In this article, we will discuss how to remove Compiz in Ubuntu and fix screen issues in Unity. This guide is intended for those who are experiencing issues with Compiz and Unity on their Ubuntu systems and would like to resolve them.
To remove Compiz in Ubuntu and fix screen issues in Unity, you can try resetting Compiz and Unity first by using the terminal commands mentioned in the guide. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can remove Compiz and related packages using the terminal command provided. Alternatively, you can consider using Ubuntu Gnome or installing a different window manager as alternative solutions.
Introduction to Compiz and Unity
Compiz is a compositing window manager that uses 3D graphics hardware to create fast compositing desktop effects for window management. Unity, on the other hand, is a graphical shell for the GNOME desktop environment developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu.
Sometimes, these two can cause screen issues, and one of the solutions could be resetting or removing Compiz.
Resetting Compiz and Unity
Before removing Compiz, it’s worth trying to reset it. Here’s how you can do that:
- Access the Terminal: Press
Alt + Ctrl + F1to access the terminal. You will be prompted to login using your username and password. - Reset Compiz: Execute the command
gconftool-2 --recursive-unset /apps/compiz-1. This command resets all Compiz settings to their defaults. - Reset Unity: Execute the command
unity --reset. This command resets all Unity settings to their defaults. - Reset Launcher Icons (Optional): Execute the command
unity --reset-icons. This command resets all Unity launcher icons to their defaults. - Return to the Login Screen or Restart the System: Press
Alt + Ctrl + F7to return to the login screen or restart the system withsudo reboot.
Removing Compiz
If resetting Compiz and Unity doesn’t solve the problem, you can remove Compiz and related packages. Here’s how:
- Open a Terminal: You can do this by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + T. - Remove Compiz: Execute the command
sudo apt-get purge compiz compiz-plugins-main-default libcompizconfig0. This command removes Compiz and related packages. Note that removing Compiz also removes the packagesunityandubuntu-desktop, and removinglibcompizconfig0also removesubuntu-tweak. This means you will lose the ability to log into the Unity or Unity-2D desktops.
Alternative Solutions
If you don’t want to remove Compiz, you can consider the following alternatives:
- Try Ubuntu Gnome: Ubuntu Gnome does not use Compiz but still offers a visually appealing interface. You can install Ubuntu Gnome by setting up a multi-boot system and selecting Ubuntu Gnome as one of the options.
- Install a Different Window Manager: Instead of removing Compiz, you can install another window manager such as Xubuntu, i3, awesome, or lxde. For example, use the command
apt-get install xubuntu-desktopto install Xubuntu. At the login screen, select the appropriate window manager to avoid using Gnome, Unity, or Compiz.
Conclusion
Resolving screen issues in Ubuntu caused by Compiz and Unity can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, it can be done effectively. Whether you choose to reset or remove Compiz, or try an alternative solution, always remember to backup your important data before making any changes to your system.
Remember, the commands used in this guide should be executed with caution as they can significantly change your system settings. Always ensure you understand what a command does before executing it.
Some common screen issues caused by Compiz and Unity in Ubuntu include screen flickering, freezing, graphical glitches, and unresponsive windows.
You can access the Terminal in Ubuntu by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard. This will open a new Terminal window.
No, resetting Compiz and Unity will not delete your files or settings. It will only reset the configurations and settings related to Compiz and Unity to their defaults.
If you remove Compiz in Ubuntu, you will lose the ability to log into the Unity or Unity-2D desktops. It is important to note that removing Compiz also removes the packages unity and ubuntu-desktop.
Yes, instead of removing Compiz, you can install a different window manager such as Xubuntu, i3, awesome, or lxde. This allows you to have a different graphical interface without completely removing Compiz.
You can install Xubuntu as an alternative window manager by using the command apt-get install xubuntu-desktop. After installation, you can select Xubuntu as the window manager at the login screen.
Yes, it is always recommended to back up your important data before making any changes to your system. This ensures that you have a copy of your files in case anything goes wrong during the process.
Yes, there are risks involved in executing the commands mentioned in the guide. These commands can significantly change your system settings and should be executed with caution. It is important to understand what a command does before executing it.
