A comprehensive documentation of my Linux environment, hardware optimizations, and remote development workflow.

• Model: Dell XPS 15 9500
• OS: Zorin OS (Pro/Core) - Wayland Desktop
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
• Primary Use: IT Student at Multimedia University (MMU) | Python & C++ Development

Documenting my solutions to common Linux hurdles.

Issue: Sidebar "Auto-hide" causing window manager crashes on Wayland. Solution: Forced X11 compatibility layer via Ozone flags.

Fix command used in .desktop entry
opera --ozone-platform=x11 --enable-features=UseOzonePlatform

Issue: Default UVC drivers causing grainy/dark video on the XPS sensor. Tool: Guvcview & v4l-utils.

Primary Change: Disabled Auto-Exposure and set Power Line Frequency to 50Hz (Malaysia standard).

Profile: Saved as mmu_webcam_profile.gpfl in this repo.

Enabled HEIF/HEIC thumbnail support via heif-thumbnailer.

Configured remote thumbnailing for NAS storage over Tailscale.

How I stay connected between my home rig and campus.

Host: Windows 11 Gaming Rig running Sunshine.

Client: Zorin OS laptop running Moonlight-Qt (Flatpak).

Optimization: 1080p @ 60FPS (Balanced Bitrate) for zero-latency coding/gaming over university Wi-Fi.

The Setup: Connected all devices (Laptop, Gaming PC, NAS) into a secure private mesh.

Wake-on-LAN: Implemented WoL via my Always-On NAS acting as a bridge to wake the gaming PC remotely.

Languages: Python 3.x, C++ (GCC/Clang)

Environment: VS Code (Remote-SSH to NAS)

Networking: Tailscale for remote port forwarding.

• Fractional Scaling: 125%
• Touchpad Gesture: libinput-gestures
• Thermal Management: TLP

Status: ✅ Optimized

• Optimization: Installed and configured TLP to handle aggressive power saving when on battery and maximum performance when plugged into AC.
• Result: Improved idle power draw on the XPS 15 9500 and managed thermal throttling more effectively.

# How to install on Zorin
sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw
sudo tlp start

If I ever need to reinstall Zorin, these are the first commands I run:

# Update and Install Essentials
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install v4l-utils ffmpegthumbnailer heif-thumbnailer

flatpak install flathub com.moonlight_stream.Moonlight

[ ] Automate dotfile symlinking with a setup script.

[ ] Configure Rclone for MMU OneDrive integration.

[x] Optimize battery life using TLP or Power-profiles-daemon.