Here is a guide that will show you how to install Compiz, CCSM and the effects on Ubuntu 12.04. Installing Compiz, CCSM and the effects works the same as on Ubuntu 11.10 but enabling the cube and effects are a bit different. On Ubuntu 11.10 you first had to disable the Ubuntu Unity Plugin and some other plugins. Now all you have to do is to enable the plugins you need and disable the stuff that will conflict with the new plugins. When enabling the plugins your system will freeze for a short time and that’s because Compiz needs to reload the new settings.
To install Compiz, CCSM and the effects open a terminal window (press Ctrl+Alt+T) and copy+paste the following lines:
sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-plugins-extra
When installed you can close the terminal window and to start CCSM (compizconfig settings manager) press the SuperKey and type: ccsm
Before you start to enable/disable plugins backup your settings:
Click on the Settings button
Click on the Export button
Enter a name for the backup file
Click on the Save button
To enable the cube follow these steps:
In the search field type: General Options and click on the button. Select the Desktop Size tab and use the following settings:
Horizontal Virtual Size: 4
Vertical Virtual Size: 1
Number of Desktops: 4
In the search field type: Desktop and enable the following plugins:
Desktop Cube
Rotate Cube
In the search field type: Effects and enable the following plugins:
3D Windows
Cube Reflection and Deformation
In the search field type: Effects and enable the following plugin:
Cube Reflection and Deformation
When asked to disable other plugins because of conflicts just disable them.
To enable the effects follow these steps:
In the search field type: Effects and enable the following plugins:
Animations Add-On
Wobbly Windows
When asked to disable other plugins because of conflicts just disable them.
To enable the effects click on the Animations button and play with the effects until you find the ones you like. To change an effect double click on the first rule, click on the button with the effect name and select a different effect from the list.
That’s about all you have to do. The only thing left is experimenting with the effects… have fun!!
Tested on Ubuntu 12.04 Beta 1
Hi, I am a nub to ubuntu. I am trying to learn the system so i can walk away from windows. I have followed your instructions but, I cannot use any of the options in the compiz settings manager because it is locked. Is there something else you must do in order to use the options in the settings manager?
If you followed the steps then it should work and nothing should be locked, did you reboot after installing compiz and ccsm?
Thanks dude! its awesome. But I have one question How to get traditional panel at bottom or at top. So I can add to panel serveral things e.g. Switch Desktop, Force Quit, some shortcuts!
Waiting 4 ur answer.
Soory for my late and short reply, the “classic” look isn’t working anymore since gnome3. but you can try to install mate desktop