new to ubuntu

Ubuntu offers three levels of desktop effects: none, normal and extra. Ubuntu recommends at least a 1.2ghz processor, 256mb of ram, 8gb of hard drive, and a compatible video card. To change your settings go to System> Preferences> Appearance> Visual Effects.

The three levels are preset and you cannot choose specifically which effects to enable or disable. To further customize desktop effects, you need to enable the compiz fusion settings manager. Go to Applications> Accessories> Terminal. At the prompt, type the following.

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

Then press enter.

Now under the visual effects tab, a new option: Custom appears.

By selecting Preferences, you can enable or disable specific effects. Look under the actions tab to see keyboard/mouse shortcuts that activate and control the effect.

Part 2 describes specific desktop effects.