In Windows XP, and Win7 - creating a shortcut (to anything) is as simple as right-clicking (on anything) and taking "create shortcut" from the menu.
So is there an equally simple way to create a desktop shortcut icon in Zorin? One which does not involve tedious command lines in Terminal, or any other protractive coding procedures.
I realise this may be a 'Yes or No' question, with an answer leaning towards 'No', but I will have a go in any case.
Strange.. I can't find that menu (in your screenshot) anywhere.
If I search through installed Apps, right-clicking has no effect.
Also cannot see where these programmes are physically located.
In Windows -- programmes are in the 'Program Folder', fonts are in the 'Fonts Folder'; I cannot find either of these folders in Zorin.
If I go to Utilities/Drives and right-click on the SSD.. there is no effect.
Fonts are located in the Fonts folder. You also can add fonts per user profile in the home ~/.fonts directory (If it does not exist, you can just create a new folder and name it .fonts)
System Programs are located in /usr/share/ but likely, you are looking for access to where they are detailed for the Application menu - in which case these are all listed in /usr/share/applications
I use Zorin OS Lite, in which just about anything can be added to Desktop with right click due to its use of XFCE.
Gnome is more restrictive, with the Gnome Developers having openly stated that users have no business putting icons on the Desktop - and disabled the ability.
Zorin OS and other Distros re-add the ability with the use of Gnome extensions.
Zorin uses gnome-shell-extension-zorin-desktop-icons
You might try reinstalling the extension, or try using Gnome Tweaks to manage extensions to see if there are any conflicts.
Makes me glad to be on a D.E. that needs no extensions.
I actually cannot find any directory -- where do you search for 'user/share/applications' ? In Windows I can search through a browser or the START menu search field.
The Linux user interface is completely alien to windows users.
I'm using Zorin Core. This is the first time I've actually heard of XFCE.
I (and most Windows users I know) Always put icons on the desktop
where else would someone have icons but on the desktop (?)
If Developer Gnomes want to repell Windows users, and prevent them from ever even considering a shift to Linux -- then they're exactly on the right path.
Why is this function even the concern of Gnome Developers?
It should be part of the linux OS itself.
I just installed Zorin Core a couple of days ago.
Haven't got around to updating my profile just yet.
I plan to upgrade to Pro as soon as I'm able to do all the little things I can do in Windows.. including creating desktop shortcuts, and installing fonts directly to the fonts folder.
I know. It is common sense, isn't it? Personally, I prefer to keep the desktop clear. That is just a User Preference. Many people I know use the desktop as their Quick Launchpad.
This makes sense, when you think about it, considering that is how tablet and phone devices work.
It is what people are used to.
Gnome uses the Nautilus File Manager.
In Nautilus, you must go to the left pane and select "Other locations."
Then go to the right pane and select "Computer."
Once you have done this, you can navigate in Root. You will see the usr folder in the right pane, along with all the other system folders.
(I do not use Nautilus. In my file manager, I hit the up arrow twice on the toolbar. Much more direct. Just sayin'... )
Bear in mind - that is in ROOT and these are protected by your password. It can be risky making changes in Root, in the same exact way it can be on Windows.
So, I answer your question about Exploring Your Files, but I do not answer it to the purpose of helping you modify (at this time) because you specified that you do not want to modify files or delve into code - but are looking for the Simple user end functionality that enables adding to desktop with a click.
Let's focus on checking that functionality with the applicable extension, first.
I... suspect you may be a bit like me. I like to get in the system, explore and poke...
For me, though my initial entrance into GnuLinux was a lesson in patience and frustration, being able to not only explore and poke - but affect meaningful change and truly re-take command over my computer made the learning curve of a new environment absolutely 100% worth it.
Yes, GnuLniux is different because it is not Windows.
There is a learning curve.
Just as if you drive the same familiar car for ten years, then buy a new make and model, the interface is unfamiliar. The buttons are in different locations. You may have a moment of thinking your old car made more sense.
Or you may accept the learning curve, looking for where the headlight switch is, totally happy to have a new car.
It is in the Zorin Menu. The Start Menu. As an Alternative, I could name You the Gnome Extension Add to Desktop - GNOME Shell Extensions (I use it by myself).
With that You become a ''Add to Desktop'' Entry in the App Grid. So, You press twice the Super (Windows) Key and then You are on the App Grid. And when you make a right click, you get the Add to Desktop Entry:
And the Nautilus File Manager can be accessed 'where'?
Actually.. I am an antidigital analogue extremist
I seriously dislike IT, computers, and the code they run on --
so the last thing I want to work with is a machine I can only interact with using a command line terminal. There is a good reason why Windows users are not using DOS, and haven't done since the 80s. Having to type code is the next best thing to a nervous breakdown.
The same with instruments..
If I'm going to use a synthesizer, then it must be an analogue modular system, with knobs, sliders, switches, push buttons, and patch cables.
Not a rediculous wonky data-wheel with naff LCD display, or digital PC programmer. I want every chuffing control interface to be electro-mechanical, staring me in the face, and within arm's reach.
The same applies to a PC..
I want everything in front of me on the desktop
No command line terminal, no wacky cryptic secret passages with mystical pass keys. I want to see OBVIOUS controls, like a Big ON/OFF switch.
I want to access and control everything by left or right clicking a mouse.
Nothing More than This. No coding thanks.
I read something about a Desktop Environment called MATE
but it doesn't seem to be compatible with Zorin.
Is there a Linux DE which can emulate a Windows shell?
I opened the link -- however it was not possible to install in Zorin Core.
Hidden files can be accessed by hitting ctrl+h
Hidden files has a punctuation in front of the name ( . )
Do not modify them if you don't know what they are ,they're hidden for a reason lol.
But I recommend a different tactic. You left Windows. It is better to not try to cling to the familiar.
By your own self description, you are indeed a lot like me.
You want your tools laid out in front of you, not hidden behind hamburger menus, correct?
You want clarity and logic to your access to your tools, not to have to fight with the machine so you can access them, right?
If I am not missing the mark, then your best course of success is to walk out of the history of Windows and of any D.E. that denies you this.
Instead; embrace the idea of setting your Desktop Up to Fit You. Your way.
That said, it may take learning and experimentation. You went through this on Windows, for years. having to learn their way, make it familiar, then try to get on with what you were doing at the outset.
Why not make that easier on yourself?
Yes, Mate Desktop can be installed on Zorin OS. I have it. It runs beautifully.
I also use Enlightenment, XFCE and Cinnamon.
Exactly..
I am no fan of Microsoft (just the opposite)
I've been using XP for over 2 decades -- so I know every trick it can do, and everything it can't do, but most importantly I can use it with my eyes closed.
I can access anything and do anything just by left or right clicking.
If there's a Linux DE which can do things just as easily and quickly as in XP,
then I will go with it, it does not need to be a clone of XP, or use the same key strokes or clicks.. but it does need to free me from being a slave to Terminal.
I think Terminal is fine for installing flatpak applications, as long as the input code is provided. I am not going to spend my time learning Linux code syntax, for the same reason I don't have time to learn Estonian, or Urdu.
I need a system I can use intuitively, which will simply let me get on with it
for me -- a PC is just a work tool, and a work tool should be effective and simple.
Linux should not be limited to serve as a command console for IT professionals and Hackers. It should also be a simple tool for anyone who just wants to get on with it.