Desktop Effects are a way of enhancing the way that your desktop is displayed, and can make it more fun and easier to use. Desktop effects were included by default with the Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) release.

Below is a list of some of the desktop effects that are available:

• Translucent windows
• 3D desktop capabilities
• Shadow effects
• Motion effects and animations

Desktop effects are optional, and it is not necessary to have them turned on. In addition, users of computers with certain graphics cards may find that desktop effects do not work well on their computer, or cause the computer to operate more slowly than it would with the effects turned off.

Requirements

Desktop effects require a supported graphics card.

A list of graphics cards which should be supported can be found on the [http://gentoo-wiki.com/HARDWARE_Video_Card_Support_Under_XGL Gentoo wiki].

Resources

1. ["CompositeManager"] - Instructions for using desktop effects on versions of Ubuntu before 7.04 (Feisty Fawn)

2. ["CompositeManager/AIGLX"] - Information about AIGLX desktop effects
3. ["CompositeManager/AIGLXOnDapper"] - Help with using AIGLX desktop effects on Ubuntu 6.06LTS (Dapper Drake)
4. ["CompositeManager/AIGLXOnEdgy"] - Help with using AIGLX desktop effects on Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft)
5. ["CompositeManager/Beryl"] - Information about Beryl desktop effects
6. ["CompositeManager/Compiz"] - Information about Compiz desktop effects

7. ["CompositeManager/ConfiguringCompiz"] - Help with configuring Compiz desktop effects correctly

8. ["CompositeManager/InstallingBeryl"] - Instructions on how to install Beryl desktop effects

9. ["CompositeManager/InstallingCompiz"] - Instructions on how to install Compiz desktop effects

10. ["CompositeManager/Xgl"] - Instructions on how to install and use Xgl desktop effects
11. ["CompositeManager/Xgl/NestedXgl"] - Instructions on running Xgl in a window on your normal desktop