My previous post on Ubuntu has generated quite an interest. That’s a good thing because of a lot of reasons - avoiding vendor lock in and security are among the top few. But a new install of Ubuntu does not automatically give you such crazy effects. To get to custom effects, you need to install a custom effects manager by running

’sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager’

You can then run Compiz Custom Settings Manager from the System->Preferences->Advanced Desktop Effects Settings menu item.

Enjoy.

Update: It seems this post gives the impression that in order to see the fancy GUI of Ubuntu, the user would have to deal with the terminal. This simply isn’t true. To enable the default effects - you still have cube desktop, transparent windows and nifty 3D graphics - nothing needs to be installed. Yes, it works out of the box if your graphics card is supported (I’m on Intel graphics). The command above is only needed if you wish to further tweak the effects. Totally optional.

All you need to get fancy graphics for your Ubuntu desktop (System -> Preference -> Appearance)