How to enable 3-D effects using the compiz-fusion project with an ATI video card

This is one of the first things I do whenever I install Ubuntu on a new computer. Doing this will enable you to change the minimize/maximize behavior of windows, enable wobbly windows, and also enable the cube desktop switcher. By searching in the Ubuntu forums I came across this link. It is pretty straight forward, but I am going to post it here, and try to explain things a little more. One thing before I get to that…

In my opinion, the latest ATI driver for Linux has some bugs to work out still. If you want to install it, the best way I’ve found is here. I got it to work, but the 3-D effects were choppy and it slowed down my system, hence I use the following method to enable the driver included in the Ubuntu repository:

1.) Enable the fgrlx driver:

-If you need to install the restricted drivers manager…

-make sure you select the restricted repositories in Synaptic by clicking “System > Administration > Software Sources > Proprietary drivers for devices (restricted)” before executing the following command

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install linux-restricted-modules-generic restricted-manager

…otherwise open the restricted drivers manager in “System -> Administration -> Restricted Drivers Manager” and select “ATI accelerated graphics driver”

2.) Install xserver-xgl package:

sudo apt-get install xserver-xgl

3.) Install compiz:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager compiz compiz-core compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compiz-gnome compiz-plugins libcompizconfig-backend-gconf libcompizconfig0

4.) Reboot your machine

5.) Log in and 3-D effects should be enabled.

To enable to the cube, point to “System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings > General Options > Desktop Size” and increase the horizontal desktop size to 4 and return to the main Advanced Desktop Effects Settings menu by pressing “Back”. Now select the check box for “Desktop Cube” and then select “Rotate Cube > General”. Here I like to slow down the rotation of the cube and increase the amount that the cube is zoomed out so I can better see the cube. Make sure you enable this plugin and you should be good to go!

Try pressing “Ctrl +Alt + Right/Left Arrow Key” to rotate through the desktops. If you see the cube in all of its glory, congratulations!

As always, more help on this subject can always be found in the Ubuntu Forums.