Compiz-Fusion On Ubuntu 7.10 “Gutsy Gibbin”
I’ve been playing around with Compiz-Fusion on my Macbook over the past week or so and realize it could make a good topic for a tutorial. The problem is that it took me *zero* configuration to get it going. While this is good and a great boost for Desktop users everywhere I don’t really have much to share with the wide-world on setting it up.
What I do have to share however are the key shortcuts and settings that I like to use.
Install Compiz Config Settings Manager
To customize your configuration you’ll want to install the compiz config settings manager tool. You can use your favorite package manager front-end or the command line to install:
sudo aptitude install compizconfig-settings-manager
This will add an entry to your System > Preferences menu listed as “Advanced Desktop Effects Settings”.
Make sure that you have “extra effects” turned on by navigating to System > Preferences > Appearance, selecting the Visual Effects tab, and selecting Custom at the bottom. Clicking the Preferences button will also launch the Compiz Config Settings Manager.
Configuration / Shortcuts
The settings that I like include:
- rotate cube
- desktop cube
- cube caps
- expo (must have!)
- wobbly windows
- water effect
- group and tab windows
- shift switcher
Once you have these selected you’ll be interested in the keyboard shortcuts to use them listed below:
- rotate cube : ctrl-alt-arrow or ctrl-alt-left-click and drag
- expo : super (windows button)-e
- water effects : shift-f9 (toggle)
- group and tab : select window with super-s, group with super-t, ungroup with super-u
- shift switcher : super-tab
While the cube is fun to look at I don’t think it provides any more functionality than standard virtual desktops. Expo on the other hand I think does add functionality by letting you lay out your displays to see the bigger picture, and reorganize windows as needed. group and tab is difficult to explain but this does add a good deal of functionality and organization to applications that may be related. this is a very cool feature. I also just prefer the shift switcher vs normal alt-tab look.
What are your favourite effects? What other shortcuts do you suggest?
UPDATE: For those still having issues getting Compiz working properly see my Compiz-Check and EnvyNG Configuration Tips post.
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this is awesome.
wnd day on linux and i can do this!
will upgrade my vaio tx from vista to gutsy gibbon!
thanks all, especially martin
I musta missed something.. I’m rather new to Unbuntu and Compiz after running the installs I’m stuck at the same 2 window problem. I can’t seem to find the “switch of visual effect = none”.. Can someone please provide the location on this feature/option?
Thanks in advance.
When I try to turn on visual effects in System>Preferences> Appearance it gives me an error saying “The composite extension is not available” Although I got the compiz control panel installed and configured fine
Great Thanks, simple and easy
Thanks Nilesh on October 30th, 2007 6:42 am
for the “Home + mouse scroll” Zoom tip, wonderful !
hello,
when i made my desktop settings to custom the graphics of compiz works but when i open any folder or application im not able to get close button, minimize, maximize for every application i m not able to find the problem……….
plz anyone of u help me out for this problem
thanking you
raju
Thanks for this tutorial, successfully configured compiz on my Ubuntu 64 box.
hi guy i have a computer with 702 mb ram celeron 2.79 ghz 64 mb via/s3g display driver
i have downloaded many games but games doesnot runs i waste much time so plz bro if u help me
i will very thankful of u r
plz give me the list of all games which is comptiable with my system and run easily
plz helppppp
thankzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Hey, do you know how to adjust the size of all windows so that they are evenly distributed. And i dont mean to select but so that it actually changes the sizes and then when you click on a window it doesnt just zoom to that screen.
thank you. was searching for shortcuts explanation. especially the super key.
I don’t think I had seen the following shortcut that shows the cube rotating from left to right, and up and down. Click the middle rolling button in your mouse (make sure that your mouse is on the background desktop, and not in any other window), move your mouse from left to right, up and down; the cube rotates as you do the motion. If you want to stay in a certain workstation; just release the button, and bingo!!!
Now, here is one of my own questions. I’m had seen the pointer encircle in what appears to be fire or smog, does any one know how to access this feature?
Thanks!!!
My cube caps are not coming what should I do which short cut etc.Ubuntu 9.04
thanks, this is great