Installing and using Compiz Fusion

Manolis Kiagias

Revision: 41645
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Last modified on 2013-05-17 by gabor.
Abstract

The Linux world has been overwhelmed lately by what seems to be the latest fashion: 3D Desktop effects. While their usefulness is rather heavily debated, the wow factor behind the composited desktop holds quite well. Several different programs have emerged, like Compiz, Beryl, and the latest Compiz Fusion. You do not need to miss these effects when using FreeBSD. These instructions will help you install and configure your system for the latest 3D desktop experience using Compiz Fusion and nVidia drivers (if applicable).


Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Setting up the FreeBSD nVidia driver
3. Configuring xorg.conf for desktop effects
4. Installing and configuring Compiz Fusion
5. Troubleshooting Compiz Fusion

1. Introduction

While installing Compiz Fusion from the Ports Collection is a rather trivial task, configuring it requires a few more steps that are not described in the port's documentation. This article will help you configure your Xorg server for composite operation, setup your nVidia card, and finally guide you to the final steps for executing the compiz program itself.

After reading this article, you will know:

  • How to setup the latest nVidia driver (if required) for your system.

  • How to setup your xorg.conf file for desktop composition.

  • How to install and configure Compiz Fusion using the Ports Collection.

  • How to troubleshoot common problems associated with desktop effects.

This, and other documents, can be downloaded from http://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/doc/

For questions about FreeBSD, read the documentation before contacting <questions@FreeBSD.org>.

For questions about this documentation, e-mail <doc@FreeBSD.org>.