And what is Compiz Fusion?

For some time, I have the idea of ​​writing a little about this wonder that is CompizFusion.

I thought: I should first give an explanation about what is Compiz Fusion, and then dedicate ourselves to installing and configuring it. But let's start with the foundations.

To try to clarify the concept to myself and see how much we know in general about this topic, I conducted a small survey and these were the results that I obtained when I asked the simple question: What do you think is Compiz Fusion?

* a ... uh ... sarlangen
* some design
* sounds familiar but I don't know what it is
* fusion of tango and techno, something like Gotan Project
* is to Ubuntu what Aero to Windows
* is what makes Ubuntu windows set on fire

Seen and considering that if we say Ubuntu we all know more or less what we are talking about, it was strange and surprising to me that the concept of Compiz is not as widespread in general among users who use Windows and that, in my opinion, is the best I've seen in Linux, and a very interesting reason to try it.

Let's get back to the topic: and what is it then?

CompizFusion is, as its name implies, the merger between two software projects: Compiz y Beryl.

Compiz it is a window editor. It's very simple. It gives us the possibility to improve the desktop interface and the different windows that we use all the time to our liking (modify the typography, the colors, apply themes for the icons and even for the windows, etc.). What's more, it gives us the possibility of applying effects to different common events, such as, for example, using the Alt + tab shortcut, minimizing or maximizing windows, etc. This is done by using native plugins that, in addition to serving as the basis (and core) for other functionalities, provide the effects. In turn, a parallel project arises called CompizExtras containing numerous new plugins with increasingly incredible effects and highly polished interface handling.

On the other side is the project Beryl, which is a 'special' fork of the original Compiz project. So many changes had been made to the core of what Compiz was, that a version called quinnstorm focused mainly on window decoration and the inclusion of plugins that further improved the visual aspect of the interface, the 'eye candy'. From there the window decorator is born Emerald, highly recommended, which allows us a very high level of personalization (being able to save our creations-themes to use them at other times).

Finally, both projects merge to arrive at what is today Compiz Fusion, which aims to improve the usability and performance of Compiz with many more tools, plugins and libraries. And the support of the two merged communities, of course.

I suppose you have guessed, Compiz Fusion is an open-source project, therefore it is in constant development and innovation. Many developers participate day by day to improve it, fix bugs and provide user support. Which gives us the possibility of having Compiz to play a very, very long time;).

Why am I telling you this that seems so boring? Because in matters of customization is where Linux takes the lead compared to Windows in my opinion. Starting from the concept that my PC is mine, and I must have the tools to modify it, improve it, destroy it or make my environment as beautiful or ugly as I want, without major complications. And to do all that, Compiz Fusion is a great option: D

Don't you want to install it NOW?

Compiz Fusion on Wikipedia
Official Site