Taking the fact that ZorinOS is aiming at new users that wish to leave Windows and do the transition to open source. This means that they will be new to Linux.
Therefore, it might be worth to consider an immutable Zorin version. Maybe even as the default (like VanillaOS or Fedora)
As far as I understand, with Ubuntu Core such a distro foundation is already existing and might be adapted to the ZorinOS look and feel.
Immutable Linux distributions come with a read-only core system. This means the base operating system, once installed, cannot be modified during regular use.
Another immutable Linux win is that it offers unparalleled reliability and stability. By preserving a consistent state, their software dependencies remain intact. This reduces the compatibility issues that come from updates or changes in traditional systems.
An open version of ZorinOS (for experienced Linux users) could replace "Zorin lite"
Maybe during installation give some more software options, like:
Which browser do you want to use?
a) Firefox
b) Brave
c) Chrome
...
Which email program you want?
a) Evolution
b) Thunderbird
...
I guess you get the idea. Do this for some other often used software as well like media player, picture editor and so on
I think the issue with Mozilla is it is too tied to Google. I find it strange that they developed a 'Browser Chooser' in earlier releases. I think back in the day the default was Opera (bear in mind this was long before Opera got bought by the Chinese), with the ability to install from a choice of three other Browsers and to remove the current one, but would still be present in the Browser Chooser should you wish to go back. I have posted elsewhere that PCLOS Debian has the widest selection of Browsers available with its 'Browser Installer' created by Upgreyed.
Personally I prefer zen which is a fork of Firefox and it's newly adopted search engine is nice and clean with it's results:
I see your point, and like it. However, then the extra step would have to be included. System Package, flatpak, other one I won't mention. Remember, if you default to one package someone is going to 'vent' about it not being the one they prefer.
Several of the comments on here I agree with. Release strategy for one. I also would think taking Aravisian's suggestion and adding a Zorin 'Liaison' to the team would do wonders. Save the Bro's some time to focus on the main things, while engaging with the members in the forum. Would think there has to be someone over there in Dublin wanting to fill that position. Perhaps a inspiring Linux programmer, or some kid wanting to make a few quid.
I also liked several of Forpli's recommendations. I'll keep y'all guessing on which ones.
However, think it's important to remember, that Linux is very customizable. Some of these ideas are unique to each individual user. If someone didn't have to make the changes they prefer, that would take some joy away from making it your own, as well as not learning the 'How To' do it.
I guess, I'd leave it as it is. But I do like seeing all these ideas. Creative bunch you are, Cheers.
Forgot to put in any of my posts: remove systemd, Pulse Audio and PipeWire. Just offer different init options like Artix does, drop Gnome completely, offer ALSA as the principal soundserver, ditch Wayland for X11/*XLibre (*if Artix Community xfce edition can do it then Zorin could) and focus on xfce.
I would add a comprehensive tool for screenshots and screencasts
featuring a capture delay, capture sequences, audio recording for screencasts, the ability to choose image formats, and manual settings for resizing the capture area).
Furthermore, I would like desktop environments (and not just GNOME) to include a button for quickly switching configurations based on immediate needsâsomewhat like user switching, but without logging out of the current session and while maintaining access to files.
Plasma offers the first in Spectacle as newer versions now include streaming (desktop recording but I haven't tried it) as well as extended screenshot capabilities.
Regarding changing DE's on the fly I don't think is practically possible.
" While true instant switching between full desktop environments without logging out is not natively supported on most Linux distributions due to session manager constraints, there are practical workarounds:
Use a display manager with multiple session options : Distributions like Linux Mint , Kubuntu , or Ubuntu allow you to choose different desktop environments (e.g., GNOME, KDE, XFCE) at the login screen. You can switch by logging out and back in, but this preserves your data and allows you to test environments quickly.
Run multiple X servers simultaneously : Use tools like Xephyr or dm-tool to run a second desktop environment in a window or virtual terminal. For example:
Start a nested X server: Xephyr :1 -br -fullscreen &
Add it to the display manager: dm-tool add-nested-seat 1
Switch between sessions using Ctrl + Alt + F7/F8 .
Custom session files : Create .desktop files in /usr/share/xsessions/ for lightweight environments like dwm or i3 , allowing you to select them at login without a full reboot.
Makulu Linux Switch is a specialized distro designed to enable switching between 8 desktop environments seamlessly, though itâs not standard.
Note : You cannot switch desktop environments mid-session without logging out or using a secondary X server. The session manager terminates the entire session if it exits, which prevents true real-time switching. For productivity, using multiple virtual terminals or nested X servers is the closest available solution.
Obviously, my proposal isn't to switch DEs, but rather to change the configuration on the fly: default desktop folder and wallpaper, suspend timeout,taskbar configuration, and other minor tweaks
Regarding the screenshot utility, I was referring to something to be developed for Zorinâas indicated in the discussion title. As long as I am using Zorin, I have no interest in Plasma.
Firefox was the Default but the Dev's decide to switch to Brave because of Mozilla's changing Terms of Use:
This is available in the Pro Version of Zorin.
The Thunderbird Situation is a bit complex because of the Ubuntu Base waht Zorin uses. these is no APT Packages available what could be installed by default. The only Alternatives would be Snap or Flatpak.
Yes, the mozilla PPA is an Option, too. I forgt to mentioned that. But only to have said that: Even when the Name of it is mozillateam, it doesn't come from Mozilla, it is a Team from Canonical/Ubuntu who handles that PPA.
When you install zorin os with nvidia, x11 is already the default option. So I would keep it that way.
But in the future instead of gnome, I would use xfce (or maybe even kde) as the main core distro. It's sad that x11 support will be dropped.
Something else as the default file manager (nautilus is so buggy and bug reports are not cared by devs saying gnome 46 is too old). I prefer dolphin since it meets all of my expectations but any other is better than nautilus (thunar, nemo, pantheon, krusader, caja, double commander...)
Alt F4 should be similar to windows, close the focused apps and when desktop comes it should bring Power off/restart options (gnome-session-quit --power-off command)
For terminal, maybe bind "set completion-ignore-case On" and fzf reverse search source /usr/share/doc/fzf/examples/key-bindings.bash on .bashrc
On Software app, make deb option default. (I wouldn't disable snap because some companies make their app installs really difficult on other methods, so sometimes snap might be easier, such as aws-cli. Also so many app's deb/snap/flatpak apps might differ so sometimes we need to try the snap version to see if the bug on flatpak occurs or not. For example xournalpp, spotify, dbeaver-ce works much better than their flatpak/even apt versions. System wide translations app like glate only support snap as well.)
Super V command should open clipboard just like windows and kde. (It might be copyq app or a clipboard extension)
Super . command to open a proper emoji picker. There is Ibus emoji shipped with gnome is problematic https://superuser.com/questions/1672408/linux-gnome-how-to-disable-ctrl-shortcut/1794403 and there is also /usr/bin/gnome-characters but when you select a emoji, it doesn't copy, it shows the unicode, and only after you click to copy button it copies, but weirdly if you search the emoji on apps menu and select it from there, it directly copies)
Drawable screenshot app preinstalled (like flameshot, I believe it's the best)
Thunderbird as default mail handler (also on zorin os education, kolourpaint instead of drawing, glate translator)
It's funny. For my PC, I like newer capabilities more quickly. So I don't personally use Zorin. But here's a thing. My daughter uses a drawing tablet. It wasn't working on Zorin 17, Wayland or X. Perhaps a kernel update eventually came along and all of a sudden it was working (Wayland and X). Then 18 landed and it stopped working on Wayland, but did work on X.
Two things about the story, one positive, one not:
Why did the upgrade from 17 to 18 remove the drivers for the tablet? I don't think this is a good thing. It also not only removed her backup software ppa (expected) but also removed the software! Is this normal for Linux major upgrades to do this?
Gnome 50 removes X. This makes her glad Zorin updates move at a glacial pace. She's hopeful that by the time 50 lands in Zorin, her tablet will work on Wayland again. So in this instance she's grateful for Zorin's slow update cycle.
Gnome 50 will also severely restrict .css applicability in Gnome - so kiss all third party themes goodbye. You better Love Adwaita - or go walk off a short pier.
