[ubuntu] HOWTO: Install Compiz Fusion from Git with FusionBuild (GUI)

[isaacj87]

FusionBuild: A GUI that installs Compiz Fusion from Git

***Warning***

First and foremost, I want to let you guys know that I am not a programmer. I'm just a noob who does this as a hobby and wants to learn how to program. I do this out of love for Ubuntu, Linux, Compiz Fusion and the community. FB is the first program I have ever created. I have tested FusionBuild on my own computer and have not experienced any problems. The code is pretty hackish (at best), but serviceable IMO. FB is currently alpha quality and should be treated as such. If problems should arise from using FB, I want you all to know that they didn't occur purposefully. Only use FB if you are daring and adventurous. PLEASE BACK UP ALL DATA!!!


One more thing to consider, CF from Git is bleeding-edge software and could possibly be unstable!

***End of Warning***

...so with that, and if I haven't scared you off, let's begin!

Introduction

What is FusionBuild?

FusionBuild aims to be an easy-to-use GUI (designed with Glade, Python, and built on top of this script) that will build/install/update/uninstall Compiz Fusion from Git.

Why would I want to install CF from Git?

In my experience, CF seems to run a lot better when compiled. Plus, the user is able to get bug fixes quicker and try out the latest features that make it into CF.

What makes FusionBuild any different than the script I currently use?

Honestly? Probably nothing other than it has a GUI (which is pretty basic). Most CF scripts will essentially do the same thing. I created FB because there are certain things I wanted out of a CF script and certain people just like using a GUI. Also, there are some features that certain scripts don't have (see below). If you find your current script working fine, then I suggest staying with it.

Features:

• Simple interface that requires little user interactivity
• Installs, updates, and uninstalls
• Removes the default version (the one included in Hardy) of CF to avoid conflicts
• Handles the dependencies needed to build
• Creates an autostart entry if the user wants CF to start on boot (removes it as well)

Some things to consider before running FB:

• If you've already used another script to install CF from Git, use it to remove CF!!! To reiterate, please remove all traces of CF before using FB. This program *should* remove the CF that comes with Hardy. I'm going to add an option to allow the user to purge everything CF related.
• FusionBuild (the GUI) is very GNOME focused. While it may look like FB only works with GNOME, the script I used actually will compile for KDE3/KDE4. I do not recommend it however because it requires the user to install the necessary GNOME libraries needed to run FB. If the user is adventurous enough, simply install the necessary GNOME libs, go into /fusionbuild/library/core.sh (and update.sh) and comment out the GNOME ARGS and replace it for KDE3 or KDE4. Like I said, I wouldn't do that because, at this point, FB is mainly for GNOME users currently.
• I've only tested FB with Ubuntu Hardy. I cannot say if FB will work with previous versions of Ubuntu (Gutsy, Feisty, etc) or any other distros (OpenSUSE, Fedora, etc).

Using FusionBuild

Current version: 0.1a

Installation and running

Well, this is an easy one. Simply download the tar (see attachments) and do this:

1. Place the archive in a folder
2. Right-click the archive and choose "Extract here"
3. Enter the uncompressed folder
4. Double-click "fusionbuild" and choose "Run"

...or alternatively, using Terminal:

1. Uncompress the archive
   

   tar -xzf fusionbuild-0.1a.tar.gz

2. Change to the uncompressed directory
   

   cd fusionbuild-0.1a

3. And finally, running FB
   

   python fusionbuild

FYI! I've noticed that the virtual terminal window within FB doesn't have focus (something that puzzles me). When the program asks for your password, just click on the window within FB and then enter it in.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Pretty easy stuff, huh? If you would like to watch my progress with FB, just head on over to the "blog" I've set up for it. Here's the link: http://fusionbuild.wordpress.com (it's also in my signature)

If you have any trouble whatsoever, just post here on the thread and I'll do my best to get it all straightened out. If you have any errors during the compilation process, I'll try to help you. You'll probably get a better answer if you post your question here.

Please tell me of all bugs! and if you want to see any features. Don't hesitate to drop me a PM! The "Configuration" option of FB is currently broken, but I hope to have that working soon. I apologize for having such an unelegant way of configuring FB (see the README). I wouldn't mind some help from some programming pros as well. I've also included some screenshots of the program. Have fun guys!

Last, but not least, I want to give a shout out to Master Kernel, omega, Martje_001, KristianL, and some-guy for all their hard work. Much appreciated guys!

P.S. I need to add omega to the credits! I'll make sure to include that in the next version. My apologies!

[spirog]

This is Awesome..... Installing as I type... Great job and well Done!!!

Thanks for your time. I think others will love this as soon as they discover this

Spiro G

[0g_Trans_Fat]

Great program, easy to use and makes installing a breeze.

Keep up the good work!

[isaacj87]

Thanks guys! I'm glad you guys have found use for my program

This weekend I'm going to try and knock out a couple of bugs I've found in my personal use.

A good tip to know, if you have any problems, just run "uninstall" and then re-run FB to install everything again.

Let me know of any bugs you guys find!

[painterh]

Isaacj87;
I have to give you kudos . That is a very polished program for installing compiz-fusion. I had been having quite a few issues previously (before using your script program), however after removing "ALL" traces of previously installed compiz-fusion files (both from git and synaptic), everything works nicely. I was wondering about installing additional unsupported plugins from git. If I use the script, found on this page:

http://ubuntu-virginia.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=820802&page=4[/URL]

will the new plugins install where they will be used properly, or is this a bad idea? I really miss the screensaver and other plugins that are installed with the script posted on that page. Again I have to say,"Nice Job!".

[armageddon08]

Hey......nice work man! It's gonna be really useful to Linux n00bs and seasoned ppl alike. BTW, I think you should update your script to include more plugins like Stack Switcher, Animation Extras and more. And you should include an option which allows first time users to open Simple CCSM from the GUI itself....like after asking whether include CF in startup, it should ask the user whether he wants to configure it then and there and then give the option between Simple and Advanced.

Keep up the good work man! We are with you!

[armageddon08]

Hey......nice work man! It's gonna be really useful to Linux n00bs and seasoned ppl alike. BTW, I think you should update your script to include more plugins like Stack Switcher, Animation Extras and more. And you should include an option which allows first time users to open Simple CCSM from the GUI itself....like after asking whether include CF in startup, it should ask the user whether he wants to configure it then and there and then give the option between Simple and Advanced.

Keep up the good work man! We are with you!

[armageddon08]

OOps .........I think my post got posted twice by mistake. How do I delete it?

[isaacj87]

Hey guys!

Thanks for the feedback. I was wondering when someone was going to ask me to add the unofficial plugins .

I've been really busy with work and whatnot, so when I get some time, I'll make sure to put all the available plugins in there, such as stack-switcher and screensaver. I'll try to make it an option as well.

@painterh:

I haven't had a look at the script yet, but I'd probably hold off. I'll try and take a look at that script today to see if it'll cause any problems. If you really want those plugins, you can git-clone the individual ones you want and just build them yourself. That *should* be fairly painless . If you need any help with that, I'd be glad to assist you. And, I'd like to thank you for reminding me (I'll stick this in the first post as well), that before using my program or any other script/way of installing CF, one must remove all traces of CF from any other installs. I've had situations where people couldn't get CF to work only to find out they had 2 versions installed (which causes conflicts)! I'll probably add an option to allow the user to purge a previous CF install if the user used another script before.

@armaggedon08:

That sounds like a good idea! I'll try and see if I can have Simple-CCSM and/or CCSM pop up so user can set everything. Shouldn't be too hard . Oh, and don't worry about the double post, but if you want, you can alert a mod and they can remove it for you.

I'm going to force myself () to sit down and iron out some issues/bugs that are currently in FusionBuild and try to add some more features/options to make things easier. But, I'll make sure to add those unofficial plugins soon!

Take care guys

[painterh]

Isaacj87;

Thanks for the reply. I will wait for the updated version, I do not know enough about compiling to try it safely. I have had enough problems doing things I "thought" I knew how to do. This works very smoothly, and I am enjoying not having to fix something. As for removing all traces of previous installs of compiz, I found when I started rooting around in the filesystem, there were all kinds of leftovers here and there just waiting to cause conflicts. Hence the need to remove them.
Cheers