XGL support in the repository

XGL is in the Universe repository, but it is worth following the procedure listed at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CompositeManager in order to get it working.

I would consider it very experimental in Dapper. The third party repo's mentioned in said page need to come with big warning signs, as they install newer or different versions of some libraries, which may cause pain and incompatibility with other packages.

I am saying this from experience. You have been warned.

Other than that, I did actually get XGL and compiz working, in Dapper, it was quite solid for a few weeks. It really did not get along well with games of any kind, but handled most video players ok.

I would say treat this one with proper care, and dont do it on a system you are going to use day to day unless you really are prepared to deal with the woe of incompatible packages in the repository.

I have heard that the XGL and compiz packages in the official repo are broken and have been warned not to use them. If you are interested in using a composit manager I recommend going to IRC on irc.freenode.net (FreeNode network) and join #ubuntu-xgl for support. I also recommend that if you are going to try a composite manager to try Beryl and Emerald and you can find a great repo that has it ready to go for both edgy and dapper at www.beerorkid.com/compiz.

NOTE: Listen to Danny though and treat this with care, because this is a good way to have to deal with broken package dependencies etc...