I have been told by an admin on this forum (Aravisian) that my Gnome is most likely corrupt and that a reinstall is recommended.
Here is the thread:
This is very bad news! When I originally installed Zorin I had made mistakes and had to reinstall several times right after to make sure the installation was correct. I don't remember exactly what the specific issues were that prompted me to have to do multiple re-installs, but it wasn't a pleasant experience even though I felt like I was learning something useful. One of the reasons I wanted to finally try out Linux (specifically Zorin) after all these years is that I have been frustrated with Windows' intrusive architecture and constant annoying updates. After reading articles on reddit it seemed like the right time to make the move to Linux, specifically Zorin, for its supposed transitional ease for lifetime Windows users like myself. However, I now have become a doubter. One of the things that seems buggy in Zorin is the kernel support. One of the options during installation is to have Zorin choose the correct drivers, instead of doing manual driver installations after. Another is auto setup of the network settings. I'm wondering if these may be the source of the problem in my case. Two things that stand out in my experience with Zorin is problems with the package dB and driver issues (Wayland/Xorg). I'm not really sure I want to risk installing Zorin again as these 2 issues seem complicated to resolve once they are present. I would welcome any comments to my concerns and would also appreciate any advice on alternatives (Ubuntu? Fedora?) or other recommendations (reinstall Zorin, but do something different ot install OS 17 instead of 18) based on my Zorin experience. Thanks to the community for your support up until now.
For Alternatives for a Beginner, I would name Linux Mint and LMDE (from the same Developers). Ubuntu itself ... to be honest no, but Kubuntu (with KDE Plasma Desktop) yes. Or You use Zorin 17 again when You were happy with it. It is still supported.
But for the Case, You want try again install Zorin 18 on Your Machine:
I took a quick Look in Your linked Thread but didn't saw Your Hardware Specs. Could You post them please? I mean CPU, GPU, RAM etc. Depending what You have there, more Advices could be give. Also if You want create a Dual-Boot System or Zorin-only. And if You have several Drives and You want have Windows on one Drive and zorin on another one.
In common for installing Zorin:
When downloaded the Zorin ISO, check the Checksum
Check that Secure Boot and Fast Boot in BIOS are disabled; check that Fast Start-Up in Windows is disabled
Check if Your BIOS is in UEFI or Legacy Mode
If You have Windows, I would recommend to use Rufus for creating the Bootstick. In that, You can directly set up the Partition Sheme to fit Your BIOS Mode: GPT for UEFI Bios or MBR for Legacy Mode.
The USB Stick should be 32 Gig's or smaller and formatted in FAT32
Thanks for guiding me through my Linux journey. Here are my system details: System Details Report Hardware Information
Computer Model: HP HP Laptop 17-cn3xxx
Memory: 16GB
Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-N305 × 8
Graphics: Intel Alder Lake-N UHD
HD Capacity: 2TB
Software Information:
Firmware Version: F.13
OS Name: Zorin OS 18.1 Core
OS Build: (null)
OS Type: 64-bit
Windowing System: X11
Kernel Version: Linux 6.17.0-40-generic
A few questions:
I had some nagging issues with the package dB getting corrupted and after 4 months of running Zorin OS 18 I'm not really sure if they ever were completely resolved. Is there a way to make sure this is clean right after OS install?
The kernel was another issue. Is there a way to know beforehand if my specific graphics card is going to cause issues for the pre-installed kernel? How do I make sure this is functional for my specs? Is Zorin 17 more stable (at least with regards to my computer specs) than 18 regarding this issue?
Is it better to setup network after install rather than letting the installation routine set it up during install? Also, should I install drivers manually afterwards instead of letting Zorin do it during installation?
Others here on the forum have suggested using a backup tool. Do you recommend the built-in backup tool or something more concrete?
Sometimes in life, dealing with stress and pressure, we just want to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Being asked to stop and tackle some unexpected problem... It's the last thing to hear.
The doctor says "open heart surgery" and it's like, "I don't have time for that doc! Can't we throw a band aid on this and keep on truckin'?"
Taking a moment to breathe deep, then do it right, can save you from more than just fifty more band-aid attempts. It can set you on the right track for smooth success, reducing worry.
I do not adhere to Brand Loyalty. Not only can I recommend other Distro's over Zorin OS, I am certain others would serve what you need better.
But the truth is: You can choose Zorin OS or Mint as easily and still get the Same Stable Result you want.
The answer to your questions 1-4 boil down to one simple answer.
You are being controlled and choices are being made for you. The choices do not work with your hardware. Or you. It's driving you crazy; things break and you don't know why.
You trusted the advise - It's not working out. Stop trusting it.
Wayland combined with Gnome is where you are running into crashes; freezes, kernel issues. Backups can prevent data loss, but they cannot prevent data crashes.
What you need is an OS and software that is written to work with your machine; not trying to force your machine to work its way.
And we can assemble that in less than an hour.
I appreciate your empathy and time. To share a little with you, I will turn 67 next week and consider myself a somewhat savvy tech guy. Back in 1999 during the dot.com boom I switched from civil engineering to Oracle development. Many, including family criticized me for making a career change, but I saw a wave coming in that I didn't want to miss and I knew it was risky. I followed my mind map instead and ignored the static of simple minds. Most Americans were too lazy to learn how to program, it was mostly Indians and Russians and because of this reality the IT door was wide open at the time. The same holds true when switching to uncharted waters in the world of OSs. We don't know what's around the corner.
I am still considering going with Zorin OS (reinstall) on this computer I'm currently typing on. However, at this stage of my life time is the most important thing I have. I have a wife and kids and still work 20 hours/week part time online and need a reliable computer that I know will get the job done everyday without too many hassles. My other HP laptop that has Windows 11 is older so it doesn't leave the house. When I was in Miami a few months ago I picked up a refurbished 14" HP with Windows (3rd machine) that has been sitting quietly, waiting to see if one of my kids will deserve the right to be its future owner. As of today I have decided to break it out and start using it as my backup machine. That means I am putting the Zorin project (this computer) on hold for the time being. I need a break from solving Zorin issues.
However, I'm still curious about your comment:
"What you need is an OS and software that is written to work with your machine; not trying to force your machine to work its way.
And we can assemble that in less than an hour."
Can you please elaborate?
Also, let me take a moment to thank you and others here on the forum, as well as the many developers who have dedicated themselves to providing/supporting free/open source OS options like Zorin. I salute all of you!
There are two philosophies that can conflict.
The Linus Torvalds philosophy is: Software needs to adapt to the End User and the hardware.
The RHEL philosophy is: We know what's best and our software should govern the end result.
The Hardware you are struggling with predates the RHEL governance.
Hardware has its own OS. BIOS/EFI is the motherboard operating system. Windows OS or Zorin OS work alongside of EFI as an OS. They communicate with it, they do not dictate to it.
This is true of your NIC, your GPU, as well. They have their own operating systems. Zorin OS is the user side operating system with bridges allowing access to the other operating systems (drivers).
The Torvalds philosophy applied means that the software must collaborate with your hardware.
The RHEL philosophy is that it will do what it wants and the hardware needs to match it or be replaced.
If the hardware balks - apply force. If users question this; offer explanations that it is the better way.
When you feel like tackling the project, I recommend sticking with Zorin OS, but instead install Zorin OS Lite as a base, not Core.
We can configure much of what you like about Core, on Lite. Because "Lite" is not a lesser version. It is just Hardware and resource lighter.
I'm here not a good Advicer. I don't use a BackUp Tool. To back up my Data, I simply copy and paste them from Time to Time on an external Device and that's it.
A first Way would be to start the Bootstick and choose ''Try Zorin'' instead of directly install it to get in the so called Live Mode. Then the OS runs from the USB Stick. So, you can check first a couple Things like if Your Wifi works for Example.
Because of the Kernel: In the zorin 18 Repo's is an older Kernel (6.8) available what You could install and use instead of the 6.17 or now the new 7.0 Kernel.
Drivers depends a bit. The Kernel and Firmware Packages bring already Driver Support. So, there would be the Question if You will need to install Drivers. That can happen, yes. Like I already mentioned with Wifi Drivers for Example.
I personally install a Distro offline fir avoiding Issues during the Installation with bringing in Updates. And I have made here in the Forum the Experience that it can happen. Don't understand me wrong: It isn't a common Thing. And it doesn't have to happen. But so, I can do Ipdates after the Installation.
Doing it during the Installation can have Advantages, too like having already installed Wifi Drivers so everything is set up. So, it is a bit a Thing what You prefer.
Well, here would be the Question what in Detail was the Problem. but when You make a fresh Installation, the Packages are all installed new and on the Stand of that. So, when something was broken, it wouldn't be then.
100%.
I do not try to rely on a bloated tool for this, either. And it gets better.
Compress the files on your backup drive.
Then, you write a new sonnet, are really proud of it. Drag and drop it to the compressed directory on your backup drive... And it will compress into it. Painless.
You do no need to decompress, add the file, recompress.
Since I am in this same habit, backups happen dynamically instead of being on a timer. And they happen always after important data.
Example, Two days ago, I was doing some hefty SQL editing. The cat jumped onto the PC and paw pushed power button. Instant shutdown before I realized it.
But... because I was actively saving as I went after each change and action, when I booted back up, I was right where I left off with zero loss.
I would ask what you mean by "Similar"?
In functionality - Yes. Would it look like that, no.
But if you want a very similar look on top of that function - Yes if you install Rofi, which can do that quite well.
NOTE: Rofi is not a desktop environment - it is an addon you can install for use On Zorin OS Lite.
EDIT:
After a quick net search, I also found:
Which I think might do a better job of it than Rofi.
But I have not toyed with this one...
EDIT Two: After more reading... I am leaning heavily toward EWW, which uses its own markup language: YUCK.
I 100% will be trying this puppy out. This is right up my alley.
You could also look at Trinity Desktop. This is what KDE looked like before Plasma was launched. Q4OS has both 64-bit and 32-bit versions but the 32-bit does not offer a 'live' experience (think Try Zorin).
I notice this... this is for Advanced users. And there is another problem.
The maintainer set conflicting dependencies.
So, it needs cargo 1.81, but also sets a lock 4, which did not get introduced to Cargo until 1.83.
So, to overcome this, before trying to use cargo to install it, must edit the toolchain:
I get this error when running cargo build command (I have created the file before, but not used rustup to install cargo and rustc but the normal package manager.
It seems to work better with rustup, there the default channel is set by default to stable, but I ran out of RAM space during building and can't test it in a live session.
I'll take a look at remy now.
Edit: Oops...I have overlooked that remy is not for free...
But there is a trial version to test. Remy looks nice, but personally I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it. I'm not sure what works in the paid version, in the trial version many settings in the remy panel didn't work as they should.
Me, too. I did not overlook it, I did not know it.
I got caught up with EWW and have been playfully coding in YUCK in the evenings and forgot all about looking into Remy.
