fonts, desktop customization, fun stuff = newb here.
 

I'm on Fedora Core One.

Ok, What types of fonts are supported by linux? True Type or Mac fonts?

The web pages seem a bit odd now that I left WinXP, can I get windows web fonts (times, verdana, comic, etc) somewhere?

How do people get their desktops to look like: http://art.gnome.org/screenshots/26.php
(Transparency, multiple panels, neat tools that show memory usage and all that).

Is Gnome/KDE too bulky, should I look into something else? Can I get them to boot instead of Gnome or KDE? Would they not like Fedora?

Hi! I am a newbie too, but a heavy shell enhancer from windoze days :) you didn't mention if you were running KDE or Gnome. If KDE, check out the customizations available at http://www.kde-look.org/. I played with Gnome for a little while but there aren't nearly as many themes available as for KDE. Yes, KDE is what a lean linux user would probably call a bit of a resouce hog but if you are into eye candy, then, hey :) If you want to learn more about KDE, www.kde.org. And you can then check out http://kde-apps.org/ and have fun!

Using Gnome actually. :p

*frowns* anyone?

Linux supports TrueType fonts. The M$ fonts you want are available at Sourceforge. You will need cabextract to get them out of the .exe. Or if you find .ttf files you can put them in your home directory .fonts folder.

"How do people get their desktops to look like: http://art.gnome.org/screenshots/26.php
(Transparency, multiple panels, neat tools that show memory usage and all that)."

To add panels you just right-click on an existing panel and select "New Panel".

To add the memory usage tool (called a gdesklet in this context), right click on the panel you want to add it to, go to "Add to Panel", go to "Utility", and click on "System Monitor".

For transparency, right-click on the panel and click on "Properties". Select the "Background" tab, selct "Solid Color", pick a color, then where it says style move the slider bar to the level you want.

The "Menu Bar" launcher that you can add to the panel doesn't seem to be able to change to any color other than what the theme defaults to, so it's easier to not use it and instead use the "Main Menu" launcher at first.

Thanks :)