Several days ago I switched to Ubuntu 11.10, with GNOME desktop. I decided that it is better for me than Unity.
Some applications and configurations have gone, of course.
The following links are usefull:
How To Create Desktop Launchers in Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot
http://shuffleos.com/3274/how-to-create-desktop-launchers-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/
Docky
http://wiki.go-docky.com/index.php?title=Installing
