So I've had problems with Zorin OS freezing then me needing to do a hard reset which has happened many times. I almost always have my laptop set to performance mode and on windows it seemed a lot more stable and I only had to reset my computer one or two times. I have an okay laptop an HP Zbook 15 G3 to be exact. I have been thinking to switch to a more stable distribution like Debian but I'm sure I won't need to do that if there is an easy fix or if there is something I am doing wrong.
If it happens in both Linux and Windows, it could be a sign that some hardware is starting to malfunction. I had the same issue with my old computer (2018) that had one of its CPU core malfunction.
I am personally not a fan of HP, they don't really make anything good anymore, even Dell is a better company, and have much better warranties.
I agree with Storm, if the computer shows issues in both Windows and Linux, its a sign that there is a hardware problem. Looks like its a 5 year old computer. Generally, computer's last more then 5 years, but with HP, their lack of manufacturing craftsmanship, insures their computer's don't last anywhere near that!
Having said that, a 5 year old machine, should be new enough to not use a slow mechanical hard drive, it insures its SSD storage, so mechanical drive failure is likely not a thing here.
If I was the OP, I would make it my 2025 year resolution to buy a new machine. But I am not the OP, so I have a different 2025 years resolution purchase in mind, which I will inform the forum later after I get it.
Mine is to eat more healthier and cut down the candy
As I don't smoke or drink anymore, I can't use that as a resolution.
Just want to add my 2 pennies...
While any manufacture's Home User Class computers are usually found lacking both in quality, longevity, and support; HP's Z Series Business Class Workstations are top notch in quality, longevity, and support.
HP continues to offer phone support, and releases BIOS updates and security patches, for systems 8+ years old. e.g. The HP Z420 was first manufactured in 2011 (Sandy Bridge CPU), and had at least 3 BIOS updates in 2018 and 2 in 2019 to address security vulnerabilities (including Meltdown & Spectre). With most other manufactures, you're lucky if you get 2-4 years of BIOS updates (which includes Gigabyte, ASUS, and any of the cheap home user class brands), let alone any phone support.
Unless something has changed recently that I am unaware of, Dell's Support will not even talk to you without an active hardware warranty or service contract; whereas HP will always talk to you and give you support regardless of an active hardware warranty or service contract.
I used to be die-hard Dell, and still prefer their PowerEdge Servers over HP's, but as for Business Class systems I've completely switched all my clients to HP's Z Series Workstations / Laptops.
I'm only posting this as a difference in my experience and opinion.
When stating your opinion, you can't just say things like "Dell is a better company, and have much better warranties" or "with HP, their lack of manufacturing craftsmanship, insures their computer's don't last anywhere near that" as if it is a undisputed fact.
The truth is that ANY Business Class System should last 10-15 years without issue, barring that the user is following Best Practices and using an AVR UPS (regulated clean power).
The only reason most people using (for example) an HP Z240 or Z420 with a Xeon E3 or E5 with 64BG of RAM are having to upgrade to something newer, is because of the EOL of Windows 10 coming in October of 2025. Of course, if they are using Zorin (or any nix), an HP Z230, Z240, Z420, Z440, Z620, Z640, Z820, or Z840 will have more than enough power for years to come (of course they'll need a decent graphics card).
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TL;DR
As far as the OP, I would agree, it would appear be be a possible hardware issue. However, it could be related to Graphics Drivers (especially if using NVIDIA). It could also be an issue with Wayland, which I would recommend against using.
As far as the possible hardware issues:
It could be any of the components, but I would start by testing the memory with memtest86+ https://memtest.org first.
If the memory is good, I would try stressing the CPU or GPU.
GPU: Unigine Heaven (or Valley)
CPU: I don't have a preference...
If all of that is good, it could be the motherboard or power (supply or battery) related... (which is harder to diagnose)
It could also be overheating, which could be a bad fan, poor ventilation, etc. I would download a temperature monitor like Freon (recommended), psensor, or TopHat (GNOME Extensions). I use all 3.
I would also recommend replacing the Hard Drive, if you haven't already (I always do this with any Drive after 5 years of use).
Hope that helps!
Welcome to the Forum!
Does Your system run in Wayland or Xorg Mode? To check that, go to Settings>About and look for a Line called ''Window Manager'' or ''Display Manager'' or similar and look if there stands Wayland or X11. If there should stand Wayland, You could try it with switching to Xorg.
To do that, go to the Login Screen (not the Lock Screen). Simply reboot and then You come to it. On the Login Screen click on Your Profile so that the Password Field appears. It has to be appeared. When it is appeared, You should see in the bottom right Corner a Gear Icon. Click on it and choose the Option ''Zorin Desktop on Xorg'' and then log in and test if it works.
Other Things:
- Are You using an Nvidia Card? If yes: What Driver is installed? Did You choose the Install Option with Nvidia Drivers?
- How is Your Refresh Rate set up?
- Is Fractional Scaling active?
- Does the System Monitor shows big Actions?
Thanks, I never really knew what the difference between 11x and wayland so I'll try using 11x instead. I don't think I have a hardware issue because I find it unlikely that when I switched to Zorin my hardware stopped working but that's surely a possibility but it might be a Nividia thing because I have a Nividia driver but I did select the option for Nividia when installing. My system monitor looks okay most of the time and I only have fractional scaling on a second monitor witch I do not think is causing problems.
Having been diagnosed as pre-diabetic I changed my diet pretty much instantly. Cut my toast down to one slice with 'both-in-one'(wholemeal and white) with slightly salted butter and honey, and one slice of bread with cheese slice (no marg/butter) for lunch. As I have had kidney issues in the past (stones) I discovered milk and tomatoes are high in potassium. I also used to take probiotic drink in the morning which had a high sugar content, now changed to one with low sugar and it also curbs cholesterol. Since changed to a farmhouse white loaf and olive spread in the morning (less fat, sugar and salt than the two-in-one). Am only allowed a fist full of spuds at meal time to prevent over production of sugar. Only my self to blame for binging on Kit-Kats and other treats. Had a classic Magnum for Christmas Pudding as the fancy Roulade that milady had bought contained 38% sugar. Your New Year's resolution Storm is to read food labels before you buy!
It wasn't the "testing/tested" driver you installed was it? Also, have you ever updated/kept up-to-date your BIOS?