What is Zenclora?

Zenclora is a Debian-based desktop Linux distribution optimized for stability, gaming, and daily use. Built with a philosophy of simplicity and peace, Zenclora eliminates bloat and complexity while providing powerful tools for modern computing.

Key features include:

  • ZPM (Zen Package Manager) - Install apps with simple, elegant commands
  • Optimized GNOME Desktop - Beautiful, minimal, and customized interface
  • Debian Stable Base - Rock-solid foundation with security updates

Installation

Step 1: Download the ISO file from our website or SourceForge.

Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive using Ventoy, Rufus, or Balena Etcher.

Step 3: Enter your BIOS and boot from the USB drive.

Step 4: Choose "Live Mode" to try Zenclora, or start the Debian Installer for permanent installation.

Note: If using NVIDIA GPU, ensure nouveau driver compatibility or install proprietary drivers after installation using zen install nvidia-driver

Live Mode Exit: When shutting down in Live mode, press Enter at the Plymouth screen to safely remove the live medium.

ZPM - Zen Package Manager

ZPM is Zenclora's unified package manager that simplifies software installation. No more searching for repositories, adding GPG keys, or running multiple commands. Just use zen.

Basic Usage

zen install <package>    # Install a package
zen remove <package>     # Remove a package
zen update               # Update system and packages
zen list                 # List available packages
zen help                 # Show help message

Available Packages

Gaming

zen install steam            # Steam with all dependencies
zen install gaming-pack      # Lutris, Wine, MangoHud, GameMode

Browsers

zen install chrome           # Google Chrome
zen install librewolf        # LibreWolf 
zen install brave            # Brave Browser
zen install mullvad-browser  # Mullvad Browser

AI & Development

zen install windsurf         # Windsurf AI Editor
zen install antigravity      # Antigravity AI
zen install ollama           # Run local AI models
zen install vscode           # Visual Studio Code
zen install docker           # Docker with Compose

Media & Productivity

zen install spotify          # Spotify
zen install signal           # Signal Messenger
zen install editor-pack      # GIMP, Krita, Inkscape
zen install producer-pack    # Ardour, Audacity, LMMS
zen install office-pack      # LibreOffice suite

System & Performance

zen install flatpak          # Flatpak with Flathub
zen install snap             # Snap package manager
zen install liquorix         # Liquorix gaming kernel
zen install nvidia-driver    # NVIDIA proprietary driver
zen install rust             # Rust via rustup

Privacy

zen install mullvad-vpn      # Mullvad VPN client

System Utilities

zen system dns         # Interactive DNS configuration
zen system zram        # ZRAM swap management
zen system net         # Network information  
zen system cleanup     # Clean system cache and logs
zen system optimize    # Quick memory and cache optimization
zen system mitigations # CPU security settings (Spectre/Meltdown)
zen system info        # Detailed system information
zen system services    # Manage systemd services
zen system packages    # View installed packages
zen system logs        # View and manage system logs
zen system netfix      # Reset network rules (iptables/DNS)
zen system aptfix      # Fix APT/dpkg issues

Zen Tools

zen tools formatusb    # Format USB drives (FAT32, NTFS, ext4, exFAT)
zen tools debinstaller # Install .deb packages from file or URL
zen tools filemanager  # File permissions, ownership, search, delete

System Utilities

ZPM includes powerful system management utilities accessible via zen system. These tools help you maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot your system.

DNS Configuration

Easily switch between popular DNS providers with persistent settings:

sudo zen system dns

Options: Google, Cloudflare, Quad9, AdGuard, OpenDNS, or custom DNS servers.

ZRAM Management

Configure compressed RAM-based swap for better performance:

sudo zen system zram

Benefits: Faster than disk swap, extends SSD lifespan, effective memory compression.

System Optimization

Free up memory and clear system caches instantly:

sudo zen system optimize

This command syncs filesystem, clears memory caches, optimizes swap, flushes network buffers, and runs SSD TRIM.

CPU Mitigations

Control CPU security mitigations (Spectre/Meltdown) for performance tuning:

sudo zen system mitigations

Warning: Disabling mitigations improves performance but reduces security.

System Information

Get detailed hardware and software information:

zen system info

Shows: OS, Kernel, CPU, Memory, Storage, GPU, Network, Services, and Security status.

Service Manager

Manage systemd services interactively:

sudo zen system services

Actions: Start, Stop, Restart, Enable, Disable, Mask, Unmask, View Logs.

Package Viewer

Explore installed packages on your system:

zen system packages

Features: List all, search, view details, recently installed, package count, largest packages.

Log Viewer

View and manage system logs:

zen system logs

Options: System logs, kernel logs, boot logs, auth logs, application logs, live stream, clear old logs.

Network Reset

Reset all network rules and configurations:

sudo zen system netfix

Flushes iptables, resets nftables, clears DNS cache, resets routing, restarts network services.

APT Repair

Fix common APT and dpkg issues:

sudo zen system aptfix

Checks for locks, broken packages, fixes dependencies, cleans cache, updates package lists.

Zen Tools

ZPM provides utility tools for common system tasks via zen tools.

USB Formatter

Format USB drives with various filesystems:

sudo zen tools formatusb

Supported formats: FAT32 (cross-platform), NTFS (Windows), ext4 (Linux), exFAT (large files).

Features: Automatic device detection, safety checks to prevent formatting system drives.

DEB Installer

Install .deb packages easily:

sudo zen tools debinstaller

Options: Install from local file, install from URL, view recently installed packages.

File Manager

File management utilities from the terminal:

sudo zen tools filemanager

Operations: Change permissions (chmod), change ownership (chown), find files, find large files, delete files/directories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zenclora OS?

Zenclora OS is a Debian-based, stability-focused Linux distribution designed for everyday use. It combines the rock-solid foundation of Debian with optimized performance and a curated user experience.

What makes Zenclora OS different from other Linux distributions?

  • ZPM (Zen Package Manager) — A custom-built package and system manager designed exclusively for Zenclora OS.
  • Performance Tuning — Kernel-level optimizations that make Zenclora noticeably faster than vanilla Debian.
  • Polished Desktop — A beautifully customized GNOME desktop environment out of the box.

What is ZPM (Zen Package Manager)?

ZPM is a package and system manager that lets you install popular software not found in the official Debian repositories with a single command. It also simplifies complex system management tasks and includes a set of helpful utility tools.

For example:

sudo zen install brave steam vscode
sudo zen remove steam
sudo zen system dns
sudo zen tools formatusb

That's it — simple and straightforward.

The goal of ZPM is to save users time, make Linux easier to use, prevent security risks from untrusted third-party repositories, and provide a clean, well-organized system.

Why is Zenclora OS more performant than stock Debian?

Zenclora OS applies kernel-level tweaks and disables unnecessary kernel features to boost overall system performance. These optimizations result in a snappier, more responsive experience compared to a default Debian installation.

Is NVIDIA supported?

Yes! After installing Zenclora OS, simply run:

sudo zen install nvidia-driver

This will automatically detect and install the correct proprietary driver for your GPU.

Can I play games on Zenclora OS?

Absolutely. Zenclora OS's performance optimizations provide a smooth gaming experience, and ZPM gives you quick access to gaming software like Steam, Lutris, Wine, and more.

I'm completely new to Linux. Is Zenclora OS right for me?

If you're eager to learn Linux and aren't afraid of the terminal, then yes — Zenclora OS is a great choice. ZPM handles much of the complexity for you, making the learning curve much gentler.

Where can I follow new releases and updates?

Updates and announcements are posted on our YouTube channel and X (Twitter) account.

I found a bug. What should I do?

Send an email to root0emir@protonmail.com with a detailed description of the issue. If it's a Zenclora-side bug, it will be addressed in the next update.

System Requirements

Component Minimum (Runs) Recommended (Smooth Experience)
Processor (CPU) 1.0 GHz Dual-Core (64-bit) 2.0 GHz+ Quad-Core
Memory (RAM) 2 GB 4 GB or more
Storage (Disk) 10 GB (System only) 25 GB+ (Including apps and data)
Graphics (GPU) Integrated Graphics (Intel HD, etc.) GPU with 3D acceleration support
Display Resolution 1024 × 768 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)

Known Issues

Wrong language after installation

After installing Zenclora OS, the system language may default to English instead of your selected language. This is caused by a compatibility issue between the Debian installer and GNOME. To fix it, go to GNOME Settings → Region & Language and select your preferred language.

Plymouth screen hangs on shutdown in Live mode

When shutting down in Live mode, the Plymouth splash screen may appear stuck. Simply press Enter to proceed and safely remove the live medium.

NVIDIA Driver Installation

Installing the NVIDIA proprietary driver on Zenclora OS is as simple as a single command:

sudo zen install nvidia-driver

ZPM will automatically detect your GPU and install the appropriate driver version. Once the installation is complete, reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Zenclora Commands

Display system information with Zenclora branding:

zenclora-fetch

This command shows your system specs, Zenclora version, and ASCII art in a beautiful terminal output.

Contact

Lead Developer: root0emir@protonmail.com

X (Twitter): @root0emir

GitHub: @root0emir