The compiz eye candy in Linux requires a decent video card and RAM to perform like it was intended. Some people have experienced issues with compiz installed on Ubuntu such as window borders disappearing, menu selections being blacked out, or even blacked out windows at random.

If you experience this, it does not mean the video card can't handle the feature...it's a bug within compiz on Ubuntu distros. The exact same video card could handle Mandriva 2008 with compiz fusion and no errors occur at any level.

Remember, even though Ubuntu 7.10 comes with compiz installed...it's still experimental. Mandriva Linux 2007 was the first to have these features, AIGLX and Xgl 3D-accelerated desktop.

If a main reason for using Linux is the eye candy and smooth function of the 3D Desktop and Ubuntu gives you some problems, download Mandriva. Mandriva is available with your choice of the Gnome desktop or KDE.

Last but not least, NO EXTRA CONFIGURATION, is required with Mandriva 2008. During the install, there is a simple box to check for the 3D feature you prefer to have ready to go once the install completes. You can pick from 3D Desktop (Compiz), Metisse, or no 3D features at all. It's that simple.

Minimum requirements for these distros are as follows: