Some would say 3D desktops are useless fluff; some swear by them. This article gives you an overview of today's 3D desktop options, and how they can help you be more productive.
3D desktop effects The new ATI drivers use AIGLX so there is not need to install XGL that older drivers (< 8.40) required. Remove this section from to the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file. The new xorg server enables "Composite" by default.
Version 7.10, "Gutsy Gibbon," finally brings a flashy 3D interface to the desktop edition of Ubuntu. Meanwhile, Canonical is staffing up its server effort for 2008.