How to start compiz in ubuntu 7.10 [gutsy] live cd

In gutsy final release, I got compiz running correctly with an ATI Radeon Mobility 7500 (M7).

Steps to get compiz running:
1 - Open a terminal: go to menu 'Applications > Accessories > Terminal'
2 - Type `sudo -b gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf` to open that file with root permission, so you can save it back.
3 - Find the line with "DefaultDepth" and change the value from "24" to "16" bit per pixel, without the quotes; save the changes and close.
4 - Now, unload and reload the 'radeon' driver: in the terminal, type `sudo rmmod radeon&&sudo modprobe radeon`.
5 - Restart the X-window: log out, and then press ctrl+alt+backspace (that key combo kills X server, and all graphical applications!), X server will restart automatically.
6 - Login again, go to terminal, and type `SKIP_CHECKS=yes compiz --replace&`; the first parte tells compiz to try to start compiz.real even if some checks failed.

Hi Miguel,

Thanks for this tip. It got me further than I have gotten before with this chipset. One problem however: Once I started compiz, the edges of my windows disappeared along with the minimize/maximize/close buttons. Any diea why this would be? Is there an effect that does this that I should disable?

Also, assuming I solve the previous problem, how do we get compiz to load when starting ubuntu without typing the command every time? Add it to xorg.conf?

Thanks,
Ryan

Look in CompizConfig Settings manager — under the Effects heading — for Window Decoration. Particularly check the setting Command, and ensure that the plugin itself is on.

In order to add Compiz to startup. One of many ways is found in System > Preferences > Startup Applications. In the Add dialog, fill in the Command field with 'compiz --replace' and fill in Name and Comment fields with anything that will help you identify the record when you want to find it.