We use Linux for C++ and Java development (using Eclipse), so I installed Ubuntu awhile ago at home for after hours efforts. I used to proselytize for Ubuntu, but find their new Unity desktop a real PITA. I'm hesitant to spend a lot of energy customizing it. Lots of conflicting advice on the web. Anyone out there have an opinion or suggestion as to distro alternatives (or Ubuntu customization)? It would be so good to find a distro that I could have faith in for the long term and also recommend to friends who are contemplating a Linux plunge.

Hi and welcome to LQ.
Slackware and Debian


By the way, you don't have to use Unity. Ubuntu offers other desktop environments (eg. KDE, Xfce, etc)

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Solution is easy:
Find one that has been around longer than fifteen years.

Thanks much for the suggestions re other desktops, Slackware & Debian alternatives. As for other desktops, I have yet to dive into that pool. Easy to to do? Any ramifications/concerns re subsequent Ubuntu releases? Am I foolhardy to stick with Ubuntu just to avoid OS & applications reinstall? I have GRUB installed and am dual booting with XP, so I'd also appreciate any advice (or directions to a relevant website) if it would be better over the long run to replace with Ubuntu with another OS.

Yes, pretty easy. Psychocats is a great site for that sort of info. For example here is how to install Xfce (and its just one way, there are others)-

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/xfce

It also has some nice command line stuff to get 'pure XXXXX' desktops (remove all the other versions and only have k/x/ubuntu etc)-

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/purexfce

More than I can list.

Possibly, depends on your skill level and usage.

I'm running debian 'sid', and I havent reinstalled for a very long time. Debian sid, testing and 'rolling release' distros can have breakage on updating though.

There are distros that have _very_long_ release cycles (like CentOS). If you want to avoid doing reinstalls for as long as possible, and you dont want the newest software, distros like centOS are very nice.

If you're used to Ubuntu, the simplest thing to do is get it with a different desktop! Try Xubuntu and Kubuntu and see which you prefer.

On the other hand, if you want something that doesn't change every six months and occasionally slip you beta-test programs, look at Salix: Slackware with added user-friendliness. The flagship version is Xfce, but there's also KDE.

If you miss the old Gnome, there's Mate. I'm currently beta-testing Salix Mate and all I've been able to report on are the old Gnome bugs of not accepting a custom compose table and having to use the configuration editor to set shortcuts involving Super. I'd say Mate (pronounce mah-tey) is ready for serious use now.