Compiz by default ?

[Andrew Price]

On 15/08/07 10:46, Michael Vogt wrote:
> What we need to do in any case is to raise awareness to the users
> about this feature. If we decide to enable it by default we should
> popup something that explains that certain things may not work quite
> well.

My feeling is that firstly, if we're going to enable it, it should work
quite well. Secondly, burying the user in unnecessary popups is a bad
thing. Let's not push crack.

>      If we decide that we should not enable it, we should have a
> check that tests if it is likely that the system is able to run compiz
> and if so, popup a notification that tell them what to do to enable
> desktop-effects.

Again, I don't like the idea of using a popup for this. I suspect the
majority of users would log into their computer in order to get stuff
done and popping up a message announcing the latest bling in Ubuntu
would be a distraction on an irritation level of XP's "You have unused
icons on your desktop.."

> The effects tab in the apperance capplet should also
> get some additional text that explains that desktop effects may cause
> issues with windowed 3d applications.

Agreed, but it's a shame this needs to be done.

In summary, I think desktop effects should be made easily discoverable
without pushing it in the user's face. Perhaps gutsy+2 would be a good
point to start thinking seriously about enabling it by default but I
think there are too many issues that still need thinking about (has
power consumption been discussed yet?). If the setting is discoverable
then those who want the bling will find it. Personally, I tried it for a
bit and then turned it off to speed things up and give my laptop battery
some respite. I don't think I know anyone who doesn't turn it off after
a few days.

Anyhoo, the community at large seems to be talking about compiz by
default at the moment. The Fedora devel list has a recent thread with
some good points made here (sharing the knowledge, and all that):
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-devel-list/2007-August/msg00559.html

--
Andy Price