How to Install Compiz in Debian

Compiz is a compositing window manager that uses 3D graphics acceleration via OpenGL. It provides various new graphical effects and features on any desktop environment, including Gnome and KDE.

Compiz Features

Easily extendible through plugins.

A growing, friendly community of users.

Increases productivity and enjoyment.

Impress your family and friends.

Compiz is actively developed.

Requirements

The bare minimum is 3D capable Graphic’s card and atleast 512 MB of ram.

Install Compiz in Debian

#apt-get install compiz

this will install compiz along with its dependencies.

Configuring Compiz

Now you need to manually edit the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file

#emacs /etc/X11/xorg.conf

then added these two lines under the “Screen” section

Option “XAANoOffscreenPixmaps”
Option “AddARGBGLXVisuals” “true”

then added these lines under “Device”

Option “AllowGLXWithComposite” “true”
Option “RenderAccel” “true”

added one line under “Server Layout”

Option “AIGLX” “on”

Finally at the end of the file add these lines

Section “Extensions”
Option “Composite” “Enable”
EndSection

After making the following chages you need to save and exit the file.

Add “compiz –replace” to “Desktop -> Preferences -> Sessions -> Startup Programs”.

Now restart the Xserver, Better is to restart the whole system.

After you login you will directly be in a compizified environment.

Note:

“comiz –replace” i.e.

compiz{space}{minus}{minus}replace

replace {space} with blank space
and {minus} with “-”

this command is used to replace the windows manager with compiz.

if you find problems using compiz or if you are stuck,

type

“metacity –replace” for GNOME

“kwin –replace” for KDE

and you will get your default windows manager back.

in BERYL and now COMPIZ FUSION this can be done by taskbar icon.