cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/50117987

I’m having an issue in linux mint 22.3 cinnamon where the GUI locks up but audio still plays and the mouse cursor still moves. The solution is to press ctrl+alt+f1 to take me to a terminal and then press ctrl+alt+f7 to go back to the GUI. Then everything works fine. Forgive me, I do not know what to call the terminal when accessing ctrl+alt+f1 other than tty1.

I also have an issue where when using a browser (librewolf / waterfox / zen) and using the pop out video window, sometimes over time it will lock in the main browser window and the solution is to minimise and restore the window. Sounds related.

I am new to linux and not sure where to start. I think there is something up with the cinnamon desktop environment but I do not know what. Hardware has been stress tested, multiple components, multiple days. I think it is a software issue but could be wrong, that is why I am asking for help.

Any help / thoughts much appreciated.

Thank you.

  • EnsignWashout@startrek.website
    1·
    4 days ago

    Wobbly windows are fun! I also turned them off for stability. I should try them again sometime.

    Adding additional DEs on Debian variants (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint) has always just plugged them in to my login page as a drop-down to choose between.

    So I consider it pretty low risk. The main cost is disk space.

    If the DE freezes up, a hard power button reboot will stop at the login page and allow choosing a different one, as long as the “automatic login” setting is turned off (and as long as I know I password).