Archive for January 8th, 2009

Compiz-fusion is a very popular 3d compositioning system for linux that makes it possible to do a lot of school stuff with your computer. Compiz-fusion is so popular that getting the chance to play with it is oftentimes a large reason why people switch. This is how i installed compiz fusion on my Debian Lenny, but i imagine that the basic idea for this should work on most linux setups, with a few tweaks here and there. You will need a video card with 3d graphic acceleration with its driver installed.

$ su root

#apt-get install compiz

if you need the gnome backend run

# apt-get install compizconfig-backend-gconf

if you need the kde backend run

# apt-get install compizconfig-backend-kconf

for the settings manager

# apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

and for extra plugins(if you want them) i run

# apt-get install compiz-fusion-plugins-main

# apt-get install compiz-fusion-plugins-extra

Then go to System-> Preferences-> Sessions

under start-up programs choose new, name it compiz and put compiz in command.

click ok, close, restart and it should be running

if its not then press Alt + F2 and type compiz

if you are going to need to switch easily from compiz to metacity or window decorators then i recommend installing the fusion icon

# apt-get install fusion-icon

Someone gave me a good tip to use with the fusion icon somewhere on the internet, i dont remember where but it basically just lets me have the fusion icon ready to go in my panel without having to go to applications and start it and then having to run it from the panel. This is for gnome

go to System-> Preferences-> Sessions

under start-up programs choose new, name it fusion-icon and put fusion-icon in command.

click ok, close, restart