Hands on: 3D eye candy for Linux

There have been some significant developments lately on the Linux desktop front.

For a long time, X.org has supported 3D rendering in applications and games, but the desktops themselves have not.

This all began to change in February when Novell developer David Reveman released the Xgl server code and its compositing window manager, compiz.

Xgl is a significant development. It replaces much of the code in the traditional X server so all drawing is done via OpenGL (Open Graphics Library), the cross-platform alternative to Microsoft’s DirectX.

This means that, not only is the drawing of the screen performed by the graphics card rather than the processor, but it’s also possible to perform some spectacular effects when combined with a compositing window manager such as compiz.

Reveman released a demonstration video using compiz with Xgl. It sparked massive interest in the project and within a week or two many people successfully had it up and running on their desktops.

On the test releases of Dapper Drake, it was almost trivial to install.

To play the demo video you’ll need to install the free Xvid codec.

Compiz provides many effects unavailable on any other operating system and, in some cases, exceeds those provided by Apple’s OSX.

It doesn’t require any applications to be aware of the new server; only the window manager needs to know about the changes, and so works with even the oldest programs.

Shortly after the Xgl code release, Red Hat announced its intention to work more closely on a separate project called AIGLX.

This is more of an evolutionary step than Xgl. Instead of layering the X Window system on top of OpenGL, it provides better support for an OpenGL extension in the current X.Org server, allowing desktops to render either 2D or 3D effects.

Naturally, many people favour Xgl, and many people favour AIGLX. It’s impossible to see which will prove ultimately more popular.

Xgl’s more revolutionary approach appeals to some for the very same reasons it doesn’t appeal to others.

Xgl’s demonstration video and the fact that it’s relatively simple to set up works in its favour. Keep a look out for our move to Ubuntu Dapper Drake; this will almost certainly involve installing and configuring one or the other of these graphics servers.

See also:
Resolving Ubuntu screen setup 
Get connected with Ubuntu Linux
How to install Ubuntu Linux