I have been using Linux for a couple years sometimes almost exclusively for my computer needs. My main desktop machine runs slackware and although I can solve pretty much all the problems that pop up when you least expect it it is a big drain on my time. I really prefer slackware for servers...

I have tried working on windows xp, which is the best from microsoft but it still is kinda crappy. I am also addicted to all the open source apps which i use for school, work, and play.

The reason for this post is that I want a desktop oriented distro with the GNOME desktop that is rich in apps, installs to HDD (no live cd), and easy to use.

Any recommendations?

I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way, but, if you've already got slack pretty well figured out, you may be better off staying with it.

My reasoning is with another distro, if and when you run into a small something, it's likely you'll have to do some googling just to find out simple things like file structure, what directories are the equivalent to the slack directories, etc.

Case in point, most rpm based distros have a different structure in something as simple as the /etc directory. Hope some of that makes sense.
good luck.

I have to agree 100% with Peacedog! Slack & Gnome is a great combination. What are you looking for again??