By default, the Oracle Solaris Desktop selects one of two available window managers when you log in, depending on the capabilities of your graphics hardware:
compiz – A compositing window manager that supports advanced graphical effects such as shading and translucency. When you log in, the system automatically checks whether your graphics card supports hardware acceleration with Oracle Solaris 11.
metacity – A basic standards-compliant window manager. When you log in, the system automatically checks whether your graphics card supports hardware acceleration with Oracle Solaris 11.
To minimize CPU usage, you should manually select the Metacity Window Manager. You can do this in one of the following ways:
Use the metacity command with the –-replace option.
$ metacity --replace &
In the Visual Effects tab of the Appearance Preference tool, select None.
This selection takes effect immediately, and is in effect the next time you log in.