Gnome is a cool desktop for computers running GNU/Linux/Unix.

Gnome 2.26 is the latest release. You can grab it at gnome.org

You can customize your gnome desktop by going to SYSTEM-->> PREFERENCES

You can change your gnome background image by RIGHT-CLICKING on the desktop  and choosing CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND.

You can also use an image for the background or select a color (or even a gradiet)

A panel in GNOME is just an area where you have access to certain actions and information. The panels are fully customizable.  Each panel can have it's own background and objects.  Panels can also be hidden.

Gnome uses the Nautilus file manger to manage files and applications. 

You can use it to do the obvious such as create files and folders, search, manage files, etc... but you can also use it to customize the appearance of files and folders (just like windows explorer) write files to cd/dvd, install fonts and open "special" locations on your computer.

Some may find the gnome documentation a bit toooooo easy, so we are in the process of putting up several GNOME VIDEOS...