Compiz Fusion & other decorators

Source

What is Compiz Fusion?

Compiz is what is known as a "compositing manager." It enables your desktop to run faster than with traditional window managers, and allows you to be more productive. Compiz controls the effects you see on your desktop: Shadows, animations, "the cube," and a whole bundle of other fun effects.

How do I know if Compiz is enabled (How can I disable Compiz?)

On Ubuntu 7.10 and up:
Open System > Preferences > Appearance. Click on the Visual Effects tab. If Compiz and desktop effects are enabled, Normal, Extra, or Custom will be selected. If Compiz is disabled, None will be selected. To switch modes, simply click on another selection. Changes take effect immediately.

Why is my card "Blacklisted?" (also applies to ATI chipsets)

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765875

What is a quicker way to enable/disable Compiz? - Gourgi

Install the package fusion-icon and reload your session for a notification icon to switch between Compiz and the standard window manager.

How can I install Beryl? - FuturePilot

Beryl was merged back into the Compiz project to create what is now know as Compiz Fusion. Beryl is no longer supported or developed meaning that if there is a bug, no one will fix it. Therefore it is recommended that you use Compiz Fusion which comes installed by default in Ubuntu.

How can I get Custom to appear in the Visual Effects dialog?

Custom only appears if the package simple-ccsm is installed. When you install simple-ccsm, a new selection will be available in Visual Effects, which allows you to customize what effects are active on your desktop. You can also customize the effects from System > Preferences > Simple CompizConfig Settings Manager.

Simple CompizConfig Settings Manager doesn't provide enough options or effects. Are there more?

Simple CompizConfig is just that, simple. If you are looking for more options, install the package compizconfig-settings-manager. Be sure to keep simple-ccsm installed so that the Custom option remains available in Visual Effects.

You can also access it from System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings or by opening a terminal (or Alt+F2) and typing ccsm.

Desktop Effects could not be enabled?

See the following thread to find out why:Compiz-Check

Is compiz for Ubuntu and Kubuntu only? - aimpau

Nope! Xubuntu has it too!
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=934934

Just to add, if you want to use emerald for window decorations, don't forget to type in alt+f2:

Code:

emerald --replace

The gtk-window-decorator cannot be controlled by Applications > Settings > Settings Manager > Window Manager since it only control xfwm4. However, you can load .cgwdtheme files through the terminal. I recommended emerald since it is really cool.

Where did my window borders go? - cc7gir

This is a common mistake caused by disabling some plugins in CompizConfig Settings Manager. To fix, open the manager (System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager) and find the "Window Decorations" plugin. Check the box and you're all set.

How can I get the "cube" effect? - overdrank

(Image) First, install compizconfig-settings-manager. Then, in System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings, go to General Options, Desktop Size tab, and make sure Horizontal Virtual Size is set to 4. Go back to the main window, and enable the Desktop Cube and Rotate Cube plugins.
You can "spin" the cube by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Left and Ctrl+Alt+Right, or hold Ctrl+Alt and click and drag.

What is the "dodge" effect?

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=899195

How do I beam up my windows to space? - aimpau

Capt. Picard: Prepare to beam up.
Data: Beaming up in 6 nanoseconds.

Press alt+f2 and type in

Code:

ccsm

(Alternatively, go to System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings in GNOME)

Go to Animations and on the close animation tab, click on the top animation (by default, that would be Glide 2) and press edit. Look for Beam, click ok and close. That's it! Enjoy

What are some other keyboard shortcuts? - wolfen69

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...34&postcount=5

How do I install a Compiz plugin from git? - AstalaVista

7.10 Gutsy
8.04 Hardy

What is Emerald? - _DD_

Emerald is a replacement window decorator which supports many more effects than gtk-window-decorator, GNOME's built-in window decorator.

How do I install and enable Emerald?

Install the emerald package from Synaptic.
The package emerald-themes provides some themes to use in 8.04, but it is currently missing from the repositories. Themes must be installed manually for the time being.

To enable Emerald on login, go to System > Preferences > Sessions. Click the Add button, and type in Emerald for Name and emerald --replace for Command. Click OK and close the Sessions window. The next time you sign in, Emerald will be running.

Themes
Where can I download additional themes for my desktop?

Themes for Ubuntu (GNOME) can be found at:

• GNOME Art
• GNOME-Look
• deviantART

Themes for Kubuntu can be found at:

• KDE-Look
• deviantART

How can I install a custom cursor theme? - Armed Nuke

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=820245

Other
What is the Mac-like dock I see in some screenshots?

The dock is known as Avant Window Navigator. Instructions on how to install and configure it are available here:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=762363

Another dock available is Cairo-dock: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=878603

How do I get desktop widgets? - smartboyathome

There are several programs which allow you to put widgets on the desktop. The most popular is a program called Screenlets. To install it, open up System > Preferences > Synaptic Package Manager, and search for "screenlets". Install the "screenlets" package that comes up by double clicking on it and clicking apply on the top bar. Once it is installed, go to Applications > Accessories > Screenlets (or System > Preferences > Screenlets) and enable the screenlets that you want.

I really love these Screenlets, are there more? - Gourgi

Of course! You can download screenlets either from the 3rd party Screenlets Repository or from the Gnome-look Screenlets section.

My Screenlets package is outdated, how can I get an up to date package? - Gourgi

Add these to your sources in System > Administration > Software Sources; Third Party Software; Add.
Gutsy:

Code:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu gutsy main universe

Hardy

Code:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu hardy main universe

See http://screenlets.org/index.php/Download for additional sources.

How can I set up different wallpapers for each virtual desktop, with Conky, and get rid of GNOME panels?

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...4&postcount=39

Useful Links

• http://forlong.blogage.de/article/20...piz-Fusion-074
• http://linuxowns.wordpress.com/2008/...look-and-feel/