[clug] Alternative desktop view for Ubuntu 16

[jhock]

Hi All,

I have finally bought myself a 64 bit computer to replace my old 32 bit
one since Ubuntu no longer supports 32 bit architecture. 

I have loaded Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and copied my data onto the new computer
but I still don't like the Gnome 3 or Unity looking desktop. I rather
liked the old Gnome 2 or Mate version of Ubuntu but found that Mate had
little problems that weren't on the standard Ubuntu version.

I've tried to put up with the Gnome 3 desktop but after a week of
frustration I've had enough. I want the following:

1. A panel at the top that shows in a drop down menu all the
applications that I have on my computer. Cairo provides this but
applications crash for no apparent reason.

2. Add to the top panel applications that I often use. 

3. Four windows that I can switch between with Alt + ctrl left and
right arrows. I don't like the two above and two below layout because I
have to think in which window I'm in when I want to switch between
them.

4. A panel down the bottom that shows the applications that I have open
and allows me to switch between them by clicking on their icons in that
panel.

Can my requirements be configured in Gnome 3 or do I need to install
another desktop?  I've tried Cairo but it just doesn't quite make the
grade and I don't like applications crashing all of a sudden.

I've tried Docky but I can't seem to configure a drop down menu as in
requirement 1. above.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.


John.