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    Any way for a Newb to get Desktop Effects running on in Ubuntu with Thinkpad and Ati x1400?

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by tepidarium, Jul 26, 2007.

  1. tepidarium

    tepidarium Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I am a complete linux newb. I want to use Ubuntu with desktop effects. I am aware that ATI's drivers currently don't support Aiglx. When I check "enable desktop effects" in Ubuntu 7.04 I get a white screen.

    Is there a way that an absolute novice like myself (I don't understand the terminal) can get Desktop effects working in Ubuntu?

    I downloaded the tribe 3 release of Gutsy Gibbon - but the integrated Compiz won't work - I get the white screen.

    If there is a way to do it that I can understand, I'd be grateful is someone could let me know.

    Thanks.
     
    tepidarium, Jul 26, 2007
    #1
  2. lemur

    lemur Emperor of Lemurs

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    Sorry, I don't know a way. I'm also a bearer of bad news. The ATI drivers are buggy. I've messed with them for 3 years but they've never been stable for me.
     
    lemur, Jul 26, 2007
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  3. Lysander

    Lysander AFK, raid time.

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    Lysander, Jul 26, 2007
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  4. yin

    yin Notebook Consultant

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    Personally I use Envy for graphics drivers installation, 'cause I've been totally unsuccessful at updating them myself from the downloaded drivers. Envy allows you to choose drivers for ATI as well as nVIDIA chipsets.

    You may also want to make sure that your Default Depth is set to 24 in your xorg.conf file. Also remember to BACKUP that file before changing it, because otherwise you'll run into lots of frustration.

    THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN TRIED USING UBUNTU 7.04 ONLY.

    To BACKUP your xorg.conf file:
    Start your Terminal.
    Type: sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup
    Note the <space> between the 'conf' and the '/etc'. Also note: it's X11, not x11
    Enter your user password.
    Done.

    To edit your xorg.conf file:
    Start your Terminal.
    Type: sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
    Enter your user password.
    Scroll down to the Section "Screen".
    Change DefaultDepth.
    Save and restart.
    Done.

    To restore your xorg.conf file:
    Type: sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup /etc/X11/xorg.conf
    Enter user password.
    Restart.
    Done.
     
    yin, Jul 27, 2007
    #4