In 11.10, it should automatically start in 2D mode if 3D acceleration isn't available. Alternately, you can choose it from the login screen. Here is how Unity a

In 11.10, it should automatically start in 2D mode if 3D acceleration isn't available. Alternately, you can choose it from the login screen. Here is how Unity and Unity 2D are configured on my system. $ cat /usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/ubuntu.session [GNOME Session] Name=Ubuntu Name[eo]=Ubuntuo RequiredComponents=gnome-settings-daemon; RequiredProviders=windowmanager;panel; DefaultProvider-windowmanager=compiz DefaultProvider-panel=compiz IsRunnableHelper=/usr/lib/nux/unity_support_test FallbackSession=ubuntu-2d DesktopName=Unity $ cat /usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/ubuntu-2d.session [GNOME Session] Name=Ubuntu 2D RequiredComponents=gnome-settings-daemon; RequiredProviders=windowmanager;panel;launcher; DefaultProvider-windowmanager=metacity DefaultProvider-panel=unity-2d-panel DefaultProvider-launcher=unity-2d-launcher DesktopName=Unity