I really enjoy using Zorin, especially since I managed to get my games up and running smoothly through Steam. However, I'm finding GNOME a bit limiting in terms of customization. I've tested Fedora KDE and Nobara KDE in a virtual machine, and I love how much I can tweak my desktop. Nobara is great too because it comes ready with NVIDIA and Steam support, plus Steam was already installed.
I've also heard that distro-hopping can be troublesome, and I'm reconsidering whether I should stick with Zorin because of its user-friendly Ubuntu roots. Is it possible to add KDE to Zorin? Can I customize GNOME enough to meet my needs? I tried checking gnome-look for themes and extensions, but their site is currently down.
My laptop is an Acer Nitro AN17-41 with an RTX 3060 graphics card, a Ryzen 7 processor, and 16 GB of DDR5 RAM. Essentially, I'm looking for a desktop environment that combines features from both Windows and macOS, like a centered app menu, a system tray on the right, pinned apps on the left, and the ability to minimize the taskbar when needed. I feel that KDE might be the perfect fit, but since I just set up Zorin two weeks ago, I'm torn on what to do next.
5 Answers
NVIDIA works well on Fedora, so you shouldn't have any issues there if you choose that path!
You might also consider EndeavourOS, which supports KDE and has decent NVIDIA support. Plus, Tuxedo OS is a solid choice if you're looking for something that blends KDE with an Ubuntu feel. Don't hesitate to explore options until you find what suits you best!
If you want an easy transition, you can try using the terminal to install KDE on Zorin by running 'sudo apt update' and then 'sudo apt install kde-standard'. After rebooting, just select KDE at the login screen. Alternatively, for a similar feel to macOS, Pop!_OS 22.04 is great with its tiling manager, but avoid upgrading to 24.04 right now.
For a Debian-based option, MX Linux is fantastic! If you prefer Fedora-based, go for Nobara. There’s also Garuda Linux which has good NVIDIA support and installs with proprietary drivers. If you're looking for something more Arch-based, CachyOS is an interesting choice. But honestly, if you want a user-friendly experience, Kubuntu is probably your best bet!
Before jumping to a new distro, why not try to customize Zorin first? Install GNOME Extensions and check out 'Dash to Panel' for a start. There are tons of threads and articles on other useful extensions. Also, look into the Evolve theme manager for more visual options! If it doesn't meet your needs after that, then consider switching to KDE. Distro hopping is okay if it helps you find the right fit!
Related Questions
How To Get Your Domain Unblocked From Facebook
How To Find A String In a Directory of Files Using Linux