I was switching to Linux in the optimal time, around Ubuntu 9.04/9.10. I am a programmer, so I don't want to be a "Linux guru", that's why Ubuntu was perfect for me – until Unity/Gnome3.
In latest Ubuntu releases (11.04/11.10), several important things have just disappeared. There's no Compiz-Fusion support, no Gnome2 applets. The position of the panels is fixed. The Unity launcher is "for-dummies", but I'm not. Lots of customisation options are gone. On the computer I've performed distro-upgrade, I've installed LXDE now, it's like Gnome (I've replaced LXDE's file manager with Nautilus), but it does not support Compiz-Fusion.
So, the question is: which Linux distribution is like Ubuntu 9.04/9.10, which I can just install, set up Compiz-Fusion shortcuts, select panel's position, add applets, and it just works?
Should I go back to Ubuntu 10.04 LTS? What about Mint? I don't want to dig too deep into the soul of window managers and desktop environments.
Best Answer
You already pointed out two options that I was going to suggest :) Anyway I think it's worth making clear that you have many options.