I have a "macros" app for windows. It lets me use short cut keys to: 1- Load an app (e.g. ctrl-alt-c loads my calculator app) 2- Load a file (e.g. ctrl-alt-j loads my journal file) 3- Insert frequently used text into a document (e.g. shift-fn-a enters my address) REQUEST: If you know of a Linux app that will do these jobs, please let me know about it.
I run Zorin Pro, and it offers no options for using one of the standard desktops. Instead, It uses its own desktop set-up, based on Gnome or XFCE (I *think*), so as to give it a Windows look & feel.
Do they have a support forum? As a Pro license buyer, I suppose you have free support as well. So maybe opne a support request?
Zorin OS Pro support seems to be limited to installation support only. https://zorin.com/os/zorin-installation-support/ But there is a Zorin community forum, posting there could be worth a try. https://forum.zorin.com/
AutoKey may be able to do everything through it's script functionality. I use it to insert regularly used text into documents, so I know it should at least cover #3 for you.
@0strodamus -- Yes! I was very excited when I read the write-up on Autokey, especially since it has a GUI. However, there's a catch -- it needs scripts, and writing those scripts requires knowledge of Python programming language. So it's "Python you!" for Autokeys -- until I take a bit of time to learn Python basics. Could be fun -- I enjoyed learning Forth waay back when.
Autokey doesn't need scripts and I don't use the scripts functionality at all or know much about Python either. I do use phrases heavily and you don't need to write them in Python. They're very simple to create via the GUI. For example you create an abbreviation like "adr" and a phrase which is your actual address and whenever you type adr into anything Autokey will replace it with your address. No Python scripting needed. Also, your items 1 and 2 can be solved using Xfce's Application Shortcuts under Settings > Keyboard (if Zorin is indeed using Xfce).
@0strodamus - Thanks again for your help with AutoKaey (AK). I'm still trying to learn how to use AK's GUI. My Windows macros app used key combinations specified by the user. Examples: ctrl-alt-a printed my address shift-ctl-b printed the blessing-of-the-week that I use in closing emails to friends Based on your helpful comments, I have learned how to use abbreviations (such as "adr") to call & print phrases using AK. I can live with that method. However, I note that AK has a Hotkeys option so I am now trying to learn how to use Hotkeys instead of using tags such as "adr." So far I have managed to lock-up AK only 3 times. It's an adventurous learning curve, wot!
@0strodamus -- I am finally grooving with Autokey for repeat phrases, etc. Problem is, Autokeys works fine when I am typing on Libre or my notepad. However, it doesn't work when typing a comment here at Wilders. Should it work here? If so, I will keep reading tutorials.
I just tested it and it is working for me. I see that I am enabling the "Trigger immediately (don't require a trigger character)" option for my phrases, which isn't enabled by default. Maybe you can try that. I should also mention that I am using an older version, 0.90.4 (later versions ported from python2 to python3 and I get tired of recompiling things every time python updates).
I tried "Trigger immediately (don't require a trigger character)" & it worked online as well as on Libre. For me (maybe not you) the problem with this approach is that I use mnemonic abbreviations that help me remember their purpose. Sometimes my mnemonic abbreviations can be parts of words, so I must have a trigger character. Trigger character "Tab" didn't work online so I tried the only other option which is listed as "Space and Enter". To me, "Space AND Enter" meant hitting "Space" and "Enter" simultaneously. Since "Tab" didn't work online, your comment #12 above caused me to try other things. In messing around, I tried "Space and Enter" again but got sloppy and hit Space" without hitting "Enter". Shazam!! It worked! Turns out that hitting "Enter" alone was equally successful. The option should have read "Space OR Enter." Oh well, AutoKey is working great now, both online & offline. It's a MAJOR time-saver. 10Q to the nth power for helping me get it working.
