How to continue using GNOME2 with Ubuntu or a derived distribution?

Question

I am currently using Ubuntu 11.04 with GNOME2 instead of the new default, Unity.

I heard that in a newer Ubuntu version there is no GNOME2 aka Ubuntu classic desktop anymore.

Which Linux distribution will continue to include or support GNOME2, its start menu, it's panel, the task switch and the general look and feel?

People I know switched to KDE instead. But I really like GNOME and want to stick to it.

Answer 1

Linux Mint is a Ubuntu derivative that is currently continuing with Gnome 2. They also have a project in place to address some of the concerns that Gnome users have with Gnome 3, and are making a more Gnome2y version of it.

Answer 2

You can install MATE (MATE is a fork of Gnome 2)

Which distributions provide MATE?

• Linux Mint (MATE is installed by default in the main DVD edition)

Which distributions is MATE packaged for?

• Arch Linux (MATE is available to users via this page)
• Linux Mint (MATE is available to users via the Linux Mint repositories)
• Debian / Ubuntu (MATE is currently available to users via the tridex repository)

From: Mate-Desktop.org

Note: I did not had a good experience installing it on Ubuntu.

Answer 3

The Mint Gnome Shell Extensions (MGSE) can be installed in Ubuntu.

This project was renamed to Cinnamon which can be easily installed via a PPA.