optimus-manager is a Linux utility for laptops that combine an Intel or AMD integrated GPU with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU through NVIDIA Optimus. It lets you switch between graphics modes so you can prioritize battery life, maximum GPU performance, or a balance of both without manually rewriting Xorg and NVIDIA configuration files.
For many Optimus laptops, the main choice is between integrated mode for cooler, longer-running everyday use, NVIDIA mode for gaming, CUDA, external displays, or demanding 3D workloads, and hybrid mode for running selected applications on the NVIDIA GPU while the desktop stays on the integrated GPU. Each mode has different effects on power draw, driver behavior, display routing, and session handling.
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Using optimus-manager successfully depends on compatible NVIDIA drivers, a supported desktop/session setup, and correct login manager configuration. Understanding those requirements makes GPU switching more predictable and helps avoid common issues such as black screens, failed logins, inactive external monitors, or the NVIDIA card staying powered when it should be off.
What optimus-manager Does on Optimus Laptops
optimus-manager is a Linux utility for laptops that contain both an integrated GPU, usually Intel or AMD, and a discrete NVIDIA GPU. These machines are commonly sold as NVIDIA Optimus laptops. The tool’s job is to switch the graphics stack between different GPU operating modes so the system can prioritize battery life, maximum 3D performance, or a balance of both.
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On Linux, GPU switching is more than selecting a device from a desktop menu. The display server, kernel modules, Xorg configuration, NVIDIA driver state, power management settings, and user session all need to agree on which GPU is active and how rendering should be routed. optimus-manager automates much of this process by generating the required graphics configuration, loading or unloading NVIDIA components as needed, and coordinating the switch around the login/session lifecycle.
In practical terms, optimus-manager lets you choose between three common modes:
- Integrated mode: The laptop uses the integrated GPU for display and rendering. The NVIDIA GPU is powered down when supported, reducing heat and improving battery life. This is usually the best choice for writing, browsing, development, video playback, and travel.
- NVIDIA mode: The discrete NVIDIA GPU handles the graphical session. This provides the strongest performance for games, CUDA workloads, external monitors wired directly to the NVIDIA GPU, and demanding 3D applications, but it increases power use and fan activity.
- Hybrid mode: The integrated GPU drives the desktop while selected applications can be offloaded to the NVIDIA GPU. This mode is useful when you want normal desktop efficiency but still need to launch specific programs with NVIDIA acceleration.
The utility is especially associated with Arch-based distributions, where it is commonly installed alongside the proprietary NVIDIA driver and controlled with the optimus-manager command. A typical workflow is to request a mode change, log out, and let the display manager restart the graphical session with the new GPU configuration. Some desktop applets can provide a tray menu for the same actions, but the underlying switch is still performed by the optimus-manager service.
optimus-manager does not replace the NVIDIA driver, Mesa, PRIME render offload, or the system’s login manager. Instead, it sits between those components and applies a consistent switching policy. This distinction matters because compatibility depends on the driver version, kernel support, desktop session type, and display manager behavior. It is most useful on systems where automatic vendor switching is unreliable, where a user wants explicit control over the active GPU, or where the laptop’s external display ports behave differently depending on whether the NVIDIA GPU is enabled.
For users, the main benefit is predictability. Rather than manually editing Xorg files, blacklisting modules, or guessing whether the NVIDIA card is awake, optimus-manager provides a clear mode-based interface. The trade-off is that mode changes usually require ending the current graphical session, and the tool works best when the system uses a supported login manager and a compatible X11 setup.
Supported GPU Modes and When to Use Each
optimus-manager typically offers three graphics modes: integrated, nvidia, and hybrid. Each mode changes which GPU drives rendering, how displays are handled, and how much power the laptop consumes. The best choice depends on whether you are prioritizing battery life, maximum 3D performance, external monitor support, or convenience when launching GPU-heavy applications.
Integrated mode
In integrated mode, the Intel or AMD iGPU is used for the desktop session while the NVIDIA GPU is powered down or left unused, depending on the laptop and driver setup. This is usually the best mode for writing, browsing, coding, watching video, and working away from a charger. It keeps fan noise and heat lower, and it can significantly extend battery life on many Optimus laptops.
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This mode is less suitable for demanding games, CUDA workloads, Blender rendering, machine learning, and other applications that require the NVIDIA GPU. It may also be a poor fit if your laptop routes HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C display outputs directly through the NVIDIA GPU. On those systems, external monitors may not work while integrated mode is active.
NVIDIA mode
In nvidia mode, the NVIDIA GPU handles the graphical session. This mode is best when you want maximum performance with the fewest runtime offloading complications. It is commonly used for gaming, VR, GPU rendering, CUDA development, high-refresh external displays, and multi-monitor setups where display outputs are wired to the NVIDIA chip.
The trade-off is power consumption. Since the discrete GPU remains active, battery life is usually much shorter than in integrated mode, and the laptop may run hotter even during light desktop use. NVIDIA mode is a practical choice when plugged in, when using external monitors, or when you know most of your session will involve GPU-heavy software.
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Hybrid mode
In hybrid mode, the integrated GPU normally drives the desktop, while selected applications can be launched on the NVIDIA GPU using PRIME render offload. This mode is a flexible middle ground: everyday desktop tasks stay efficient, but games and compute workloads can still use the discrete GPU when requested. On modern NVIDIA drivers, this is often the most convenient option for users who switch between light and heavy workloads frequently.
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| Mode | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| integrated | Battery life, quiet operation, basic desktop work | Limited 3D performance and possible external display limitations |
| nvidia | Gaming, CUDA, rendering, external monitors | Higher power use, heat, and fan noise |
| hybrid | Mixed workloads with selective NVIDIA offload | Requires proper offload setup and may have app-specific quirks |
For most users, a practical workflow is to use integrated on battery, nvidia when docked or gaming for long sessions, and hybrid when convenience matters more than squeezing out the absolute longest runtime. Because optimus-manager changes the graphics stack at the session level, switching modes usually requires logging out and starting a new graphical session before the selected mode fully applies.
Installation Requirements and Compatibility
optimus-manager is primarily used on Arch Linux and Arch-based distributions such as EndeavourOS, Garuda, and Manjaro, where it is packaged for systems that use NVIDIA Optimus laptops with both an integrated GPU and a discrete NVIDIA GPU. Before installing it, confirm that the laptop actually exposes both GPUs to Linux. A typical Intel/NVIDIA system should show an Intel graphics device and an NVIDIA device in tools such as lspci. AMD/NVIDIA Optimus-style laptops may also work in some setups, but Intel/NVIDIA combinations are the most common and best documented.
The core requirement is a working proprietary NVIDIA driver stack. optimus-manager is not designed for Nouveau-based switching, and it expects the NVIDIA kernel module, user-space libraries, and Xorg integration to be available. On Arch-based systems, that usually means installing the appropriate NVIDIA driver package for the kernel in use, such as nvidia, nvidia-lts, or a DKMS variant for custom kernels. The integrated GPU driver must also be available through the kernel and Mesa packages, which are normally installed by default on modern desktop systems.
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A typical installation includes the optimus-manager package itself, the NVIDIA driver, Xorg components, and a supported login/session manager configuration. After installation, the systemd service must be enabled so optimus-manager can prepare the selected GPU mode before the graphical session starts. On Arch-based systems this commonly involves enabling optimus-manager.service and rebooting before attempting the first switch.
- Kernel and headers: DKMS-based NVIDIA drivers require matching kernel headers for every installed kernel.
- NVIDIA driver: Use the proprietary driver package that matches your kernel and GPU generation.
- Xorg: optimus-manager is centered around Xorg session setup and display server configuration.
- systemd: The service handles pre-session GPU preparation and switching state.
- ACPI support: Reliable power control of the NVIDIA GPU depends on firmware and kernel behavior.
Desktop session compatibility
optimus-manager works best with Xorg sessions. Wayland support is limited because GPU routing, provider setup, and session startup are handled differently by Wayland compositors. If you use KDE Plasma, GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon, or another desktop, choose the X11/Xorg session at the login screen when testing optimus-manager. GNOME on Wayland, Plasma Wayland, and wlroots-based compositors may not follow the expected switching path, especially when moving between integrated-only and NVIDIA-only modes.
Login manager compatibility is also significant. Display managers start the graphical session early in the boot process, so optimus-manager must integrate with them cleanly. SDDM and LightDM are commonly used with optimus-manager. GDM can be more restrictive, especially on systems where GNOME defaults to Wayland or where GDM keeps GPU resources active between sessions. If switching appears to succeed but the next login still uses the wrong GPU, the display manager configuration is one of the first places to check.
| Component | Compatibility guidance |
|---|---|
| Xorg session | Recommended and most reliable for all optimus-manager modes. |
| Wayland session | Often unsuitable for full mode switching; use only if your setup is known to work. |
| SDDM | Common choice for KDE Plasma and generally compatible. |
| LightDM | Commonly used with XFCE, Cinnamon, and lightweight desktops. |
| GDM | May require extra care due to Wayland defaults and GNOME integration. |
Secure Boot can also affect installation. If Secure Boot is enabled and the NVIDIA kernel module is not signed correctly, the driver may fail to load, causing optimus-manager switches to fail or fall back to the integrated GPU. Users who rely on Secure Boot should ensure their NVIDIA modules are signed and accepted by the firmware, or test with Secure Boot disabled to isolate driver-loading problems.
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Finally, avoid mixing optimus-manager with other GPU-switching frameworks unless the distribution specifically supports that combination. Tools such as nvidia-prime, Bumblebee, EnvyControl, distro-specific hybrid graphics scripts, or custom Xorg snippets can conflict with optimus-manager’s generated configuration. A clean setup with one switching method, one active display manager, and a confirmed Xorg session gives the most predictable result.
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Configuring optimus-manager and Login Managers
After installation, optimus-manager usually needs a small amount of configuration so it can control the Xorg session cleanly at login and logout. Its main configuration file is typically /etc/optimus-manager/optimus-manager.conf, with defaults provided by the package. If the file does not exist, many distributions include an example under /usr/share/optimus-manager.conf or similar package documentation paths. Copy the sample to /etc/optimus-manager/ before editing so package updates do not overwrite your local settings.
The most common setting to adjust is the startup GPU mode. This controls what the machine uses after boot or after the display manager starts. For maximum battery life, set the startup mode to integrated graphics. For a workstation plugged into power, NVIDIA mode may be more convenient. Hybrid mode is a practical default for many users because the desktop runs on the integrated GPU while selected applications can be offloaded to the NVIDIA GPU. A typical configuration may include options for startup_mode=integrated, startup_mode=nvidia, or startup_mode=hybrid, depending on the version packaged by your distribution.
Display manager compatibility
optimus-manager integrates with the login manager because GPU switching must happen before the graphical session is fully started. When you request a mode change, the current session is terminated, the display server is reconfigured, and the login screen returns. This means you should save work before switching modes. It also means the display manager must run in a way that allows optimus-manager to stop and restart the graphical stack reliably.
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- LightDM: Often compatible, especially on Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, and other Xorg-based desktops. Some greeter configurations may need adjustment if the login screen fails to return after switching.
- GDM: Can be more restrictive, especially on systems using Wayland by default. Many setups require disabling Wayland in GDM by editing
/etc/gdm/custom.confand settingWaylandEnable=false.
Wayland support is a frequent source of confusion. optimus-manager is primarily built around Xorg session switching. On desktops where Wayland is the default, the switch may fail, NVIDIA mode may not initialize as expected, or external displays may behave inconsistently. If reliable switching is the goal, choose an Xorg session from the login screen and disable automatic Wayland startup in the display manager when needed.
Common configuration areas
| Setting area | What it affects | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Startup mode | GPU used after boot or display manager start | Integrated for battery, hybrid for flexibility, NVIDIA for maximum graphics performance |
| Display manager | How sessions are stopped and restarted during switching | SDDM or LightDM on Xorg-based desktops |
| Wayland usage | Session compatibility and login behavior | Use Xorg for the most predictable switching |
| NVIDIA driver options | Power management, modesetting, and external display behavior | Use current proprietary NVIDIA drivers unless your distribution documents another path |
Once configuration changes are made, restart the optimus-manager service or reboot to make sure the login manager, kernel modules, and Xorg configuration are aligned. On systemd-based distributions, the service is commonly managed with systemctl, and logs can be inspected through the journal if the login screen does not return. Avoid mixing mulle GPU-switching tools at the same time, such as distribution-specific PRIME scripts, custom Xorg files, and optimus-manager rules, because overlapping configuration can leave the system stuck at a black screen or prevent the NVIDIA module from loading.
Switching GPUs from the Command Line and Applets
After optimus-manager is installed and the display manager has been configured, day-to-day GPU changes are usually handled with the optimus-manager --switch command. A switch changes the graphics mode used for the next graphical session, so it normally requires logging out and letting the display manager start a new session. This is different from launching a single application on the NVIDIA GPU in an existing hybrid session; optimus-manager is primarily a session-level switching tool.
Using the command line
The most common commands are straightforward. Run them from a terminal inside your desktop session, then confirm the logout when prompted, or log out manually if your environment does not close the session automatically.
optimus-manager --switch integratedselects the Intel or AMD integrated GPU for the next session.optimus-manager --switch nvidiaselects the discrete NVIDIA GPU for the next session.optimus-manager --switch hybridenables hybrid mode, where the integrated GPU drives the desktop and selected applications can use the NVIDIA GPU.optimus-manager --print-modeshows the currently active mode.optimus-manager --print-next-modeshows the mode scheduled for the next login, if a switch is pending.
For example, a user working on battery might run optimus-manager --switch integrated before leaving their desk, then switch to nvidia before gaming, CUDA rendering, or using an external monitor wired directly to the NVIDIA GPU. On laptops where hybrid mode works reliably, optimus-manager --switch hybrid is often the most convenient default because it keeps the desktop on the low-power GPU while still allowing NVIDIA acceleration when needed.
Running applications in hybrid mode
In hybrid mode, switching the whole session is not always necessary. Many distributions support NVIDIA render offload, allowing a single program to use the NVIDIA GPU while the desktop remains on the integrated GPU. Common launch patterns include environment variables such as __NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD=1 and __GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=nvidia. Some desktops and launchers expose this as a menu option such as “Launch using Dedicated Graphics Card.” This behavior depends on the NVIDIA driver, desktop environment, and Vulkan/OpenGL support, so testing with tools such as nvidia-smi can confirm whether the application is actually using the discrete GPU.
Using tray applets and desktop integrations
Many users prefer a graphical switcher instead of typing commands. The commonly used companion is optimus-manager-qt, a system tray applet that shows the current mode and provides menu entries for integrated, NVIDIA, and hybrid modes. It is especially useful on KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, and other tray-friendly desktops. After selecting a mode, the applet usually triggers the same backend operation as the command-line tool and still requires a logout and new login to complete the switch.
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| Method | Best for | Session restart needed |
|---|---|---|
optimus-manager --switch integrated |
Battery use, quiet operation, everyday desktop work | Yes |
optimus-manager --switch nvidia |
Games, CUDA, demanding 3D workloads, some external displays | Yes |
optimus-manager --switch hybrid |
Mixed use, offloading selected apps to NVIDIA | Yes |
| NVIDIA offload command or desktop menu | Launching one app on NVIDIA while staying in hybrid mode | No |
If a graphical applet does not show the right state, first verify the backend with optimus-manager --print-mode. Applets can be affected by tray support, autostart settings, or permission prompts, while the command-line tool gives a direct view of what optimus-manager itself reports. For reliable switching, close GPU-heavy applications before changing modes, save your work before logging out, and avoid interrupting the display manager while the new session is starting.
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Power, Performance, and Battery Life Considerations
The main practical difference between optimus-manager modes is how much power the NVIDIA GPU consumes when it is not actively needed. On many Optimus laptops, the dedicated GPU can draw several watts even at idle if it remains initialized, which reduces battery life and increases heat. Integrated mode is usually the best choice for writing, browsing, development work, video playback, and travel because it keeps the Intel or AMD iGPU responsible for the desktop and can fully power down the NVIDIA card on supported hardware.
NVIDIA mode prioritizes predictable performance. In this mode, the display server runs on the dedicated GPU, so games, CUDA workloads, external-monitor setups wired to the NVIDIA chip, and GPU-heavy creative applications do not need offload configuration. The trade-off is higher idle power usage, more fan activity, and shorter battery runtime. Some laptops also route HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C display outputs directly through the NVIDIA GPU, making NVIDIA mode necessary for certain external displays or high-refresh-rate configurations.
Hybrid mode sits between the two. The desktop normally runs on the integrated GPU, while selected applications can be rendered on the NVIDIA GPU through PRIME render offload. This is often the most convenient daily-driver mode on modern systems: battery use is lower than full NVIDIA mode, but demanding programs can still use the dGPU when launched with the right environment variables or wrapper tools. Hybrid mode depends heavily on driver support, compositor behavior, and application launch configuration, so it may require more tuning than simply switching to NVIDIA mode before a gaming session.
| Mode | Best use case | Battery impact | Performance profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated | Office work, browsing, coding, video playback, travel | Lowest power use when NVIDIA power-off works | Limited to iGPU performance |
| NVIDIA | Gaming, rendering, CUDA, external displays wired to dGPU | Highest power use | Most consistent dGPU performance |
| Hybrid | Daily use with occasional GPU-heavy applications | Moderate, depending on offload and runtime power management | Good when applications are launched on the correct GPU |
For battery-sensitive use, verify that the NVIDIA card actually powers down in integrated or hybrid mode. Tools such as nvidia-smi, powertop, and vendor-specific ACPI readings can help show whether the dGPU is still awake. If nvidia-smi lists running processes when you expect the card to be idle, a compositor, monitoring tool, browser, game launcher, or desktop widget may be keeping the NVIDIA driver active. Closing those processes or preventing them from starting on the dGPU can noticeably improve runtime.
Performance tuning also depends on CPU and thermal limits. A laptop in NVIDIA mode may benchmark well for the first few minutes, then throttle if the cooling system cannot dissipate combined CPU and GPU heat. Using the vendor performance profile, keeping vents clear, updating firmware, and selecting an appropriate fan or power profile can matter as much as the selected optimus-manager mode. On battery, some systems cap dGPU clocks aggressively, so gaming or rendering performance may be far below what the same mode delivers when plugged in.
A sensible workflow is to use integrated mode when maximum battery life and quiet operation matter, NVIDIA mode when the whole session needs dedicated graphics, and hybrid mode when convenience matters more than absolute power savings. After changing modes, confirm the active GPU state and test the applications you care about rather than relying only on the mode name, because laptop wiring, driver version, kernel version, and desktop environment can all affect real-world power draw and performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting Common Switching and Display Issues
Most optimus-manager problems come from one of four areas: an incompatible display server setup, a login manager that does not fully restart sessions, stale Xorg configuration, or NVIDIA driver power-management issues. Start by confirming the current mode and service state with optimus-manager –status and systemctl status optimus-manager. If the daemon is not running, switching will fail even if the command-line tool is installed correctly.
Switching fails or returns to the previous mode
If a switch command appears to work but the system comes back in the same mode, check whether you fully logged out rather than only locking the screen. optimus-manager needs to stop the graphical session so it can unload and reload GPU drivers safely. On many systems, the most reliable test is to run the switch command, log out, wait for the display manager to return, then log in again. If that still fails, reboot once after changing modes to rule out a stuck kernel module.
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- Check logs with journalctl -u optimus-manager for driver unloading errors, Xorg startup failures, or permission issues.
- Remove conflicting manual GPU configuration from /etc/X11/xorg.conf or custom files under /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ unless they are intentionally required.
- Make sure the installed NVIDIA driver matches the running kernel, especially after a kernel upgrade.
Black screen after switching to NVIDIA
A black screen usually indicates that Xorg started with an invalid GPU layout, the login manager did not restart cleanly, or the internal display is wired in a way that needs PRIME display offload rather than full NVIDIA mode. Try booting to a TTY with Ctrl + Alt + F2, log in, and switch back with optimus-manager –switch integrated. If the desktop returns after that, inspect the NVIDIA mode configuration before trying again. Systems with internal panels connected only to the Intel or AMD iGPU may behave better in hybrid mode, while external HDMI or DisplayPort outputs may require nvidia mode if those ports are physically connected to the NVIDIA GPU.
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Wayland, login manager, and desktop session conflicts
optimus-manager is designed primarily around Xorg session handling. If you are using Wayland, switching may be incomplete or unsupported depending on the desktop environment and display manager. For troubleshooting, choose an X11 session at the login screen. With GDM, some users also need to disable Wayland in the GDM configuration so that the login screen itself does not keep the wrong graphics stack active. SDDM and LightDM are commonly used alternatives, but they still need correct pre-session and post-session behavior so optimus-manager can apply the selected mode.
| Symptom | Likely cause | First fix to try |
|---|---|---|
| Switch command hangs | Graphical session or NVIDIA process still running | Log out completely, close GPU-using apps, then retry from a TTY |
| Black screen in NVIDIA mode | Xorg layout or display wiring mismatch | Switch back to integrated, then test hybrid mode |
| Poor battery life in hybrid mode | NVIDIA GPU not powering down | Check runtime power management and driver version |
| External monitor not detected | Port connected to the dGPU | Try NVIDIA mode and restart the display session |
When applications keep the NVIDIA card awake, tools such as nvidia-smi can show which processes are using it. Browsers, Electron apps, game launchers, and compositors may start on the dGPU unexpectedly in hybrid mode. Close those programs before switching or force them to use the integrated GPU where possible. If the system fails after package updates, rebuild or reinstall the NVIDIA driver package, confirm that nvidia, nvidia_modeset, and related modules load correctly, and review the most recent pacman, apt, or distro-specific upgrade logs.
If recovery is needed, boot to a TTY or a previous kernel, switch to integrated mode, and disable the service temporarily with systemctl disable optimus-manager only long enough to regain a working desktop. Once the session is stable, re-enable it, restore a minimal configuration, and test one mode at a time. This step-by-step approach makes it easier to separate optimus-manager configuration issues from driver, kernel, display manager, or desktop environment problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reboot every time I switch GPUs with optimus-manager?
No, but you usually need to log out and restart the graphical session for the switch to apply. optimus-manager changes Xorg, NVIDIA driver, and power-management settings that are normally initialized when the display session starts. If switching appears to do nothing, fully log out rather than just locking the screen or restarting a terminal.
Which mode should I use: integrated, NVIDIA, or hybrid?
Use integrated mode when you want the best battery life and do not need heavy GPU performance. Use NVIDIA mode for gaming, CUDA workloads, external displays wired to the NVIDIA GPU, or maximum graphics performance. Use hybrid mode when you want the Intel or AMD iGPU to drive the desktop while launching selected apps on the NVIDIA GPU with offloading.
Does optimus-manager work with Wayland?
optimus-manager is primarily designed around Xorg session switching and login-manager integration. Some hybrid/offload setups may work under Wayland depending on your desktop environment, driver version, and distribution, but full mode switching is less predictable than on Xorg. If reliability matters, use an Xorg session unless your distribution specifically documents Wayland support for your setup.
Which display manager should I use with optimus-manager?
SDDM, LightDM, and SDDM-based KDE setups are commonly used, but the exact support depends on your distribution and how the service hooks into session startup. GDM can be more problematic because it manages graphics sessions in ways that may conflict with GPU switching. If switches fail or loop back to the login screen, check the optimus-manager documentation for your display manager and verify that the optimus-manager service is enabled.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat should I check if switching to NVIDIA mode gives a black screen?
First, confirm that the proprietary NVIDIA driver is installed and matches your kernel, especially after kernel updates. Then check whether your display manager is supported and whether Secure Boot is blocking the NVIDIA kernel module. From a TTY, review the optimus-manager logs and Xorg logs, then switch back to integrated mode if you need to recover the desktop.
Bottom Line
optimus-manager is a practical solution for Linux users who want clear control over NVIDIA Optimus graphics, whether that means saving battery on integrated mode, maximizing performance on NVIDIA mode, or balancing flexibility with hybrid mode. The best choice depends on how you use your laptop, your desktop environment, and whether your display manager and session setup are compatible.
Start with the mode that matches your daily needs, confirm your login manager configuration, and test switching before relying on it for work or gaming. If problems appear, check logs, driver versions, Xorg/session settings, and known distribution-specific requirements before changing mulle settings at once.
Quick Recap
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