Well, GNOME 2 is quite impressive :) If you don't believe me, please take a look at the screenshots page. It's a collection of stuff that I've made over the past couple of months while working on my GNOME desktop!
[chuckles]I'm guessing you don't use Linux :) There's no problem with that - most people aren't aware of the power - or beauty of Linux. This site aims to show you that there is a *softer* side to Linux... Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need to be a hard core geek to use Linux. I was a Windows user (until quite recently) and moved to Linux for numerous reasons. I am able to do all that *I* need to do in Linux well and very productively :) If you want to see even more excellent screenshots, a great place to start is GNOME Support Forum: Screenshots Section. There are a lot of very design savvy, talented users present and some screenshots will simply blow you away!
You have to obtain a 'distro'. The best one I can recommend is Libranet, a small, Canadian, Debian based distro. It is powerful and built for a desktop user :) The support is excellent and there is a good mailing list and online forum. The users are friendly and you won't have a hard time fitting in. I would urge you to purchase this distro - it is not that expensive and is *well* worth the cash! Linux does cost money to develop and by purchasing, you ensure the continuing development of one of the most vibrant software communities around.
GNOME 2 is a powerful desktop environment for the Linux operating system. GNOME 2 has been redesigned and a lot of thought has gone into making it a good DE for you the desktop user. It has extremely powerful apps such as The GIMP (Photoshop-like graphics program), Evolution (Outlook-like email application), Galeon (small, light web browser) and more...
Depending on who you ask you'll get different answers :) GNOME 2 is a development release. This allows application writers to have something to work towards. However, many users (including me) have moved to GNOME 2 simply because it is that much better! Users like you are the core of GNOME. By using GNOME, submitting any bugs, changes etc. you can improve GNOME and add a voice to the evolution of GNOME. If you are worried about trying GNOME, don't worry, your distribution will soon be releasing packages for you :)
You can get GNOME 2 From A Number of Sources...
If you have problems and you are a Debian user, you can email me. I am a comparative newbie - but I promise to do my best to help. Alternatively, you could stop by the GNOME Support Forums. Any one of the helpful users there will be happy to assist.