Today, I wanna talk about setting up my Zorin Linux desktop and some extensions I found really helpful. I’m no expert, but I’ll walk you through what I did.
First off, I installed Zorin OS ’cause I heard it’s faster than Windows and it’s supposed to be super customizable. Plus, the software is free, which is always a bonus. Getting Zorin OS up and running was a breeze, especially ’cause it can run on older hardware and doesn’t eat up a lot of RAM. I like that it’s based on Ubuntu, so it feels solid and reliable.
Getting Started with Extensions
Once I got the OS installed, I wanted to tweak it to my liking. That’s where extensions come in. So, I opened up the Zorin Menu and went to “Accessories,” then “Extension Manager.” This is where you can find and install new extensions. The “Browse” tab lets you search for what you want. I typed in the name of an extension I heard about and hit “Install.” Super easy.
Cool Extensions I Found
- GameMode: I’m not a huge gamer, but I heard this extension can boost performance when you’re playing games. I thought, why not give it a shot?
- Zorin Menu and Taskbar: These were already there, but they’re worth mentioning. They’re 100% original extensions developed by Artyom for Zorin OS, and they make navigating around the desktop a breeze. I also found out that Dash to Panel and Arc Menu are forks of these. Cool, huh?
I explored a bunch of other extensions, just trying things out. I wanted to improve my productivity and also make the desktop look a bit nicer. There are tons of options out there, but you gotta be careful ’cause not all of them are compatible with Zorin’s version of GNOME Shell (3.30.2, if you’re curious).
What I Learned
Playing around with these extensions, I learned that Zorin OS is pretty awesome for customizing your desktop. The Extension Manager makes it super easy to find and install new stuff. I also realized that the community around Zorin and GNOME is huge, and there are tons of resources out there if you get stuck.
So, that’s my little adventure with Zorin Linux and its extensions. I’m still exploring, but so far, I’m really liking the setup. It’s fast, it’s customizable, and it’s free. If you’re thinking about trying out Linux, Zorin OS is a great place to start, and these extensions can make your experience even better.