One of the thing I really like about Linux is Compiz.

I think anyone who used Linux system knows what Compiz does, but for those who are still in Windows world, it’s a window manager that utilizes OpenGL for 3D and other neat effects.

Now, obviously these effects are unnecessary, and many function-oriented computer users would say it’s a waste of resources.

It may be so.

But for Linux to be truly viable alternative OS for the mass market, I think some eye candy is necessary. I mean, look at the direction MS has taken Vista, and how MacOSX users have bragged about its look and feel (or at least my Mac user friend did to me anyways).

Two of my favorite Compiz effects are “Cube” and “Expo.” I think these two effects not only look really good, but also very functional. They both allows me to maximize the use of multiple virtual desktop that Linux offers. And having multiple virtual desktop is sure nice, especially when I am running a several instances of virtual machines.

And I also like how little the resources these effect use, in comparison to, say Vista.

My new computer is high-end (at least for now) with a good 3D video card, so there is absolutely no surprise for it to be able to handle what Compiz has to offer.

But when I loaded Ubuntu on my old laptop is about 5-6 years old. It’s got AMD Athlon 64, 1.5GB of RAM, and old ATI Mobile 9600 with 64MB as its video card, things pretty much worked right off the butt (with exception of wireless network card, but that’s another story). I was able to load Cube, Expo and all the other effects without much of fuss. And they aren’t sluggish either. I must admit, this was a surprise to me…pleasant one, nonetheless.

I am not going to try loading Vista with Aero effects on this laptop though.