How to uninstall Zorin Connect and Print Settings if doing so via Software doesn't work?

[Aravisian]

@Nero

I also never had an issue where I'd get lost in files in Windows. From the get-go, it's not the case for Linux, at least Zorin. There's tons upon tons of files and I have access to all, I get lost easily and there is no true minimal install. I don't like seeing this I don't use directly and Windows doesn't let you. It's one if not the only thing I miss about Windows.

I think this falls in a matter of perspective. What Linux allows you to see and access as opposed to what Windows allows you to see and access.
In Linux, files are sorted in a Logical Tree, with files placed where they are necessary to interact within the system.
Windows, on the other hand, is more like an explosion in a kite string factory, with symlinks used extensively to direct and redirect... Windows contains an expansive registry, causing package removals or tweaking to be unnecessarily complicated and easy to corrupt.
Removals in Windows can appear to be easier, since you are often not actually removing the full software suite, just the redirects. This means that dependencies are not affected - but it also means much bloat gets left behind.
On Linux, I can remove what I want, including dependencies. Sometimes, a package depends on another needlessly, created by the developer deliberately in order to to force you to keep or use certain software. For example, the Full Cinnamon Desktop dependent on Firefox Browser. Removing Firefox will also remove the Desktop Environment (This angers me.) This is avoidable by installing the Cinnamon Core desktop and not the Full desktop, at least.

This comes with a caveat though: You must learn your directory trees. Windows gets paid big money and it sells your data, so it can afford to Cover for the User and do things on the users behalf.
In Linux, there is no such entitlement. The user is responsible and must step up to the plate.

You might enjoy using the Gentoo Linux Distribution. It is very minimal - it comes with the bare essentials, nothing more. You must install everything else that you want or need.
This comes with a warning though... It is Very Minimal. You may need to install much that you do not expect... like Drivers just to get things to work.

[Nero]

Nah, I like Zorin and I'll sit on it. Again, my issue isn't with things existing, but things existing in my sight. I have never had an issue with corrupt files in Windows. And I do have issue with bloat left behind in Linux, albeit I uninstalled via Software or using the remove feature through Steam or Lutris.

Again, I'd be happy to pay if I'd get what I want. I sent a tiny donation of 5 euros to Zorin, because I appreciate the distro. I was ready to purchase Pro due to the advertised minimal until I learned it's just Core.

Do you have any tutorials/guides in mind for learning the directory tree? I get lost a lot in it. I wish I could somehow hide what I shouldn't tinker with and don't have hidden what I use. I hate that for example .steam gets hidden by default despite containing files of interest since you still sometimes need to edit to enable Linux EAC when devs fail to.

I'm sure over time I'll pick stuff up, but I'm a fresh Linux noob so I'm still lost, just noticing what doesn't work.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

I was ready to purchase Pro due to the advertised minimal until I learned it's just Core.

I do not understand this statement.

@Nero

I hate that for example .steam gets hidden by default

I always run with hidden files in home folder revealed. It does make life much easier. Initially, I allowed them to stay hidden as it looked neater / cleaner. I learned, it is not worth it. And few enough people see my system to make showing off worthwhile.

@Nero

Do you have any tutorials/guides in mind for learning the directory tree? I get lost a lot in it.

There really are not any specific guides for it. To give this a bit of perspective, it is for the same reason you cannot find written instructions very easily, for learning how to ride a bike. Written instructions mean little compared to getting in and Doing It.
You can read nothing, get on a bike, and be riding like a champ within a day.
But you can read all the manuals, guides, instructions you can find - and fall off the bike the moment you first try.

A quick Crash Course Here:
Your primary interest is in the Installed Software.
For you installed Software: Personalized Configurations are stored logically in your Home Directory - where you have fast and easy access to them to modify them and where they are easily transferred to a fresh OS install.
These are in ~.config or ~./local/share
Some installed software creates its own easy to find directory, like Steam: ~/.steam

Installed Application Data is stored in ROOT, preventing easy write access, creating a Secure Sandbox in which you can run your applications without damaging your system and without allowing malicious foreign actors access to alter your installed software.
The Directories of interest to you for this are
/opt - Here you will usually find the data files for Chrome based Browsers, like Brave, Vivaldi or Chrome. IrfanView apps also go here, like XNConvert. Mega App is placed here.
The lions share go to /usr/share
Here, you can browse to the Application Folder that you wish to access. For example, if I install BleachBit and want to modify the Widget Window sizing:
/usr/share/bleachbit/bleachbit/GUI.py

As you can see, it is a direct logical path through the tree.
The /usr/share directory also houses your Application Desktop Files, which govern what appears in your App Menu. /usr/share/applications, here you can modify any .desktop file to your needs.
In /usr/share, the Icons, themes and Pixmaps, Backgrounds are all stored. As well as certain OS Specific scripts, such as needed for dynamic wallpapers or layouts.
So this directory is the most Useful to You.

The other directories in root deal with other things. Your system wide profiles are stored in /etc. Your dependencies, necessary libraries are in /lib. Cache, logs and temporary files are in /var.

[Nero]

@Aravisian

I do not understand this statement.

It comes with all the programs Core comes with, which I uninstalled. I consider minimal to be the bare minimum of programs you need, so pretty much just what makes the PC run and then a browser. Programs for opening .zip, graphic editing, etc. aren't minimal - if I need them, I can get them, but I don't want them there by default. I'm very particular with my own devices and had what I considered to be bloatware uninstalled on my Android and Windows (back before I switched) with Powershell if it wasn't available to uninstall otherwise.

I have the hidden files enabled now, of course.

So is .local and .config all I'll need for regular use? Is this essentially what Program Files is on Windows? I was entering the regular Computer directory and there were folders such as 'etc', 'dev', 'proc', 'lib' which are full of folders and got me lost, trying to find what I need.

Truth be told, I don't touch 'root', because it requires a password which logically tells me it gets extra protection so you don't frick up the system. From the stuff I watched before Linux I got the idea that 'boot' is for booting the system and 'root' is essentially the most important stuff, so I shouldn't touch. Now, I get very lost when I install the rare Windows stuff like Battle.net. It insists it's installed in C and it gets put in a safe(?) environment of sorts, but I cannot choose where to install it on Linux, because it insists it's on Windows. I have to launch Battlenet through its installation .exe, because I cannot find the file responsible for its launch which would work. I do it through Steam's Proton, ofc.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

It comes with all the programs Core comes with, which I uninstalled.

Yes, and much more. However, during install, there is an option for Minimal Install with a checkbox. Checking this ON should install none of that, just the browser and Basic packages.

@Nero

I'm very particular with my own devices and had what I considered to be bloatware uninstalled on my Android and Windows (back before I switched) with Powershell if it wasn't available to uninstall otherwise.

Having experienced the Bloat of Both Windows and Android (GOOGLE), I think we can all relate and understand. Android... Wow... and it won't let you remove much. The cell provider does this, too. They sell you a phone with so-many gigs of storage, then they eat up 90% of that storage allowing you no option to fix it.
However...
It is noteworthy that on Linux, it is nowhere near so bloated. While there may be packages you do not need, so much, they take up much less space. Zorin Core takes up only about 8gigs fully expanded. My copy of Windows 11 gobbled up 40 gigs as it came preinstalled.

@Nero

So is .local and .config all I'll need for regular use? Is this essentially what Program Files is on Windows?

Ah... I really prefer to avoid cross comparisons.
Windows and Linux are different in many ways. I would not consider ~/.config to be akin to Program Files... But they have some similarities. Both store user configs for installed software, for example.
Is it all you need for regular use - I have no idea what your regular use is.
It is the location you can access to see your Software Specific Configurations.

@Nero

I was entering the regular Computer directory and there were folders such as 'etc', 'dev', 'proc', 'lib' which are full of folders and got me lost, trying to find what I need.

/usr/share should fulfill what you need; but that is ROOT so exercise With Caution.
You can use this forum to Check in Advance of actions you wish to take. After performing a few procedures, you will begin to remember them and remember locations and rely on the forum less and less until you are riding on your own.

@Nero

It insists it's installed in C and it gets put in a safe(?) environment of sorts, but I cannot choose where to install it on Linux, because it insists it's on Windows. I have to launch Battlenet through its installation .exe, because I cannot find the file responsible for its launch which would work. I do it through Steam's Proton, ofc.

It would be in the Virtual C: drive placed in the ~/.steam directory.
Wine does this too; there is a Virtual C: Drive in the ~/.wine directory that you can navigate exactly the same way as you could on Windows.

[Nero]

@Aravisian

during install, there is an option for Minimal Install with a checkbox. Checking this ON should install none of that, just the browser and Basic packages.

I distinctly remember reading under some Pro review an user claiming minimal still installs all what Core comes with. I found a mention of this on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/zorinos/comments/p8vfko/minimal_installation_of_zorin_os_16_pro/ 'The Pro version has an option during the installation to use a minimal installation; this will only install the apps that are installed on Core.' - meaning I'd be back to where I am now, but with everything I uninstalled back.

For me it's not about space, but, as I keep saying, seeing it. It drives me mad.

@Aravisian

It would be in the Virtual C: drive placed in the ~/.steam directory.

I did end up finding the folder a while ago, but none of the files in it work. I add them the same way I added the setup, I force-enable proton, I press play, but, unlike setup, they never launch.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

The Pro version has an option during the installation to use a minimal installation; this will only install the apps that are installed on Core.' - meaning I'd be back to where I am now, but with everything I uninstalled back.

Hmmm... I am uncertain on this. I had Zorin OS Ultimate and used the Minimal install - and it was minimal, I can tell you.
Perhaps Zorin OS Pro is different in this. Zorin OS changed from offering the Ultimate Version, to the Pro Version and they made several changes to it. For example, Ultimate came with a bunch of Linux Games - Pro does not (But they are in the repo and can be installed).

[Nero]

I trust you. The post is from 7 months ago, but I somewhat doubt it's out of date and I cannot find in Google information about what the Pro minimal install entails precisely.

I'm all for devs offering a lot of pre-installed stuff for people who need them, but I use none of them. I'm very much just a gaming and browser user. I don't need OBS, etc (I reckon it's one of stuff pre-installed with regular Pro install). Maybe if I manage to find info about what Minimal has, I'll buy Pro and have all my issues fixed, haha.

[Aravisian]

Pro is aimed toward the crowd that likes to explore app offerings. To Get something for what they pay. It really is not geared toward the Minimal Install...
It would not be worth it to you to choose Pro, then find it it does not do what you want.

When I first moved over to Linux from Windows... I did very similar. I went into ROOT, too. And removed anything extraneous.
I nuked my build.
A lot.
It bothered me seeing things I do not use.

Then I started making themes and icon sets and found it useful to keep a lot of the stuff I didn't want.
It allowed me to Test my creations rather than awaiting bug reports from users that won't bother to make a report.
In the end, it caused me to get over my attitudes... My hard drive is mostly free space. I do not need to worry about some app I do not use taking up space.
I understand your point as I am much the same way. But I also point out that it is OK to relax a bit.

[Nero]

I'll probably grow into that attitude. Do you know if there is a list of Core pre-installed stuff that's safe to uninstall? I think I might need to reinstall my system for Software to work properly.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

Do you know if there is a list of Core pre-installed stuff that's safe to uninstall?

Not handy but... I bet a list could be compiled...

[Nero]

If my eyes don't fail me, DistroWatch.com: Zorin OS seems to have the list in the table below. The only one I recognize from stuff I've uninstalled is LibreOffice, but, as you saw through the Terminal, I uninstalled far, far more. I went from 2 pages in 'Show Applications' to 2 lines in one page. (with some bulk in Utilities folder, but I only put there stuff which Software doesn't allow to uninstall). I'll reinstall the system right now. If you come up with what's safe to get rid of, I'll appreciate, but I'm aware I stole a lot of your time and will understand if you don't want to waste any more.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

If my eyes don't fail me, DistroWatch.com: Zorin OS seems to have the list in the table below.

That is not a list of all installed, just the general common packages for comparison with other distros.
Once you reinstall Zorin OS, open terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

apt list --installed

Paste the output of apt list --installed using the Gear Icon on the reply window toolbar - Hide Details

[mjw]

@Nero

The terminal responded with "invalid operation uninstall".

Sorry, that was a typo… flatpak uses uninstall whereas apt and snap use remove.

[Nero]

Oh hell no, I see you trying to trick me to ignore the hog. There's still some bloatware.

How to sudo remove the ones circled in red? The ones circled in blue I'd be happy to remove, but not a priority.

Also, how to sudo install non-flatpak Steam? Before re-install I installed it, but it would open Update window on every restart so I think I might had done something wrong, hence why I ask now.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

Oh hell no, I see you trying to trick me to ignore the hog. There's still some bloatware.

Huh?

@Nero

Also, how to sudo install non-flatpak Steam?

I use

sudo apt install steam

It may be due to me already removing both snap and flatpak

sudo apt remove --purge snapd flatpak

@Nero

How to sudo remove the ones circled in red?

I see you include the Gnome-date-time app(gnome-clocks). This cannot be removed, it is part of timedatectrl. This application handles how to keep up with date and time, which is necessary for Updater, etc.
You can however, remove the visibility of unwanted apps by removing their .desktop files from /usr/share/applications.

You have "Main Menu" listed- this should not be removed. It is how you edit the app menu. This package name is menulibre - remove at your own risk.
Firewall Configuration (package gufw) should not be removed. Remove at your own risk.
See above about removing desktop files.

sudo apt remove --purge aisleriot brasero brasero-common gnome-calendar cheese cheese-common evolution gnome-contacts libreoffice* gnome-mahjongg eog pitivi gnome-mines gnome-maps gnome-todo quadrapassel remmina remmina-common gnome-tour gnome-sound-recorder totem gnome-sudoku gnome-weather

[Nero]

I thought the Hide would just hide instead of removing what bothers me. I'll trust you with what shouldn't be removed. Aren't the Zorin themes flatpak? Do they not need the flatpak thing to run? Anyway, I ran both 'sudo apt remove --purge snapd flatpak' and 'sudo apt remove --purge aisleriot brasero brasero-common gnome-calendar cheese cheese-common evolution gnome-contacts libreoffice* gnome-mahjongg eog pitivi gnome-mines gnome-maps gnome-todo quadrapassel remmina remmina-common gnome-tour gnome-sound-recorder totem gnome-sudoku gnome-weather'. If something is necessary then I'll just try to not look at it.

After this, I'm now missing settings and if I try to open them from the taskbar, I get "Execution of gnome-control-center failed". It's even worse than it was.

[Aravisian]

@Nero

Aren't the Zorin themes flatpak?

No, just versions of the themes for Flatpak are included.
They can be safely removed if you are not using Flatpak.
If you are using flatpak, then you can keep them.

@Nero

After this, I'm now missing settings and if I try to open them from the taskbar, I get "Execution of gnome-control-center failed". It's even worse than it was.

sudo apt install gnome-control-center

[Nero]

Bless you! I don't think all of the ones from the big command uninstalled. I see some of the games still in, but I've seen their names in the big command.

Can they be somehow nuked? I want to keep Gimp. If any of these isn't needed and can be safely installed, I'd like that.

I'm also stuck with Wine System Tray which I'm unable to quit and it looks unlike it used to:

Any idea what killed it?

[Aravisian]

@Nero

Can they be somehow nuked? I want to keep Gimp. If any of these isn't needed and can be safely installed, I'd like that.

Try uninstalling any games as normal from Gnome-Software. All Games are safe to remove.

@Nero

I'm also stuck with Wine System Tray which I'm unable to quit and it looks unlike it used to:

Have you rebooted?

@Nero

I thought the Hide would just hide instead of removing what bothers me.

You can remove the desktop file for anything int he app menu you no longer wish to see. You can still launch those apps, if needed, with alt+F2 and then type in the application name. For example,

menulibre