How To: Ati (fglrx) + Xgl + Compiz-Fusion on Xubuntu 7.04

spidernik84 · 08:31 AM

So, here's a step-by-step guide for enabling compiz-fusion on Xubuntu 7.04, using official Ati fglrx drivers and Xgl session.

Credits goes to many people's work, on which this guide is almost totally based upon: to Mr. Greencastle for xgl installation, to Vorian for compiz-fusion and ati setup, and to treviño for the repositories and packages.

Miscellaneous resources:

>> Video of Compiz Fusion in action

>> Official Compiz-Fusion Forum

Warning:This guide is intended for Xubuntu feisty 7.04 only. Compiz Fusion is already available in Gutsy.

Disclaimer: although i never had any crash on my own machine, Compiz-fusion is still under heavy development. As for this, it's stability may be poor in certain circumstances; so, you are warned...save your work often ;D
Seriously, using this you "may" lose important data or screw something up. Use at your own risk, i'm not to be considered responsible for any damage.

PART 1 of 2: Installing XGL and configuring XGL-Session

After installing Feisty, make sure your system is completely updated. Paste this into a terminal:

Code:

sudo aptitude update
sudo aptitude upgrade
sudo aptitude dist-upgrade

First step is getting Ati-fglrx drivers set up. To do this use the Restricted Driver Manager.

Code:

System >> Administration >> Restricted Drivers Manager

Enable your ATI driver (By clicking the little box) and let it do its thing. Once finished, reboot the computer and make sure fglrx loaded correctly. There should be an icon (small and green) in the notification area telling you that you have restricted modules loaded.

Now we need to install XGL.

Code:

sudo aptitude install xserver-xgl

Now we must create some script to get Xgl work. Open a terminal and issue the following command:

Code:

sudo mousepad /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh

Now copy and paste this into the editor that pops up:

Code:

#!/bin/sh
Xgl :1 -fullscreen -ac -br -accel xv:pbuffer -accel glx:pbuffer &
DISPLAY=:1
cookie="$(xauth -i nextract - :0 | cut -d ' ' -f 9)"
xauth -i add :1 . "$cookie"
exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session xfce4-session

SAVE THIS FILE! Once its done saving, close mousepad editor and make that file executable by pasting this into a terminal:

Code:

sudo chmod a+x /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh

Now we need to make a way to start that session from your login screen. Paste this into a terminal:

Code:

sudo mousepad /usr/share/xsessions/xgl.desktop

And paste this again into the editor:

Code:

[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=Xfce with XGL
Comment=
Exec=/usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh
Icon=
Type=Application

Now make this script executable too by pasting this into a terminal:

Code:

sudo chmod a+x /usr/share/xsessions/xgl.desktop

Xgl should now be ready to start, keep your session open, we'll test it later.

PART 2 of 2: Installing Compiz-Fusion and configuring it for auto-start

First, remove desktop effects

Code:

sudo aptitude remove compiz-core desktop-effects

add the following to your /etc/apt/sources.list

Code:

sudo mousepad /etc/apt/sources.list

Option A: for i386

Code:

# Treviño's Ubuntu feisty EyeCandy Repository (GPG key: 81836EBF - DD800CD9)
# Many eyecandy 3D apps like Beryl, Compiz, Fusion and kiba-dock snapshots
# built using latest available (working) sources from git/svn/cvs.
deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy
deb-src http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy

Packages at: http://3v1n0.tuxfamily.org/dists/feisty/eyecandy

Option B: for amd64

Code:

# Treviño's Ubuntu feisty EyeCandy Repository (GPG key: 81836EBF - DD800CD9)
# Many eyecandy 3D apps like Beryl, Compiz, Fusion and kiba-dock snapshots
# built using latest available (working) sources from git/svn/cvs.
deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy-amd64
deb-src http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy-amd64

Packages at: http://3v1n0.tuxfamily.org/dists/feisty/eyecandy-amd64/

Add the key

Code:

gpg --keyserver subkeys.pgp.net --recv-keys 81836EBF
gpg --export --armor 81836EBF | sudo apt-key add -

Update your system

Code:

sudo aptitude update
sudo aptitude upgrade

Now let's proceed installing Compiz-fusion:

Code:

sudo aptitude install compiz compiz-gnome compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compiz-fusion-plugins-unofficial libcompizconfig-backend-gconf

Now it's time to check if we did everything right

Hit Ctrl+alt+backspace, you'll be taken to login screen. Click on "Session" and choose "Xfce with XGL" from the list. If asked, do not make it as the default session (in case of trouble you'll be able to restore everything without too many efforts).

Log-in, obviously crossing your fingers. If everything went right, you'll see your desktop as usual, just with an "x" cursor instead of the classic pointer. That's a good sign, xgl should have loaded correctly.

Hit "Alt+F2" and issue this command:

Code:

compiz --replace

After some seconds you'll see window decoration appear. Play around, you should notice immediately if everything worked as intended.

Now, if compiz loaded, we should make it autostart at every log-in.

Go to "Xfce Menu" >> "Settings" >> "Autostarted applications" and hit "Add".

Configure the command as shown below:

This should work in most situations, for advanced commands look at this thread.

Some quick tricks:
- Hold CTRL + ALT keys and with the left mouse button rotate the cube
- Super + E activates the Expo plugin
- Hold Super + Shift and with your mouse paint fire on your desktop
- Super + Shift + C will erase the fire paint
- Super + Tab activates the Ring Switcher plugin

Enjoy!

General Troubleshooting:

If you have trouble getting your window decorations working, and use beryl
alt+F2

Code:

compiz --replace -c emerald &

to install beryl visit Pricy's Thread

Code:

sudo apt-get install beryl beryl-manager emerald-themes

You can configure Compiz Fusion by going to System>Preferences>CompizConfig Settings Manager

Other troubleshooting resources may be found at Vorian's original thread

BTW, I'll be here trying to help anyone. Ain't an hardcore Linux user, so i'm not gonna answer to everyone getting into trouble, not because i've got something against you all, but because probably i won't be ABLE to answer ;D

Credits:

Again, Huge thanks to Mr. Greencastle for Ati-Fglrx and Xgl installation, to Vorian for compiz-fusion setup, and to treviño for compiz-fusion repositories and packages. I repeat: I just put their wonderful guides and work togheter and managed to use them on Xubuntu

ocean223

Well, you did post a disclaimer........

Here's what I got :

Ctrl+alt+ backspace got me a blank desktop after logging in the first time. Now it gets me to a terminal to log in.
After cold start all is normal again.
Choice for "session" never appeared.

Alt+f2 gets me nothing after typing "compbiz --replace" and clicking "run"
Am using An ATI Radeon 9600 XT card.
At least It ain't broke.
Compbiz MAnager is there.
Maybe I'll start over..........

spidernik84

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocean223

Well, you did post a disclaimer........

Here's what I got :

Ctrl+alt+ backspace got me a blank desktop after logging in the first time. Now it gets me to a terminal to log in.
After cold start all is normal again.
Choice for "session" never appeared.

Alt+f2 gets me nothing after typing "compbiz --replace" and clicking "run"
Am using An ATI Radeon 9600 XT card.
At least It ain't broke.
Compbiz MAnager is there.
Maybe I'll start over..........

Uhm, that's weird...
Did you chmod all the files where instructed?
Maybe you could try a

Code:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

csthiang

I have a qn to ask...how do i get it to work in gnome instead of fxce4?

I have tried compiz --replace in gnome but it does not work...

However it work nicely in fxce4...

Thanks for the guide!

spidernik84

Quote:

Originally Posted by csthiang

I have a qn to ask...how do i get it to work in gnome instead of fxce4?

I have tried compiz --replace in gnome but it does not work...

However it work nicely in fxce4...

Thanks for the guide!

Just modify the last line in the file /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh this way:

original line in the file:

Code:

exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session xfce4-session

modified line:

Code:

exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session gnome-session

I recommend you to have a look at Vorian's original guide here.

Cheers

csthiang · 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidernik84

Just modify the last line in the file /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh this way:

original line in the file:

Code:

exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session xfce4-session

modified line:

Code:

exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session gnome-session

I recommend you to have a look at Vorian's original guide here.

Cheers

got it work...sweet! cheers !

However, I now have problems using ATI powerplay using aticonfig... it says error: unable to obtain powerplay information.

spidernik84

Quote:

Originally Posted by csthiang

However, I now have problems using ATI powerplay using aticonfig... it says error: unable to obtain powerplay information.

Here's what i've found googling around:

Quote:

DISPLAY=:0 aticonfig –lsp
DISPLAY=:0 aticonfig –set-powerstate=3
DISPLAY=:0 aticonfig –set-powerstate=1

Hitting those command should do the trick while running xgl.

csthiang

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidernik84

Here's what i've found googling around:

Hitting those command should do the trick while running xgl.

sorry about the qns i have, but this is what I get when executing the commands:

Quote:

sudo DISPLAY=:0 aticonfig –lsp

sudo: DISPLAY=:0: command not found

FunkyMunky · 08:40 PM

THANKS ALOT MAN *kiss kiss hug hug*. ihave been struggling with fglrx + desktop effects for very long without any success. i thought that i was stuck with boring desktop untill i get an nvidia card

anyway, just a little problem. my keyboard layout has changed to us from si (slovenian). how do i fix that?

spidernik84

Sorry for the later answer, i was outside Italy

for holidays

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkyMunky

THANKS ALOT MAN *kiss kiss hug hug*

Errr...i'd rather go with an handshake

Quote:

anyway, just a little problem. my keyboard layout has changed to us from si (slovenian). how do i fix that?

I solved through
main menu >> settings >> keyboard settings >> layouts

and there adding the layout i needed!

Cheers

July 27th, 2007	#1
spidernik84 5 Cups of Ubuntu Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Italy Beans: 30 Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon	How To: Ati (fglrx) + Xgl + Compiz-Fusion on Xubuntu 7.04 So, here's a step-by-step guide for enabling compiz-fusion on Xubuntu 7.04, using official Ati fglrx drivers and Xgl session. Credits goes to many people's work, on which this guide is almost totally based upon: to Mr. Greencastle for xgl installation, to Vorian for compiz-fusion and ati setup, and to treviño for the repositories and packages. Miscellaneous resources: >> Video of Compiz Fusion in action >> Official Compiz-Fusion Forum Warning:This guide is intended for Xubuntu feisty 7.04 only. Compiz Fusion is already available in Gutsy. Disclaimer: although i never had any crash on my own machine, Compiz-fusion is still under heavy development. As for this, it's stability may be poor in certain circumstances; so, you are warned...save your work often ;D Seriously, using this you "may" lose important data or screw something up. Use at your own risk, i'm not to be considered responsible for any damage. PART 1 of 2: Installing XGL and configuring XGL-Session After installing Feisty, make sure your system is completely updated. Paste this into a terminal: Code: sudo aptitude update sudo aptitude upgrade sudo aptitude dist-upgrade First step is getting Ati-fglrx drivers set up. To do this use the Restricted Driver Manager. Code: System >> Administration >> Restricted Drivers Manager Enable your ATI driver (By clicking the little box) and let it do its thing. Once finished, reboot the computer and make sure fglrx loaded correctly. There should be an icon (small and green) in the notification area telling you that you have restricted modules loaded. Now we need to install XGL. Code: sudo aptitude install xserver-xgl Now we must create some script to get Xgl work. Open a terminal and issue the following command: Code: sudo mousepad /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh Now copy and paste this into the editor that pops up: Code: #!/bin/sh Xgl :1 -fullscreen -ac -br -accel xv:pbuffer -accel glx:pbuffer & DISPLAY=:1 cookie="$(xauth -i nextract - :0 \| cut -d ' ' -f 9)" xauth -i add :1 . "$cookie" exec dbus-launch --exit-with-session xfce4-session SAVE THIS FILE! Once its done saving, close mousepad editor and make that file executable by pasting this into a terminal: Code: sudo chmod a+x /usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh Now we need to make a way to start that session from your login screen. Paste this into a terminal: Code: sudo mousepad /usr/share/xsessions/xgl.desktop And paste this again into the editor: Code: [Desktop Entry] Encoding=UTF-8 Name=Xfce with XGL Comment= Exec=/usr/local/bin/startxgl.sh Icon= Type=Application Now make this script executable too by pasting this into a terminal: Code: sudo chmod a+x /usr/share/xsessions/xgl.desktop Xgl should now be ready to start, keep your session open, we'll test it later. PART 2 of 2: Installing Compiz-Fusion and configuring it for auto-start First, remove desktop effects Code: sudo aptitude remove compiz-core desktop-effects add the following to your /etc/apt/sources.list Code: sudo mousepad /etc/apt/sources.list Option A: for i386 Code: # Treviño's Ubuntu feisty EyeCandy Repository (GPG key: 81836EBF - DD800CD9) # Many eyecandy 3D apps like Beryl, Compiz, Fusion and kiba-dock snapshots # built using latest available (working) sources from git/svn/cvs. deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy deb-src http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy Packages at: http://3v1n0.tuxfamily.org/dists/feisty/eyecandy Option B: for amd64 Code: # Treviño's Ubuntu feisty EyeCandy Repository (GPG key: 81836EBF - DD800CD9) # Many eyecandy 3D apps like Beryl, Compiz, Fusion and kiba-dock snapshots # built using latest available (working) sources from git/svn/cvs. deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy-amd64 deb-src http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy-amd64 Packages at: http://3v1n0.tuxfamily.org/dists/feisty/eyecandy-amd64/ Add the key Code: gpg --keyserver subkeys.pgp.net --recv-keys 81836EBF gpg --export --armor 81836EBF \| sudo apt-key add - Update your system Code: sudo aptitude update sudo aptitude upgrade Now let's proceed installing Compiz-fusion: Code: sudo aptitude install compiz compiz-gnome compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compiz-fusion-plugins-unofficial libcompizconfig-backend-gconf Now it's time to check if we did everything right Hit Ctrl+alt+backspace, you'll be taken to login screen. Click on "Session" and choose "Xfce with XGL" from the list. If asked, do not make it as the default session (in case of trouble you'll be able to restore everything without too many efforts). Log-in, obviously crossing your fingers. If everything went right, you'll see your desktop as usual, just with an "x" cursor instead of the classic pointer. That's a good sign, xgl should have loaded correctly. Hit "Alt+F2" and issue this command: Code: compiz --replace After some seconds you'll see window decoration appear. Play around, you should notice immediately if everything worked as intended. Now, if compiz loaded, we should make it autostart at every log-in. Go to "Xfce Menu" >> "Settings" >> "Autostarted applications" and hit "Add". Configure the command as shown below: This should work in most situations, for advanced commands look at this thread. Some quick tricks: - Hold CTRL + ALT keys and with the left mouse button rotate the cube - Super + E activates the Expo plugin - Hold Super + Shift and with your mouse paint fire on your desktop - Super + Shift + C will erase the fire paint - Super + Tab activates the Ring Switcher plugin Enjoy! General Troubleshooting: If you have trouble getting your window decorations working, and use beryl alt+F2 Code: compiz --replace -c emerald & to install beryl visit Pricy's Thread Code: sudo apt-get install beryl beryl-manager emerald-themes You can configure Compiz Fusion by going to System>Preferences>CompizConfig Settings Manager Other troubleshooting resources may be found at Vorian's original thread BTW, I'll be here trying to help anyone. Ain't an hardcore Linux user, so i'm not gonna answer to everyone getting into trouble, not because i've got something against you all, but because probably i won't be ABLE to answer ;D Credits: Again, Huge thanks to Mr. Greencastle for Ati-Fglrx and Xgl installation, to Vorian for compiz-fusion setup, and to treviño for compiz-fusion repositories and packages. I repeat: I just put their wonderful guides and work togheter and managed to use them on Xubuntu Last edited by spidernik84; July 28th, 2007 at 08:31 AM.. Reason: Some typo fixed, incipit reorganization

July 27th, 2007	#2
ocean223 5 Cups of Ubuntu Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago, Illinois,USA Beans: 41 Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron	Re: How To: Ati (fglrx) + Xgl + Compiz-Fusion on Xubuntu 7.04 Well, you did post a disclaimer........ Here's what I got : Ctrl+alt+ backspace got me a blank desktop after logging in the first time. Now it gets me to a terminal to log in. After cold start all is normal again. Choice for "session" never appeared. Alt+f2 gets me nothing after typing "compbiz --replace" and clicking "run" Am using An ATI Radeon 9600 XT card. At least It ain't broke. Compbiz MAnager is there. Maybe I'll start over..........

July 28th, 2007	#4
csthiang First Cup of Ubuntu Join Date: Jul 2007 Beans: 5	Re: How To: Ati (fglrx) + Xgl + Compiz-Fusion on Xubuntu 7.04 I have a qn to ask...how do i get it to work in gnome instead of fxce4? I have tried compiz --replace in gnome but it does not work... However it work nicely in fxce4... Thanks for the guide!

August 5th, 2007	#9
FunkyMunky 5 Cups of Ubuntu Join Date: Sep 2006 Beans: 23	Re: How To: Ati (fglrx) + Xgl + Compiz-Fusion on Xubuntu 7.04 THANKS ALOT MAN kiss kiss hug hug. ihave been struggling with fglrx + desktop effects for very long without any success. i thought that i was stuck with boring desktop untill i get an nvidia card anyway, just a little problem. my keyboard layout has changed to us from si (slovenian). how do i fix that? Last edited by FunkyMunky; August 5th, 2007 at 08:40 PM..

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode