap enter to save current configuration; tap ctl+x to exit the editor.
Assign your user permissions so that the software can access input devices:

sudo gpasswd -a $USER input

Add it to autostart with

libinput-gestures-setup autostart

You will need to reboot for this to take effect.

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Thank you so much! I am sorry that I am not coming back to Zorin OS Until I can buy a new ssd/laptop because I need a Linux OS to work. And Upon extensive testing, Ubuntu is working fins (obviously i cannot customize else any extension can break my OS). So, sticking with Ubuntu for now. Once I can buy a new laptop/ssd, I will try your solutions !

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hi @Aravisian, I have reinstalled Zorin OS 17.2 Education because Grub Bootloader was completed erazed from Boot entry by Lenovo BIOS update and there was no way I could recover it so, I have to delete ubuntu includiing my data and install Zorin OS 17.2 Education to give it a one more change.

Now, here are the issues I have encountered -

  1. Battery Draining Ultra Fast even AUTOCPU FREQ is inatalled !!!

The normal battery backup time on Linux is 9 hours in my laptop but here I am getting 2-3 hours which is frustrating and shocking. Even the CPU fans are not working and CPU is reaching 101 degree Celsius and keyboard is untouchable! Please help!

  1. Suddenly Lag and desktop freezing while working !

Now, the old problem is back again! I was doing html in VS Code(original Microsoft one) with live server running in Chrome, Firefox & Brave then suddenly my mouse stopped working following with entire desktop freeze! I have to restart every time to fix this and my works remains unsaved as the desktop freezes!

Please help!!