Task switching in Ubuntu is painfully slow

Whenever I switch tasks in Ubuntu (ALT+TAB), the switch takes place instantaneously but I have to wait a second before I can use the new screen because the task preview window comes up after the switch, stays on the screen for a moment and then disappears before I can use the new screen. Anyone know how to fix this?

("task preview window" = the window that displays miniature views of each of your open tasks)

Solution 1:

Try disabling compiz from 'System->Preferences->Appearance' then go to the 'Visual Effects' tab and check 'none'. Then try switching windows and compare the results.

I find the compiz task-switcher completely unusable and unfortunately there is no way to disable only the compiz task-switcher, you have to disable all effects. So, it's your choice, usability or fanciness!

Solution 2:

I had problems with alt+tab and compiz in Ubuntu 9.04. But after upgrading to Karmic everything is fine.