3D Graphics Modelling and Rendering mini-HOWTO

1. Introduction

1.1 Preamble

This document will guide you through the steps used to install and configure an environment for modelling and rendering three-dimensional graphics using Linux. In this section you will also find information in laymans terms about the required components and how they piece together. The installation section is purposely minimal; merely the quick and dirty steps needed to take to get up and running (if it doesn't work, more information is available). For those that want more information about the software components and what they do (in general), please continue reading.

There are, at the minimum, three software packages you'll need in order to get up and running. These are as follows (in the order they are explained, not the order they are installed):

• a graphics library;
• a graphics modeller;
• a graphics renderer.

1.2 Modelling vs. Modeling

The spelling modelling is Canadian. The spelling modeling is American. The original author of this document is Canadian. ;-)

1.3 Copyright Information

Copyright © 2000-2001 Dave Jarvis

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part, without fee, subject to the following restrictions:

• the copyright notice above and this permission notice must be preserved complete on all complete or partial copies;
• any translation or derived work must be approved by the author in writing before distribution;
• if you distribute this work in part, instructions for obtaining the complete version of this manual must be included, and a means for obtaining a complete version provided;
• small portions may be reproduced as illustrations for reviews or quotes in other works without this permission notice if proper citation is given.