Does Ubuntu 12.04 LiveCD run Unity 2D or 3D or selects which one to run adaptively?

Question

In case I boot from an Ubuntu 12.04 LiveCD, am I going to see Unity 2D, standard Unity ("3D") or does it depend on my hardware?

Answer 1

As with an installed system,

/usr/lib/nux/unity_support_test

will be used to determine whether the system is capable of running Unity 3d. If it is not, logically Ubuntu 2d will be started.

    /usr/lib/nux/unity_support_test -p

returns a nice little overview that tells you more about the hardware capabilities of your GPU.

Answer 2

The live session will attempt to run Unity 3D. If your system is not capable or lacks necessary hardware drivers, it will run Unity 2d.