Tutorial:
A friend was asking how to set up Compiz and the desktop cube rotation effects on the latest version of Ubuntu, so here’s the quick rundown.
1. Make sure your graphics card supports direct rendering with OpenGL. Without it, you can’t run Compiz. In the terminal:
$ glxinfo | grep rendering
The result should be:
direct rendering: Yes
If its not, you’ll need to either install OpenGL or change your graphics card.
2. On the Panel, click Applications > Add/Remove.
3. Search for ‘Compiz’.
4. Check the box next to ‘Advanced Desktop Effects Settings’ . Click ‘Apply Changes’ to install.
5. Once installed, in the Panel, click System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings.
6. In General Options > Desktop Size, use these settings:
Horizontal Virtual Size: 4
Vertical Virtual Size: 1
Number of Desktops: 1
7. Click Back and go to the Desktop options. Check the boxes for ‘Desktop Cube’ and ‘Rotate Cube’.
That’s it. A couple things that make it look even better:
8. Under Effects, check the box ‘Cube Reflection’.
9. Under Utility, check the box for ‘Cube Caps’.
To see the cube rotation effect, press CTRL+ALT while click and dragging with your mouse in any direction. Have fun!
