Source: http://www.futuredesktop.com/ ============================= Transparency of the cube: Again, select the "Desktop" category from the list and double-click "Desktop Cube" button or label (see picture_10ddd). It will show a preferences dialog for the cube settings. Choose the "Transparent Cube" tab page and drag the slider to set the "Opacity During Rotation" value to ca. 50%. See picture_10dddd. Size of the cube (zoom) This is actually a distance from your eyes (or nose) to the cube. See picture_10d4... Skydome (background) picture: Skydome is an image behind the cube. It can be static or animated. First, download some skydome images from http://www.compiz-themes.org. For example get the Sea and Sky Bryce Pack (12 domes) tar ball, it's under the [highest rated] page. Unzip and save the images to a sub folder under your home directory (best you create a new directory /home/your username/skydomes/ ). Then start the ccsm dialog and browse to Desktop -> Desktop Cube preferences. See picture_10d5... Next picture, picture_10d6... shows how to set the skydome image. Then rotate your cube. Try different images. Get also a decent wallpaper... Taking screenshots You can take a screenshot of your desktop by pressing the [Prt Scr]-key or by using the gnome-screenshot tool in the Accessories menu. But the Compiz has its own handy screenshot utility. Activate the Screenshot plugin in the Extras category. See picture_10d7. Then take a screenshot by pressing the super key (your window key) and drag the LEFT mouse-button on the desktop. The screenshot is saved in your /Desktop folder (on the desktop). 10e) Learn how to maneuver Compiz: Rotate the cube Usage: CTRL + ALT + LEFT ARROW (or RIGHT ARROW) or press CTRL + ALT + drag LEFT-mouse pointer on the taskbar or desktop surface. Task switcher I like the "Ring Switch" plugin a lot. It's under the "Window Management" category (see picture_10e). Usage: Super + TAB to activate ring task switcher. I believe that the Super key is also called Window key. The ordinary task switcher is still ALT + TAB. Task overview Usage: Move the mouse pointer sharply beyond upper, right corner of the screen. I usually make a rapid mouse movement towards (and slightly beyond) the upper, right corner of screen. Flat desktop overview Usage: CTRL + ALT + ARROW DOWN. Move from desktop to desktop by pressing ARROW LEFT / RIGHT. Change opacity / transparency of a window Usage: ALT + roll the MOUSE WHEEL on the window's title bar. I usually point at the titlebar and roll with the middle mouse button (which is a wheel button). My keyboard has also a wheel button which works similarly. Maginify (zoom) Usage: Super key + roll the MOUSE WHEEL on a window or desktop. Again, in my case the mouse wheel is the middle mouse button. Window preview on the taskbar If you want to see a small window preview in the taskbar, select the "Window Previews" option under "Extras" category in ccsm. See picture_10ee... Move a window (actually this is an ordinary GNOME thing) Press ALT + drag LEFT mouse button on the window (eg. middle of the window) to move it. Some fancy effects with basic elements; fire and water ! Start the ccsm and browse to "Effects" category. Activate eg. the "Cube Gears", "Water Effects" and "Paint fire on the screen" effects. "Cube Gears" is visible inside when you rotate the cube. The cube must be partly transparent (ref. step 10d). "Water Effects" starts and stops by pressing SHIFT + F9 keys. "Paint fire" starts with Super + SHIFT + drag LEFT mouse and stops with Super + SHIFT + C.