Let's face it, the default theme on current Ubuntu releases is more aimed at the (boring) business folks: no transparency, no effects, no shiny icons and cool wallpapers.

That's why I'm going to walk you through some easy steps to customize your Ubuntu Gnome - for better usability and better looks (to impress your windows buddies?).

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-If you haven't already, this is a good time to install the ATi(fglrx) and nVidia(nvidia-glx) accelerated graphics drivers - because we need a compositioning engine (Compiz) to work. It's a very easy task to accomplish, simply search for fglrx and nvidia-glx in 'Synaptic Package Manager'.
-While you're there you might consider installing compiz-settings-manager which gives you advaced configuration options for effects from a simple graphical interface.
-Also install avant-window-navigator which provides you with application dock similar to the Mac OS X dock.
-And screenlets - similar to Windows Vista's gadgets and Mac OS X widgets, they provide useful information like weather, calendar and stickys right on your desktop.

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-You saw how I customized my Ubuntu 8.04, but these choices are all tailored to what I like. You can do your own customization to suit your preferences.

-Installing style items is often as simple as downloading & drag'n'drop it in the Appearance tab. If you later want to mix & match, enter the customize window and select different items from more than one style.