Yesterday I just updated my Ubuntu to 11.04 and I do not like the new Unity panel/dock thing. Do you think it's a good or bad thing?

I'm giving it a chance. At first I found it awkward, but I'll give it a few weeks.

All thy need is 1. Make the side bar more customizable and 2. Add an old style application menu on it.

I find unity is very sleek looking and great for beginners, but it needs work to be as useful as the classic gnome GUI.

Did you know you can log in to your desktop with the classic gnome GUI by selecting Ubuntu (Classic) at the bottom of the screen on the log in screen?

Light Knight : I just wish I could put the dock at the bottom, like using Docky, and change the UI to be more like the original Gnome too.

pi0x : Ya. At least you can turn unity off and use the old way.

Actually! Try logging in to classic ububtu and downloading a dock app like Cairo Dock. Then you get best of both worlds. I did that before unity and it worked great.

One think I dislike is that compiz (not sure if you use it) updated too, and now it doesn't load emerald themes!!

Light Knight : I tried to use all those different Emerald themes, but I could never get them to work properly, I just use the plain theme that Ubuntu starts with.

pi0x : Emerald needs compiz to be set a certain way to work, but the new compiz in 11.04 doesn't support Emerald, so it's all good. You can still use Metacity themes, they're pretty easy to use if you google how. If not, ask me and I'll give you a hand.

Light Knight : u guys both use linux? for how long now? u guys seem pretty familiar. I ordered a free ubuntu disc in the mail, its a 10.__ something version, only messed with a lil bit.
pi0x :

UserMike : I've been using Ubuntu Linux for quite a while now, ever since my Windows glitched or something last year, although I did use Windows a little a few months ago, but it was just a trial. I'm quite familiar with Linux, and it's commands and stuff. I love it!

I believe it has like a kernel, and yeah I know about the commands stuff. So like do u use wine often?

UserMike :

Yes, Linux is the name of the kernel. You know it's very easy just to download it yourself instead of ordering a CD.

Ya, wine is very useful. When you get it and start using wine, you may fine some programs still don't work well with it. Just go to WineHQ.com and they have a vast lists of all tested programs on wine; sometimes you need to download an extra package for the program to work well.

Once you get your new CD let us know, I'm sure you'll love it. Also, when you get it you'll be easily able to upgrade to 11.04.

The best thing about Linux based OPs like Ubuntu is that you can download all the torrents and P2P files you want with very minimal risks of getting infected. It's ALMOST impossible to get a Linux virus or other maleware by conventional means, like downloading music or whatever.

My second favorite thing about Ubuntu, is the vast repertoire of free programs. Unlick downloading a program for windows (where you have to go online and try to find a decent program that you hope works and is not contaminated with maleware) 99% of the programs you'll download or on the Ubuntu Software centre. It's like an App Store.... but everything's FREE!

There are some good starter webpages you could look at when you get it, they'll be helpful. Also lots of stuff you can do with the eyecandy... fun fun. And one more thing: Ubuntu Forums is your friend when you're a Linux Beginner (I still am)