Best Ubuntu Desktop Setup

[Latro]

I'm setting up an older laptop with Ubuntu for my brother in law who is getting ready to go off to College.  I know that Mongoose runs a Linux desktop.   What do you suggest for a theme/desktop setup for Ubuntu that gives Ubuntu an optimal feel and ease of use?

I'm debating between setting it up with a Vista theme or just a sweet looking custom theme.  Since he doesn't know computers at all, if its too different than the windows UI he may get discouraged from it.  Thoughts?

[Mongoose]

i never mess with themes, even my gaming rig is still on the default background.  if the theme renames the menus it may help him out as the menu naming isnt identical to widnows although i find it just as eay if not easier to navigate.  make sure you help him get all the aps he needs installed as installing apps on linux isnt as easy as clicking an activex link in ie.

[jake]

This is the theme I'm running.

http://philwiltux.blogspot.com/2009/02/install-hp-mie-theme-on-ubuntu-810.html

I love dark themes since I'm on my computer at least 8 hours a day.  Makes everything easier to look at.  The down side is that some of the options are harder to see, unless you know where they should be.

KDE might be good for a person just switching over from Windows, however.  But Gnome has a really fast learning curve.  It's easy to find things.

[b.ho]

i have cairo (forgot what theme im using) and widgets set up. also the cube as well. nothing too fancy.

[ikonoclast]

mine's all vanilla still. haven't had time to mess with it too much.