I recently switched over to Ubuntu 9.10 because Vista was getting tired. What are some kick ass programs every ubuntu user needs? Like docks, skins, internet programs, general applications, etc. What do I need to make Ubuntu feel even more like home.
Hm. I only downloaded Karmic the other day, haven't had time to install it yet. From general knowledge, though, Cairo-dock is a neat little application dock, although I don't use it. Also, Compiz-fusion is the graphical manager to have, because it has a bunch of eye candy features. VirtualBox was my favorite virtualization manager. The default music program is decent, but I always preferred Banshee. If you want to be able to browse your iPhone or iPod Touch's filesystem, iFuse (something like that) lets you do that using the iPod cord (marginally faster). Cheese is one of the better webcam booth apps.
I have virtual box and ubuntu 9.10 comes standard with compiz which I downloaded an awesome control panel for. So many options. Also if you aren't using it, Opera 10 for Ubuntu is blazing fast and epic. It has power boost on it which will make web pages load like they've been lubed up with "KY Yours and Mine".
I haven't used Opera since 2006. I never liked it, but apparently a lot of users like the Screenlets application. It mirrors the dashboard/widget functionality of Mac OS X and Vista.
It's the distribution name for 9.10. Oh, and GnomeDo is the best application launcher/run command alternative in Linux. Great app.
Forgot about this one, but it's unlikely you'll need it unless you're really into Terminal: Yakuake. It's basically a dropdown terminal you can activate by pressing F12. Great for me, because I regularly Terminal things all of the time. Your mileage may vary.
I use Rythmbox, because when you update your iPod through Banshee, it always messes up the cover art on your iPod. Just download some skins, i'm using the default ones right now. But personally, the docks always come out ugly, and when I do spend a lot of time trying to make it look nice, after a couple days I usually just disable the docks or widgets in general because it's just a waste for me. :-/