How to install compiz fusion [updated]

This is an update to my previous guide on installing compiz fusion in Ubuntu. I have used a new repository in this new guide. The following steps are those which worked for me. I have installed compiz fusion in Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn 64 bit edition and it should work in 32 bit edition as well.

1. Go to Synaptic and remove compiz (and preferably anything with compiz in its name!).

2. Again in Synaptic, remove all compiz related repositories that you might have added before. If you have not installed compiz yourself (and/or you have a fresh installation of Ubuntu) forget about this step.

3. Add this line to your repositories in Synaptic:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/amaranth/ubuntu feisty main

and then reload (there is a button on synaptic for reloading package information).

4. In Synaptic, Install these packages:

compiz, compizconfig-settings-manager, sexy-python, emerald, emerald-themes

To be accurate, only the first package is absolutely essential for running compiz fusion. Compiz Settings Manager makes your life a lot easier in configuring compiz fusion. Emerald is not a necessary package. It basically handles windows decoration (like window frame, buttons, shadow ...). But I personally like it very much and in fact I missed it a lot from beryl era.

5. Now, it is time to run compiz fusion. But my personal experience was that plugins would work best if you reboot your system before actually getting to run compiz for the first time. To run compiz fusion, in terminal type:

compiz --replace &

and if you like to take advantage of emerald, type:

emerald --replace &

I am particularly fascinated by shift switcher plugin in this compiz. It is more like cover flip effect in new Mac interface (used in new iTune, iPhone, iPod Touch, OS X Leopard). It is not active by default and you should activate it through Compizconfig Settings Manager.

It is worth mentioning that Expose effect is called Scale here.
One last thing to remember is that due to some bugs, your system update will keep notifying you that compiz-core needs updating. The fact is that it does not! Use your imagination to find a workaround.


I would also like to suggest that you read these two posts on installing a Mac OS X like dock (Avant Window Navigator):
Avant Window Navigator
Avant Window Navigator + reflection

Just remember that in the latest version of Avant Window Navigator, you don't need to change settings manually to get 3D effects. It is all in its preferences now.

Enjoy!

Palm quick install and Windows Vista

It is really nice to see that "Outlook® 2007 Update for Palm OS Devices" is out and lets Palm devices sync with outlook 2007 easily and almost flawlessly. Though I should mention that sometimes it refuses to sync when outlook 2007 is running. I have to close outlook and try again.


My happiness did not last long when I found out that "quick install" is not compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista. Such a pain! There are some workarounds but I personally haven't found them useful.

I hope they release a patch before long.

I my next post, I will write about GRUB and Windows Vista. Does it ring a bell somewhere?

What is wrong with Flip 3D and Control Panel in Windows Vista?

Some users in Microsoft Windows Vista have a strange problem. Here is what it looks like:

Flip 3D does not work, i.e. when you try flip through windows a simple effect of task switching comes up. It doesn't mean that Aero is off. There are shadows under windows and glass effect in place.

At the same time running control panel is impossible. Control panel window appears for a very very short time (as an empty window) and disappears instantly. None of the components of control panel are operational. For example you cannot even change your background wallpaper.
The confusing part is that it does not happen every time the system boots up.

I googled the problem but found few things as to what the reason could be. It is suggested that a driver, or software that you have installed might be the problem. But believe me, you cannot find out which one is to blame.

Of course you can start uninstalling all your software one by one to see which one causes this problem but if you have been long enough with windows, you know that even uninstalling a software doesn't mean that all the dlls and junks are off the table.

The temporary work around that I have found to be useful is to restart a service called: "Software Licensing".

To do so, right click on Computer, select "manage". Then fins "Services" and from there find and restart "Software Licensing".

Update: After the latest updates for Vista in October 2007, this problem is resolved.

Vista vs. Ubuntu poll

[Update: Poll is now closed. An analytic report is coming soon.]

I just noticed that blogger has added a new gadget to its arsenal of add-ons, polls!
It is poll time folks! I have arranged a poll as to what your preference is when it comes to operating systems war. I will write a detailed report and analysis after the poll is closed.

Please kindly spare a few seconds and express yourself.

Cheers!

Expose in Windows Vista

Having moved from Ubuntu Linux to Windows Vista, one of the very first thing I missed was expose-like effect. Expose is originally a Mac idea that is also implemented in Compiz.

We do know that Windows Vista comes with its own flip 3d effect, but let's be fair, it is not as useful as expose in fast and visual switching between running applications.


Switcher is a very small and capable application that add expose like effect to Vista.
You can find Switcher here.