Disable graphical desktop-workspace effects

[CharlieDaves]

So. I've been trying to upgrade my very old hardware, and I just cant. My current setup is 22.04 main computer (Host) with a VM running 24.04.
Hence this is 24.04.

The VM is only running thunderbird as the "update" or "Upgrade" stated something like "we are upgrading to snaps. do you want to proceed? Answer is [yes] (same as SocialMedia)
I didn't get a choice, and I can't go backwards. I was forced to have 24.04 on a VM, strictly for emails.

I've gone through Host and VM and disabled everything I can. (I really need to keep desktop-corner = show all desktops) so I can switch between Host and VM

However both systems are slower than molasses in winter, when the VM is running and FULL SCREEN. When VM is minimised the host runs better.
I notice the mouse is 'jerky' and doesn't move around the screen.
I notice when I open an email, it can take 10-15 seconds before it 'opens on the screen'
I notice that if I hit <enter> to open an email, it can take 10-15seconds to 'open on the screen' but the mouse might still be slowly responding.
Those types of things...

So.
Q- What else and how do I, disable pretty much everything graphical (except desktop switching) and also leave some basic colours or mouse, other than Mac version1 looking screen

If possible something that looks Okay to good on HOST. Usable on VM 24.04.

I know off-topic, but if there are any suggestions that apply to the host machine that could also improve system responses, by disabling any non-essential stuff running in the background, like vaults, or cloud-stuff, or updates (already done that), something else that a personal desktop doesn't need. Even if you post a list of things to disable and I can do the Internet.Search on how to disable (and what it is and does)

Thanks

[Snowhog]

How much RAM is in the Host PC, and how much video memory did you specify in the VM?

[claydoh]

I didn't get a choice, and I can't go backwards

You can ditch snap altogether on 22.04, via a lovely script from Schwarzer Kater

https://gitlab.com/scripts94/kubuntu-get-rid-of-snap

There is a script specifically for Thunderbird from them, but it does not support, or maybe is not tested on 22.04?

However, Mozilla have a PPA you can use to install Thunderbird as a deb. Are you using the Snap for Firefox still? If so, removing snap also removes Firefox, and you can use this to get FF as well, if you are not using a different source already.

This would be an option that removes the need for a VM altogether.

Another similar option is to download Thunderbird directly from Mozilla. This will be a file that you extract, and is a self-contained setup not needing an installation, you just double-click an executable filer inside the directory. I believe that this is self-updating as well. The folder can live anywhere, but you would need to manually create a menu entry for it if you want one.


To stop the compositor for doing any accelerated effects, try hitting alt-shift-f12. inside the vm --test it out on your 22.04 to see what it does.
If the VM is not using GPU accelerated graphics, it may not do anything, but you should notice it on your regular desktop. This should not affect the corner actions -- I *think* , just the animations, as well as things like panel translucency. On my particular 24.04 VM (qemu via virt-manager), the corner actions don't work at all, so I may well be wrong. A more 'normal' VM software may behave differently.

Now, VM performance depends on your system, among other things.

Which VM software are you using?
Can you tell us what CPU or computer model you have?

Check your BIOS for settings that can help with hardware level virtualization support -- usually “Intel VT-x,” “AMD-V,” or something similar, if you have anything for that available. Even old CPUS support this, but it does depend on the manufacturer's BIOS if these settings are available.

The next thing to look at is the VM's settings for graphics. There are often different virtual GPU 'drivers' one can try, look for that, as well as settings for 3D acceleration. Enabling 3d accel might help here as it can offload your graphics to the gpu instead of rendering things using the CPU, and may make for a much smoother experience.

[CharlieDaves]

How much RAM is in the Host PC, and how much video memory did you specify in the VM?

Ram 12gig. Video = 2g GeForce GT-710 (Linux Open Source Driver)
FYI. I had 2 VM's that worked very well, until I had to upgrade the HOST to 22.04. Even then the old (very old) Windows VM worked Okay.

[CharlieDaves]

You can ditch snap altogether on 22.04, via a lovely script from Schwarzer Kater

https://gitlab.com/scripts94/kubuntu-get-rid-of-snap

I am 92.639 --> 98.6333333 % sure I have done that already. Thanks for the tip & thanks to Schwarzer Kater for providing it.

There is a script specifically for Thunderbird from them, but it does not support, or maybe is not tested on 22.04?
However, Mozilla have a PPA you can use to install Thunderbird as a deb. Are you using the Snap for Firefox still? If so, removing snap also removes Firefox, and you can use this to get FF as well, if you are not using a different source already.
This would be an option that removes the need for a VM altogether.
Another similar option is to download Thunderbird directly from Mozilla. This will be a file that you extract, and is a self-contained setup not needing an installation, you just double-click an executable filer inside the directory. I believe that this is self-updating as well. The folder can live anywhere, but you would need to manually create a menu entry for it if you want one.

I don't use SNAP. IMHO, IMPO it's crap-tac-u-lar. I personally would rather Win11 built in spy User Enhanced software than snap.

Thanks. I've considered the manual DL and Install option for TB, but not being able to update has caused issues in the past.

Removal of the VM. As I just posted, I've always had VM's in the past and they have worked well. No noticeable system lag. Even on my previous 22.04 Host system.
I am aware of increased visual stuff added, to 'improve' newer OS versions, even if I don't really care about it.

To stop the compositor for doing any accelerated effects, try hitting alt-shift-f12. inside the vm --test it out on your 22.04 to see what it does.
If the VM is not using GPU accelerated graphics, it may not do anything, but you should notice it on your regular desktop. This should not affect the corner actions -- I *think* , just the animations, as well as things like panel translucency. On my particular 24.04 VM (qemu via virt-manager), the corner actions don't work at all, so I may well be wrong. A more 'normal' VM software may behave differently.

Now, VM performance depends on your system, among other things.

Which VM software are you using?
Can you tell us what CPU or computer model you have?

Check your BIOS for settings that can help with hardware level virtualization support -- usually “Intel VT-x,” “AMD-V,” or something similar, if you have anything for that available. Even old CPUS support this, but it does depend on the manufacturer's BIOS if these settings are available.

The next thing to look at is the VM's settings for graphics. There are often different virtual GPU 'drivers' one can try, look for that, as well as settings for 3D acceleration. Enabling 3d accel might help here as it can offload your graphics to the gpu instead of rendering things using the CPU, and may make for a much smoother experience.

VirtualBox Version 6.1. It was the lowest version that would run Ku-24.04.. (and my previous VM's)(which I have moved to a different PC)
Intel 661 (2 core 4 Thread) CPU... (Hey I can purchase a replacement from Ebay for $10... Woo Hoo)
BIOS (and I think CPU) does support VT-x, and last time I check it was enabled, as I've always had at least 2 VM's...
claydoh I am not to sure on this console alt-shift-f12. I assume it's that thing that annoys me at the top of my screen. Looks like a single command line (console) box.
&& I don't have (virt-manager) install. Should I ?
attached is screen shot of 22.04VM graphics settings. Hope it helps

[Snowhog]

Ram 12gig. Video = 2g

Not much in either category. But it is what you have in this rig.

In your image above, you're allocating 32 MB for Video Memory in the VM. I'd push it to the max of 128 MB.

[CharlieDaves]

Not much in either category. But it is what you have in this rig.

In your image above, you're allocating 32 MB for Video Memory in the VM. I'd push it to the max of 128 MB.

Done. 128MB...

[claydoh]

If you've already removed snap, the Mozilla PPA is a good way to get Thunderbird.

For a single use or light VM, why not use Xubuntu or Kubuntu? It will be much lighter than Plasma and definitely less gpu intensive.

On your VM, try enabling 3d acceleration.
I'm not sure which graphics controller option is better.