I remember testing Enlightenment when preparing this article. I don’t remember why I didn’t recommend it as an alternate desktop. It is likely that Ubuntu Software Center or Update Manager didn’t work with it or there was something tricky about the setup. But, as I said, I don’t remember the reason I didn’t recommend it.
I’ll take another look at – though, if I find it suitable, I will update my 12.04 article on it (since 11.10 is obsolete).
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate feedback because I can’t know everything.

You’re welcome and thanks for the positive feedback.
There is actually a closer interface to the original Ubuntu one – it is called MATE (you can find it ). Ubuntu 12.04 will be coming out in a few days and I am writing up some new articels for that. It includes a tutorial on changing your interface to MATE.
I admit Unity is completely overwhelming when first exposed to it, but I think it is a good interface. I will also be having a basic tutorial on using the Unity interface in a few days (when 12.04 gets released).

Yeah, Unity was a bit of a shock. Of course, the blame sits squarely with Canonical for dropping a new interface paradigm without offering any sort of walk-through or tutorial.
I have to say, I have grown use to Unity and now prefer it (most times) over the traditional Windowing GUI.
Thanks for the info about MATE – it was not one of the interfaces I had looked at (because I see from the website that it has only been around since December 2011).
Although I haven’t testes it, one thing that discourages me from recommending it is that a user would have to add a new source in order to be ble to install it. While not a difficult thing (for most people), I know some would struggle with it.
I’ll have a look at it and maybe write something up on it.
Thanks for your comment.

That is interesting. You mean you get the desktop but no Unity bar on the left hand side and just the very basic toolbar at the top?
I have never seen this problem.
It sounds like you have somehow managed to either (1) uninstall Unity or (2) changed your login preferences.
The first thing to check is your login. From your login screen, click on the little icon in the top right corner of the password box (the icon looks a little like a small gear). Ensure that Ubuntu or Ubuntu 2D is selected.
If this doesn’t get your Unity interface back, then it may be that you have some how managed to uninstall or partially uninstall the Unity interface.
To fix this:
(1) open a terminal: Ctrl + Alt + T
(2) enter the following command: sudo apt-get install –reinstall unity
This should reinstall the Unity interface for you.
If neither of these helps, then I am don’t know how to help you. Sorry.
Thanks for your question.
UPDATE 11-Apr-2012
Instead of just installing the Unity interface, I think it might be a better idea to install / reinstall the entire Ubuntu desktop:
sudo apt-get install –reinstall ubuntu-desktop

Like anything new, it takes time to get used to. I am no longer as put off by Unity as I once was and use it on my Ubuntu test bed.
The only issue I have is that it still seems more sluggish than I would like – especially on a more constrained system. However, being more generous with my device specs, results in an Unity interface that runs more acceptably.
Thanks for your comment.

Yeah, that’s easy to do, the whole article is too-oo-oo-oo long. I really need to break it down into smaller chunks.
Thanks for reporting back to me.
I did try out WUBI, sadly, it didn’t work at all for me. sigh.