Greetings -

I'm a novice Linux user and I'm now using if for good as my desktop OS (replaced NT).  I do not like to commpile things so I use about 95% RPMS.  I have been playing with GNOMe and thought I'd pass on my experiences to the other novice's in this group.

When installing gnome from the Redhat RPMs follow these steps to success (it has worked 3 times now).

For a First time Gnome install (this is outlined at http://www.gnome.org/start/getting_rh.shtml)

1.  Remove dependent libraries like imlib and gtk+ that you may have installed.  Go use the compile listing on the gnome site to figure out what libraries to remove.  You will most likely have to use --nodeps to remove them but that's ok.

2. Download whatever the current version is (grab all the files in the directory)

3. cd to where ever you saved the files (I use  /tmp/download/gnome/version#/). Su to root and type rpm -Uvh *rpm  You should NOT have to use --nodeps or --force.   If anything does not install its because you failed to remove an older verion of something.  Remove it and then intall the remaining packegs.  

4. use gnome :)

Upgrading from previous version of gnome

1. Remove all gnome packers, dependent libraries and other gnome/gtk applications (like gtop, gtkicq)
 
2. Download the complete gnome update

3. cd to where ever you saved the files (I use  /tmp/download/gnome/version#/). Su to root and type rpm -Uvh *rpm  You should NOT have to use --nodeps or --force.   If anything does not install its because you failed to remove an older verion of something.  Remove it and then intall the remaining packegs.  

3. install all the gnome/gtk dependent apps RPMs you removed.

4 Enjoy.

The key to this working is the removal of all the previous RPMs.  This is a major pain in the ass but easier than a comile and it saves headaches down the road.  Believe me I have relaoded my system twice do to forcefull gnome upgrades.  :(

I hope this helps

Scott