To restore your system configuration, you can install timeshift:
sudo apt install timeshift
As far as I can see, Zorin already contains what this script is supposed to make possible.
Such a post-install script is normally used after a new installation to set up certain things. This one is mainly about adding other (third-party) sources. Zorin already offers this option and you only have to configure the settings in the Softwarmanager. You can add any other sources immediately.
The script is not intended to restore the system.
With timeshift, for example, you can create restore points (also automatically according to a specific schedule) and reset the system to a previous state.
With timeshift you can also create a USB boot stick with which you can restore your system including all additionally installed software applications and settings (it creates an .iso file).
No, it doesn't. Timeshift only creates backups of the existing system, similar to the restore function in Windows. If something breaks on the system, you can restore it to an earlier point in time - but you cannot use it to create a new or different system.
It is not possible to upgrade from Ubuntu to Zorin. This requires a new installation of Zorin.
I now understand your reasoning: You already have ubuntu on a machine would like it to have the benefits of Zorin as well? That is why you had considered transferring the programmes/functions from your computer on which Zorin is installed to the Ubuntu computer. Am I right?
This is really quite difficult and will never be completely successful. The functions are so deeply embedded in the operating system that they cannot simply be transferred. Pure software programmes are no problem, but even with the software management programme it is difficult or even impossible. The Gnome desktop environment is also heavily modified by Zorin. The Zorin theme, on the other hand, can be used on other operating systems.
I'm not sure about that. I would say it doesn't work, even if ubuntu is the same base. The places where the programmes are stored and the dependencies used may differ. And they use different kernels what also is a problem. But that should be answered by an expert.
Consider this: even upgrading between Zorin OS versions i.e: 16 -> 17, can be problematic because of factors like third party dependencies or package versions. The bigger the difference between the two systems, the more likely that something will go wrong.
To avoid problems, take your time to set things up for Zorin OS, and then use Timeshift to keep all your settings backed up.
With synaptic or in the terminal you can install several (apt) programmes at once, which is faster than with the software management program, where you have to select and install each programme individually. With Synaptic, you can first select all the programs you want to install (preferably using the search field), then these are marked for installation and then finally all are installed at once. In the terminal you can enter them one after another, e.g.: "sudo apt install gimp synaptic gparted knisp timeshift"
@Aravisian
In the link is a note:
"Note: this works in all the distros that have apt package manager. The target and parent computers must use the same operating system/sources."
Can this procedure also be used when switching from Zorin to Ubuntu because they use both apt?
In that, no. Flatpaks, snaps are isolated from the system. And appimages are standalone individual packages as well.
There likely is a way of running a second script to auto-install flatpaks. I can look into that. (EDIT: Just added instructions for Flatpak to that guide).
But appimages have always been a thing users go and get on an as-needed basis and I wouldn't script that...
If a user has a tangled web of Snaps, Flatpaks, appimages and APT packages, then they almost deserve the headache.
@Aravisian Thank you very much for the information . In Zorin, this happens quickly as a Linux newcomer if you have no idea about package management. You simply select something and it is installed, flatpaks are even prioritized over system packages (if you do not change it manually).
I'm asking because I'm also interested and I don't know what @jre10 would like to back up.
Windows also can make use of multiple package formats and can use appimages.
However, the majority of users deal with the dominant .exe package format.
I agree, having multiple package formats on one system in GnuLinux is very confusing.
Having the Software Store default to an alternative format instead of the Standard APT format is even more confusing.
And to me... it feels a great deal like Microsoft tactics - applying force for the developers to get what they want, exploiting user confusion.
But it does not surprise me that Gnome embraces Microsoft tactics. They have been doing it for years. Applying force and strict control over the desktop and users.
If Zorin OS is serious about easing the transition for new GnuLinux users and Microsoft refugees; they should take package formatting seriously and not include this kind of bare-bones confusion and chaotic packaging. People transition away from Windows OS to avoid that kind of control. Not to just replace it with some other persons control.
I agree with you. I think it's good that Zorin offers all formats, but should only have the apt packages enabled by default and the others as an option.
