I am able to run sessions over an ssh connection but I rather use the "Ubuntu classic desktop (no effects)" version on Ubuntu 11.04 instead of the new Unity since I don't have 3d support on the laptop I'm using to display the graphical User Interface. How can I startup the older gnome-session without the 3d effects? I tried gnome-session but it seems to be the option with the 3d effects and I want a more stripped down session over my ssh session.
Ubuntu – How to start “Ubuntu classic desktop” (no effects) from the command line
command linegnomessh
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11.10 Overview
The older GNOME 2.x experience has been retired in GNOME, however you can use the GNOME 3.x classic mode (as shown below) to make an approximation of the older experience.
install prerequisites
In the software center you have the option to install Gnome Shell :
Similarly - search for CompizConfig Settings Manager and install this package - we'll need that later.
Whilst you are there you can also install gnome-tweak-tool to further customise your desktop.
To quickly install all three of these at once, copy and paste the following into a terminal:
sudo apt-get install gnome-shell compizconfig-settings-manager gnome-tweak-tool
enabling compiz
Now perhaps the tricky part - getting gnome classic to function with compiz:
In a terminal copy and paste the following:
gksudo gedit /usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/gnome-classic.session
Now edit the file shown to contain this line entry:
How to login to Gnome-Classic
Save, logout and in your session options choose Gnome Classic
Changing the theme
You'll notice that the default Ubuntu Ambiance theme doesn't look great in Gnome Classic. We can correct this by changing to a Gnome 3 friendly theme.
... and choosing Appearance 
Change the theme to Adwaita...
Note - see the linked questions below for other theming options.
Changing Icons
Launch gnome-tweak-tool via the menu option:
- Applications --> Other --> Advanced Settings
Change the icon theme as shown:
Restructure the desktop layout
Now lets get back the panels to something that we are familiar with...
Press Alt+Win and right-click the top menu bar - N.B. Win is the Windows Symbol key
(If you are using Gnome Classic (No Effects) i.e. gnome fallback mode then to add to the panel use Alt and right-click)
Choose Add to Panel
Click the option shown and click the button Forward
Repeat the Alt+Win + Right Click the date and choose Delete to delete the clock.
Repeat this delete procedure for the other applets on the top-panel.
Note - if an error appears indicating that the Panel has reloaded you can safely ignore this.
Repeat the Alt+Win + Right Click the top panel - add the applet Accessibility.
Repeat the Alt+Win + Right Click on bottom panel - add the applet Show Desktop and move to the bottom left.
Repeat the Alt+Win + Right Click on bottom panel - add the applet Wastebasket and move to the bottom right.
Now we need to change the number of workspaces back to two.
Navigate to Applications - Other - CompizConfig Settings Manager - General Options - Desktop Size and change the Vertical Virtual Size value to 1
Install the indicator-applet
Now lets install the indicator-applet:
- see the linked question below to add a PPA containing the indicator-applet
To add to the panel:
Alt+Win+Right click the panel and choose Add To Panel and add the following indicator
Finish off by Alt+Win+Right click the indicator-applet and move it to the right side of the top panel.
Optional:
- You can install fonts-cantarell
if you want to use the default upstream GNOME font
Linked Questions:
- Delete extra toolbar on top of the screen in GNOME fallback mode?
- How do I revert Alt-tab behavior to switch between windows on the current workspace?
- How do I change to a theme not listed in the Appearance screen?
- If you use autologin you need to do this: How do I set the GNOME Classic login to be the default with autologin?
- How to re-add indicator-applet for 11.10
- How to customize the gnome classic panel
- Warning: What are some of the issues with CCSM and why would I want to avoid it?
Gnome has not been removed from 11.10. Unity in 11.04 is based on Gnome2, and in 11.10, on Gnome3. The Gnome you are familiar with (aka Gnome2) is no longer supported by the Gnome Foundation - the decision that has nothing to do with Unity. If you want to try Gnome3's default shell, install the gnome-shell package.
If you wish to keep using Gnome2, your best shot is a distro that still supports it, such as Ubuntu 10.04 - 11.04, Scientific Linux, Debian, etc.
Best Answer
From the command line the GNOME Classic Desktop is started with:
Other session types are installed by default in
/usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/and can also be opened with thegnome-session --session=SESSIONcommand where SESSION is the name of theSESSION.sessionfile stored.