XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index)

g14 · 11:22 AM

WARNING - This howto is outdated, please check this sticky instead: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=272104 - Artificial Intelligence

This is not a support thread! Ask questions in the compiz forum

So what is this whole Xgl/compiz thing I keep hearing is so darn cool?

I started this thread as a place to put the best of the other compiz threads and common issues into a central place making them easier to find.

Installation

Compiz works fine on any videocard supporting Directx 9.0 and pixelshaders. This is known to work well on Nvidia Geforce FX >= 5200 and ATI >= 95xx. Compiz will also run on older or non 3d accelerated hardware, but not without choppy/slow effects and possibly freezes.

Building Xgl/compiz from source code
Xgl/compiz on an Nvidia video card
Xgl/compiz with an Nvidia video card on AMD64
Xgl/compiz on an Nvidia video card with KDE
Xgl/compiz on an Ati video card
Xgl/compiz on an Intel i915 video card with DRI
Xgl/compiz on an Intel i810 video card with Breezy Badger (Ubuntu 5.10)
Aiglx/compiz on an Intel i915 video card compiz seems to have better performance on Aiglx with this video card.

Once you have it working

Installing the latest compiz with all of the new goodies.
NOTE: You should be running this later version of compiz/Xgl for some of the other how-tos in this thread to work

http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?id=2 Overview

Code:

sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

Add this to the very end:

Code:

deb http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz/ dapper main
deb http://xgl.compiz.info/ dapper main

Run these following commands and you will have the latest version of Xgl and QuinnStorm's newest compiz.

Code:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

An easy way to restart compiz and switch back to metacity if you don't like it
http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?pid=11734
Download compiz-start.py, and logo24.png from this website and save it in your home directory. Then you can run these commands to properly install it:

Code:

chmod 755 compiz-start.py
sudo mv compiz-start.py /usr/bin/
sudo mv logo24.png /usr/share/icons/

Next, you can manually run the command 'compiz-start.py' from a terminal to see if it works (it should). If it does, go to
System ---> Preferences ---> Sessions ---> Startup ---> Add: and add a line that says compiz-start.py. If you use compiz-start.py, make sure to remove anything from your session that looks like this:

Code:

gnome-window-decorator
compiz --replace gconf
thefuture

If you don't, compiz could start twice and mess things up. This is nice to restart compiz when unstable plugins like dock crash it or when you want to switch back to metacity to play opengl games. You need to logout and back in for these changes to take effect.

Mandatory Screenshot:

Xgl CVS
NOTE: If you add QuinnStorm's apt repository, you shouldn't need to do this as the latest Xgl CVS is updated by reggaemanu.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=148860

Setting a video or screensaver on your desktop for an animated wallpaper.

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=146533

Installing a graphical tool to change compiz configuration instead of gconf-editor.
Use QuinnStorm's repository and then run the following command:

Code:

sudo apt-get install gset-compiz gcompizthemer

Then you can run gset-compiz for a nice graphical configuration tool and gcompizthemer for a theme configuration tool. If you use compiz-start.py, you can right click on the compiz icon in your tray and go to configuration to bring up gset-compiz for you. Just make sure to install it.

Poking around at the compiz configuration.

Open up gconf-editor from a terminal or from the run dialog (ALT F2 in gnome) and browse to /apps/compiz.

Making CTRL ALT Delete open up the system monitor like in windows.

Code:

gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/run_command1 "<Control><Alt>Delete"
gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/command1 "gnome-system-monitor"

Making the Print Screen button actually work again.

Code:

gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/run_command0 "Print"
gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/command0 "gnome-screenshot"

For people that want to enable the MacOS X style scale plugin by moving the mouse to the corner of the screen
1.) Install the software you need.

Code:

gconftool-2 --set --type list /apps/compiz/plugins/scale/screen0/options/corners "TopRight"

Common Annoyances:

Keyboard Shortcuts Don't Seem to Work
Go to System --> Preferences --> Keyboard and change your keyboard layout. I had this problem with my Microsoft Natural 4000 keyboard.

gconf-editor is crashing and says *** glibc detected *** free(): invalid pointer: 0x0837d4b0 *** from the terminal.

This fix takes a few steps, but is still pretty easy.
From a terminal or from deskbar-applet, type "gedit ~/.rungconf.sh".
Paste and then save the following into it:
Code:
#!/bin/bash
G_SLICE=always-malloc gconf-editor
From a terminal, chmod 755 ~/.rungedit.sh. Note that the . before the name will make it hidden so type ls -a if you want to see the file.

Right click at an empty spot on your panel --> Add to Panel --> Custom Application Launcher.

The name doesn't matter, but type in /home/yourusername/.rungedit.sh for the command and make sure to select an icon.

Hit Ok and now you have a way to get to gconf-editor without it crashing.

Fixing ATI x700 XGL Hard locks

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=150854

Minimizing windows shows an ugly black border around them or is choppy.

Code:

gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /apps/panel/global/enable_animations "False"
gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /desktop/gnome/interface/enable_animations "False"

Animations like wobbly windows or the cube are choppy.

There is a patch in Xgl cvs that prevents Xgl from slowing down when the CPU is maxed out. If you install the version of Xgl from QuinnStorm's repository, you shouldn't notice this problem.

Code:

gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/detect_refresh_rate "False"
gconftool-2 --set --type integer /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/refresh_rate "60"

rdesktop connections are transparent and hard to see or look strange.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...27&postcount=4

Some windows wont let me move them.

Hold ALT and drag the window to move it or update to the latest compiz from QuinnStorm's repositories.

Some windows won't let me close them.

Try ALT F4 or update to the latest compiz from QuinnStorm's repositories. If you are on a laptop or a weird keyboard, make sure the fn key is enabled.

Some windows won't let me resize them.

Hold ALT, right click and drag the window.

Feel free to leave a reply if you have suggestions or new threads that I should put in here. I will update this post as often as I can.[/quote]

hezral

great thanks!

krusbjorn · 05:29 PM

*** THIS POST IS EXTREMELY DEPRECATED ***

In this post I will try to summarize the first thread you mentioned under "Once you got it working", in which there has been an amazing activity during the last couple of days. The first post contains a guide by DeeZiD that makes installing xgl and compiz piece of cake.

Far back in the thread, QuinnStorm has attached compiz, compiz-gnome, compiz-kde packages as well as a fresh snapshot of gnome-window-decorator, that adds A LOT of functionality and solves all three annoyances you mentioned. See this post for the compiz* debs:

The current plugins (except for the usual cube, decoration, fade, move, place, resize, rotate, scale, switcher, wobbly and zoom) in the "Quinndebs" are:

Minimize:
Makes windows "zoom in" from the mouse pointer when opened, and "zoom out" to the mouse pointer when closed. (Cred to QuinnStorm)

Opaquefocus:
Athropos came up with a plugin that allows to set opacity for unfocused windows. Quinnstorm patched it to allow to set opacity for the focused window, and _avatar patched it further, to allow to set brightness and saturation for unfocused windows. The fade effect speed in this plugin is directly dependent on the speed set in the fade plugin.

There are also extended functionality for these plugins:

Move:
moving_window_opacity_level - set opacity level for windows being moved. (Cred to QuinnStorm)

Switcher:
all_desktops - when unchecked, only the windows in the current workspace will appear in the switcher. (Cred to QuinnStorm)

Scale:
Athropos hacked the scale plugin, and added the ability to set the opacity for unfocused windows when using the scale (exposé-like) plugin.

Quinn also just a couple of hours ago compiled the latest update of the gnome-window-decorator, and attached the binary and the source code to this post. This includes Quinn's hack that lets ju move, resize and close dialog windows (like the search dialog in synaptic), adds options to have windows stay on top and stick to all workspaces (when right-clicking the menubar), and solves a couple of bugs. To install, simply replace /usr/bin/gnome-window-decorator (but backup the old one first!), and restart it.

Also, Athropos made a plugin called transset that lets you in advance set opacity levels for any application you want, which is applied to the window when you execute the app. See this post. Note that the opaquefocus plugin brutally will reset any opacity levels set by transset, if enabled. (This plugin is not yet in Quinns debs, but she says that it will as soon as she gets ahold of the source code).

I'm not 100% sure that I got everything summarized here, but I think so. I also hope that I have given credits to the right people, but the speed of which new patches and plugins have arrived has been so great it has been really hard to keep track. I apologise if I have made any mistakes, and please drop me a PM if you encounter any incorrectly stated facts.

Finally, Who is running a blog in which he tries to keep up with the latest and greatest in a more overviewable way. If you don't have the time or commitment to read the entire thread, at least look through his blog. It makes this mess more than overviewable, but is more detailed than this post. http://compiz.blogspot.com/. For directions for how to use those plugins, check the blog or search through the thread.

As I stated earlier, this post ONLY summarizes what has been going on in this particular thread. I will try to keep this post updated as far as that thread concerns.

-Krusbjorn

EDIT: To stay updated with QuinnStorm's packages, check this thread out.

AnThOnYhO

Good thread.

TrinitronX

Ah... finally one main thread to sort out all the different ones.
I've got a suggestion for something to add to common annoyances section.

Choppy/Laggy window wobble effects
Go into gconf-editor and change the key apps->compiz->general->screen0->options->refresh_rate to 60.

mfarley

Thank You!!!

And maybe add to the list of annoyances:

-Unable to adjust mouse sensitivity via GUI

palermi

good job ! now it more easy find a solution.

The best post is http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=139265 .

QuinnStorm is the best !

mcduck

To remove those ugly wireframe animations that Gnome has by default:
Open gconf-editor, go to apps/panel/global and deselect 'enable_animations'

This makes Compiz animations smoother, as your machine is not trying to do two different animations at the same time for the same window

Eklöf

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcduck

To remove those ugly wireframe animations that Gnome has by default:
Open gconf-editor, go to apps/panel/global and deselect 'enable_animations'

This makes Compiz animations smoother, as your machine is not trying to do two different animations at the same time for the same window

That was a good tip. I have been disturbed by those a long time now..

palermi

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcduck

To remove those ugly wireframe animations that Gnome has by default:
Open gconf-editor, go to apps/panel/global and deselect 'enable_animations'

This makes Compiz animations smoother, as your machine is not trying to do two different animations at the same time for the same window

thank, but the effect for recycle bin no change

March 21st, 2006	#1
g14 A Carafe of Ubuntu Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hollywood, CA Beans: 46	XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) WARNING - This howto is outdated, please check this sticky instead: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=272104 - Artificial Intelligence This is not a support thread! Ask questions in the compiz forum So what is this whole Xgl/compiz thing I keep hearing is so darn cool? I started this thread as a place to put the best of the other compiz threads and common issues into a central place making them easier to find. Installation Compiz works fine on any videocard supporting Directx 9.0 and pixelshaders. This is known to work well on Nvidia Geforce FX >= 5200 and ATI >= 95xx. Compiz will also run on older or non 3d accelerated hardware, but not without choppy/slow effects and possibly freezes. Building Xgl/compiz from source code Xgl/compiz on an Nvidia video card Xgl/compiz with an Nvidia video card on AMD64 Xgl/compiz on an Nvidia video card with KDE Xgl/compiz on an Ati video card Xgl/compiz on an Intel i915 video card with DRI Xgl/compiz on an Intel i810 video card with Breezy Badger (Ubuntu 5.10) Aiglx/compiz on an Intel i915 video card compiz seems to have better performance on Aiglx with this video card. Once you have it working Installing the latest compiz with all of the new goodies. NOTE: You should be running this later version of compiz/Xgl for some of the other how-tos in this thread to work http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?id=2 Overview Code: sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list Add this to the very end: Code: deb http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz/ dapper main deb http://xgl.compiz.info/ dapper main Run these following commands and you will have the latest version of Xgl and QuinnStorm's newest compiz. Code: sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get dist-upgrade An easy way to restart compiz and switch back to metacity if you don't like it http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?pid=11734 Download compiz-start.py, and logo24.png from this website and save it in your home directory. Then you can run these commands to properly install it: Code: chmod 755 compiz-start.py sudo mv compiz-start.py /usr/bin/ sudo mv logo24.png /usr/share/icons/ Next, you can manually run the command 'compiz-start.py' from a terminal to see if it works (it should). If it does, go to System ---> Preferences ---> Sessions ---> Startup ---> Add: and add a line that says compiz-start.py. If you use compiz-start.py, make sure to remove anything from your session that looks like this: Code: gnome-window-decorator compiz --replace gconf thefuture If you don't, compiz could start twice and mess things up. This is nice to restart compiz when unstable plugins like dock crash it or when you want to switch back to metacity to play opengl games. You need to logout and back in for these changes to take effect. Mandatory Screenshot: Xgl CVS NOTE: If you add QuinnStorm's apt repository, you shouldn't need to do this as the latest Xgl CVS is updated by reggaemanu. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=148860 Setting a video or screensaver on your desktop for an animated wallpaper. http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=146533 Installing a graphical tool to change compiz configuration instead of gconf-editor. Use QuinnStorm's repository and then run the following command: Code: sudo apt-get install gset-compiz gcompizthemer Then you can run gset-compiz for a nice graphical configuration tool and gcompizthemer for a theme configuration tool. If you use compiz-start.py, you can right click on the compiz icon in your tray and go to configuration to bring up gset-compiz for you. Just make sure to install it. Poking around at the compiz configuration. Open up gconf-editor from a terminal or from the run dialog (ALT F2 in gnome) and browse to /apps/compiz. Making CTRL ALT Delete open up the system monitor like in windows. Code: gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/run_command1 "<Control><Alt>Delete" gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/command1 "gnome-system-monitor" Making the Print Screen button actually work again. Code: gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/run_command0 "Print" gconftool-2 --set --type string /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/command0 "gnome-screenshot" For people that want to enable the MacOS X style scale plugin by moving the mouse to the corner of the screen 1.) Install the software you need. Code: gconftool-2 --set --type list /apps/compiz/plugins/scale/screen0/options/corners "TopRight" Common Annoyances: Keyboard Shortcuts Don't Seem to Work Go to System --> Preferences --> Keyboard and change your keyboard layout. I had this problem with my Microsoft Natural 4000 keyboard. gconf-editor is crashing and says * glibc detected * free(): invalid pointer: 0x0837d4b0 * from the terminal. This fix takes a few steps, but is still pretty easy. From a terminal or from deskbar-applet, type "gedit ~/.rungconf.sh". Paste and then save the following into it: Code: #!/bin/bash G_SLICE=always-malloc gconf-editor From a terminal, chmod 755 ~/.rungedit.sh. Note that the . before the name will make it hidden so type ls -a if you want to see the file. Right click at an empty spot on your panel --> Add to Panel --> Custom Application Launcher. The name doesn't matter, but type in /home/yourusername/.rungedit.sh for the command and make sure to select an icon. Hit Ok and now you have a way to get to gconf-editor without it crashing. Fixing ATI x700 XGL Hard locks http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=150854 Minimizing windows shows an ugly black border around them or is choppy. Code: gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /apps/panel/global/enable_animations "False" gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /desktop/gnome/interface/enable_animations "False" Animations like wobbly windows or the cube are choppy. There is a patch in Xgl cvs that prevents Xgl from slowing down when the CPU is maxed out. If you install the version of Xgl from QuinnStorm's repository, you shouldn't notice this problem. Code: gconftool-2 --set --type boolean /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/detect_refresh_rate "False" gconftool-2 --set --type integer /apps/compiz/general/screen0/options/refresh_rate "60" rdesktop connections are transparent and hard to see or look strange. http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...27&postcount=4 Some windows wont let me move them. Hold ALT and drag the window to move it or update to the latest compiz from QuinnStorm's repositories. Some windows won't let me close them. Try ALT F4 or update to the latest compiz from QuinnStorm's repositories. If you are on a laptop or a weird keyboard, make sure the fn key is enabled. Some windows won't let me resize them.** Hold ALT, right click and drag the window. Feel free to leave a reply if you have suggestions or new threads that I should put in here. I will update this post as often as I can.[/quote] Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Artificial Intelligence; October 10th, 2006 at 11:22 AM..

March 22nd, 2006	#2
hezral A Carafe of Ubuntu Join Date: Feb 2006 Beans: 69 Ubuntu 6.06	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) great thanks!

March 22nd, 2006	#3
krusbjorn Dipped in Ubuntu Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sweden Beans: 399 Dapper Drake Testing/	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) * THIS POST IS EXTREMELY DEPRECATED * In this post I will try to summarize the first thread you mentioned under "Once you got it working", in which there has been an amazing activity during the last couple of days. The first post contains a guide by DeeZiD that makes installing xgl and compiz piece of cake. Far back in the thread, QuinnStorm has attached compiz, compiz-gnome, compiz-kde packages as well as a fresh snapshot of gnome-window-decorator, that adds A LOT of functionality and solves all three annoyances you mentioned. See this post for the compiz* debs: The current plugins (except for the usual cube, decoration, fade, move, place, resize, rotate, scale, switcher, wobbly and zoom) in the "Quinndebs" are: Minimize: Makes windows "zoom in" from the mouse pointer when opened, and "zoom out" to the mouse pointer when closed. (Cred to QuinnStorm) Opaquefocus: Athropos came up with a plugin that allows to set opacity for unfocused windows. Quinnstorm patched it to allow to set opacity for the focused window, and _avatar patched it further, to allow to set brightness and saturation for unfocused windows. The fade effect speed in this plugin is directly dependent on the speed set in the fade plugin. There are also extended functionality for these plugins: Move: moving_window_opacity_level - set opacity level for windows being moved. (Cred to QuinnStorm) Switcher: all_desktops - when unchecked, only the windows in the current workspace will appear in the switcher. (Cred to QuinnStorm) Scale: Athropos hacked the scale plugin, and added the ability to set the opacity for unfocused windows when using the scale (exposé-like) plugin. Quinn also just a couple of hours ago compiled the latest update of the gnome-window-decorator, and attached the binary and the source code to this post. This includes Quinn's hack that lets ju move, resize and close dialog windows (like the search dialog in synaptic), adds options to have windows stay on top and stick to all workspaces (when right-clicking the menubar), and solves a couple of bugs. To install, simply replace /usr/bin/gnome-window-decorator (but backup the old one first!), and restart it. Also, Athropos made a plugin called transset that lets you in advance set opacity levels for any application you want, which is applied to the window when you execute the app. See this post. Note that the opaquefocus plugin brutally will reset any opacity levels set by transset, if enabled. (This plugin is not yet in Quinns debs, but she says that it will as soon as she gets ahold of the source code). I'm not 100% sure that I got everything summarized here, but I think so. I also hope that I have given credits to the right people, but the speed of which new patches and plugins have arrived has been so great it has been really hard to keep track. I apologise if I have made any mistakes, and please drop me a PM if you encounter any incorrectly stated facts. Finally, Who is running a blog in which he tries to keep up with the latest and greatest in a more overviewable way. If you don't have the time or commitment to read the entire thread, at least look through his blog. It makes this mess more than overviewable, but is more detailed than this post. http://compiz.blogspot.com/. For directions for how to use those plugins, check the blog or search through the thread. As I stated earlier, this post ONLY summarizes what has been going on in this particular thread. I will try to keep this post updated as far as that thread concerns. -Krusbjorn EDIT: To stay updated with QuinnStorm's packages, check this thread out. Last edited by krusbjorn; April 23rd, 2006 at 05:29 PM..

March 22nd, 2006	#4
AnThOnYhO Just Give Me the Beans! Join Date: Mar 2006 Beans: 6 Dapper Drake Testing/	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) Good thread.

March 22nd, 2006	#5
TrinitronX Gee! These Aren't Roasted! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Colorado, US Beans: 139 Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) Ah... finally one main thread to sort out all the different ones. I've got a suggestion for something to add to common annoyances section. Choppy/Laggy window wobble effects Go into gconf-editor and change the key apps->compiz->general->screen0->options->refresh_rate to 60.

March 22nd, 2006	#6
mfarley 5 Cups of Ubuntu Join Date: Mar 2006 Beans: 33	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) Thank You!!! And maybe add to the list of annoyances: -Unable to adjust mouse sensitivity via GUI

March 22nd, 2006	#7
palermi Just Give Me the Beans! Join Date: Mar 2006 Beans: 18	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) good job ! now it more easy find a solution. The best post is http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=139265 . QuinnStorm is the best !

March 22nd, 2006	#8
mcduck Big cup of plunger coffee Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Beans: 6,475 Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala	Re: XGL and Compiz eyecandy: One thread to rule them all... (Index) To remove those ugly wireframe animations that Gnome has by default: Open gconf-editor, go to apps/panel/global and deselect 'enable_animations' This makes Compiz animations smoother, as your machine is not trying to do two different animations at the same time for the same window __________________ 42

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