I'm used to KDE and I know a KDE version of Ubuntu exists. However, my question about the gnome version:

How easy is it to adjust from a Windows Desktop Explorer / KDE Desktop mind set to a gnome mind set?

I suppose the ultimate answer would depend upon the person but if you have some general experience, I'd appreciate hearing it.

I never cared much for gnome. I always found it to be weak and bland. However, for someone with little computer knowledge, such as my mom, an OS with that simplicity might be ideal.

Its not hard. I personally found going from Windows to Gnome, far more comforting than going to KDE. If you have general skills, I don't think you'll have a problem w/ Gnome. It'll take you a couple hours to figure out the differences in the menu, where things are, etc... beyond that though, I would not anticipate a problem.

Why are you considering switching?

IGF

It might be ideal indeed - the simplicity I mean.

I should say: I really like Gnome!
I have tried to use KDE (on one point just because I read about a comment Linus Thorwalds made towards the issue...)
but
I'm used to Gnome.
I like the simplicity (you still can do every thing - just by going different ways as in KDE)
KDE seems to me too colorful, too overloaded with features I rarely need (and then - I know how to get to them in Gnome).
KDE IS very good! I just don't like it. Especially the look (I know that it can be adapted to nearly anything - but still...)
Gnome is equally good - but different and easier for non-geeks IMO.

Because Ubuntu uses gnome.

Like IndyGunFreak, I moved from Windows straight to Gnome. Partly because my first distros were Debian and Fedora, which have Gnome as their default but also because I did not like KDE. IMHO there is simply nothing elegant or polished about it and it is a lot more flexible than most people think. It is just that the Gnome team have decided - and it is a good idea - that most people use only 20% of all those options so why clutter up your interface when the other 80% can be moved into the background.

Well I know that, I mean why are you wanting to go to Gnome over KDE? If its just "because"... thats fine w/ me, I just thought maybe you had some underlying reason.

IGF

IndyGunFreak,

Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as crass. I have no particular interest in Gnome other than Ubuntu uses it and I am thinking about getting a DELL Ubuntu laptop for mom.

In your experience (and anyone else reading this) do you think the simplicity of gnome would be good or bad for someone like my mom. About my mom's level of computer understanding: About as basic as you can get.

How well does gnome meet needs such as: email, burn discs, office productivity and voip?

I suspect it can easily support the applications to do all of the above, but I would like to hear from some actual Ubuntu / Gnome users.

Thanks!

I personally don't have a lot of KDE experience, as I don't like the interface and find it slow compared to Gnome. I'm not really the person to ask that question if you want an unbiased answer.

As far as ease of use though, I think they are both fairly easy to use and if the user takes the time to adapt, they'll find them both equally suitable.

IGF