Compiz on openSUSE 10.1

Compiz on openSUSE 10.1: This is how I get the stunning Compiz effects to work on openSUSE 10.1. Be sure to read the instructions very carefully to avoid problems and headaches.


Easy steps to install Compiz and Xgl using fglrx driver:

The Requirements:

1. Working ATI Radeon X300 graphics card.
2. ATI fglrx driver version 8.30.3. Click here to download. If not available, visit their site here and find the appropriate driver.
3. OpenSuse 10.1 DVD installer
4. OpenSuse 10.1 Operating System ( 32-bit)

The Installation: (Easy as ABC):

A. Installing Additional Packages:

• Log in as root.

• Insert the DVD installer.

• Open YAST. Go to SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT.

• Look-up for the following packages one-by-one using the search box: gcc, make, kernel-source. Make sure the check-box next to each package is checked.

• Click the ACCEPT button. Wait for the installation to finish then exit YAST.

B. Installing the Graphics Card;

• Install fglrx driver by just double-clicking on the downloaded driver file. Then, a prompt will appear, click on run in terminal button. An automated installer will appear and you will do the easy installation process just like in Windows. EXIT the installer when finished but don’t restart yet.

• Open CONTROL PANEL then GRAPHICS CARD AND MONITOR option to open SAX2. In Sax, make sure the 3D acceleration is enabled by clicking on the check box.

• Reboot.

C. Installing Compiz and Xgl:

• Log in as root.

• Insert the DVD installer.

• Using YAST again. Search for and install the following packages: compiz, xgl.

• Open the Control Panel. A new DESKTOP EFFECTS option will appear, open it of course then enable desktop effects by clicking the check-box, then OK. You will be prompted to log-out.

• Log-in, experiment with the DESKTOP EFFECTS settings, and enjoy!

Bonus:

If you want the easiest way, try PCLinuxOS 2007 or Simply Mepis 6.5. Using the same video card, you will get the desktop effects in no time. You will only do a simple point-and-click to activate Beryl , no need to install additional packages. Beryl, a fork of Compiz, has plenty of cool effects for your desktop but a little unstable. So you do the math.