[solved]Desktop Cube

[kri5]

I would like to enable the desktop cube effect which I use to have in Ubuntu but I can't seem to get the same effect working in Kubuntu.

Does it work the same way as the Cube in Ubuntu with Kwin or do I need to install and use Compiz?

[wizard10000]

Re: Desktop Cube

kwin's desktop cube doesn't work the same way as compiz'.

If you want the cube you had in Ubuntu you'll have to use compiz instead of kwin.

[GreyGeek]

Re: Desktop Cube

The Cube in Kubuntu's Desktop Effects works OK.

[kri5]

Re: Desktop Cube

Can it be configured to work the same way as the Ubuntu Cube though, by that I mean the appearance of a 3D cube with the open applications standing out from the surface of the cube, also with the cube reflection and background wallpaper etc..?

[wizard10000]

Re: Desktop Cube

Can it be configured to work the same way as the Ubuntu Cube though, by that I mean the appearance of a 3D cube with the open applications standing out from the surface of the cube, also with the cube reflection and background wallpaper etc..?

Yes - the only thing I haven't been able to do is set Ctrl-Alt-mouse drag. Also, although you can set wallpaper you can't set cube caps.

[dibl]

Re: Desktop Cube

Can it be configured to work the same way as the Ubuntu Cube ...

Probably not "the same as" -- if you want the "same as", you should be running Ubuntu.

But KDE's desktop effects offer the cube and a plethora of options, including wobbly windows, translucencies, exploding windows, etc. etc. All dependent, of course, on the capabilities of your GPU and driver.

[wizard10000]

Re: Desktop Cube

You can install compiz in KDE. I ran that way for quite awhile - until emerald broke and I started running smaragd instead

[kri5]

Re: Desktop Cube

Can it be configured to work the same way as the Ubuntu Cube ...

Probably not "the same as" -- if you want the "same as", you should be running Ubuntu.

But KDE's desktop effects offer the cube and a plethora of options, including wobbly windows, translucencies, exploding windows, etc. etc. All dependent, of course, on the capabilities of your GPU and driver.

I left Ubuntu when Unity came along and now that I've started using Kubuntu and have manged to get all my old apps working I've decided to stick it out with Kubuntu.

I was asking as I can't seem to get the Cube to look anything like a cube, at present all I've got is four desktops that switch between each other with ctrl+alt+left/right/up/down arrow. I would prefer to use the Kubuntu installed software etc rather than end up back with Ubuntu through stealth

You can install compiz in KDE. I ran that way for quite awhile - until emerald broke and I started running smaragd instead

What is 'smaragd'?

[GreyGeek]

Re: Desktop Cube

"Desktop Cube
Display each virtual desktop on the side of a cube".

When I played with it I was presented with a cube which I could rotate. I could also put an image in the background and on the top of the cube, IIRC.

I think what is different is the mouse and/or keystrokes required to display it. IF you video is fast enough it is a nice way to change desktops, but if you running a mid-range video chip like mine the desktop works faster if Desktop Effects is left off.

[wizard10000]

Re: Desktop Cube

I was asking as I can't seem to get the Cube to look anything like a cube, at present all I've got is four desktops that switch between each other with ctrl+alt+left/right/up/down arrow. I would prefer to use the Kubuntu installed software etc rather than end up back with Ubuntu through stealth

By default, Ctrl-F11 activates the cube and then you can drag it with your mouse.

What is 'smaragd'?

smaragd was written by our own Rog132 and allows you to use emerald themes in kwin - emerald normally requires compiz but doesn't work with the version of compiz in Natty. smaragd allows me to use my favorite emerald theme without installing compiz.

[Rog132]

Re: Desktop Cube

smaragd was written by our own Rog132...

Thank you but no:

cat /usr/share/doc/kwin-style-smaragd/copyright

This work was packaged for Kubuntu by:

Rog131 <samrog131@xxxxxx.xxx> on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:34:25 +0300

It was downloaded from:

http://kde-look.org/content/show.php...content=125162

Upstream Author(s):

Christoph Feck <christoph@xxxxxxx.xx>

Copyright:...

or/and:

cat /usr/share/doc/kwin-style-smaragd/AUTHORS

Smaragd KWin Decoration:
Christoph Feck <christoph@xxxxxxxx.xx>

Emerald Core:
David Reveman <davidr@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Quinn Storm <livinglatexkali@xxxxxxx.xxx>

Additional Engines:
Patrick Niklaus <patrick.niklaus@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Alain <big_al326@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Varun <varunratnakar@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Ben Reeves <john@reeves160.xxxxxxx.xx.xx>

[wizard10000]

Re: Desktop Cube

Well, thank you for packaging and sharing it anyway

I've become quite fond of my emerald theme (euh) and appreciate being able to still use it in KDE.

[kri5]

Re: Desktop Cube

Thanks guys,

After using 'Ctrl+F11' I found the the desktop cube effect does indeed work and looks rather good to, in fact I think it actually looks better then it did in Ubuntu Thanks to Wizard for pointing that out, I obviously need to pay a bit more attention to the set-up

[woodsmoke]

Desktop Cube how to enable a simple how to.

Just for grins and giggles I did a complet reinstall of Kubu and reinstalled Compiz and all of the effects do work.

Just as a "start" for people that have not used the cube before one should just install all of the stuff that is in the repo, a little wasted hard drive space won't hurt, but do NOT install the "gnome" stuff, install the "same" stuff that is labled KDE.

type in "fusion icon" into the search and you will get the icon that has to be in the panel to run the cube.

On the icon select window decorator to emerald window manager to compiz. You will probably see a bright red/purple theme apply to something like Firefox.

Go to the compiz fusion icon's "settings manager" in then in the general tab, general options, make sure that there are at least four desktops in "desktop size" horizontal options. Leave the others to 1 and 1.

In the "Desktop" tab tick "rotate cube" and "desktop cube".

Close and go back to the icon and click "reload window manager" the screen will go black and jerk a little and then you will be back to a normal looking screen except that down in the panel on the left you will see two "desktop" icons stacked on top of each other instead of the normal two little ones.

Then press "ctrl" and "alt" and left click on the desktop and "drag" and you will see the cube.

The best advice for the rest of the effects is to play with them, because the instructions are way too long.

However, there are a lot of instructions on the web and discussions elsewhere on the forum.

have fun!

woodsmoke

[FloridaPhil]

Re: [solved]Desktop Cube

I have been struggling with the problem of making the rotating cube in Kubuntu 11.04. See my post in this forum of July 16. Briefly, using KDE's Desktop Effects, KWin says it cannot activate Desktop Cube, and using Compiz, I can't even get the desired pictures on the separate desktops.

I just tried to follow the path described by woodsmoke in his June 20, and found out that, although Compiz Fusion Icon is apparently installed, when I try to run it, nothing opens and after a few seconds, it quits trying. I have reinstalled it, but still get the same result.

Is this my problem? How do I get fusion icon to load reload desktop manager?