Lot's of people prefer alternative docks/panels to gnome-panel. However, GNOME makes it very difficult to remove the gnome-panel from your session. Here's how to do so.

Create a file in your home folder called ".xinitrc" without the quotes. Add the following lines:

 

#!/usr/bin/env bash

compiz &

gnome-settings-daemon &

avant-window-navigator &

nautilus &

#!/usr/bin/env bash

compiz &

gnome-settings-daemon &

avant-window-navigator &

nautilus &

 

 

 

Replace 'compiz' with 'metacity' if you don't use desktop effects (you can also use any other window manager, eg. openbox). You can replace 'avant-window-navigator' with any dock of your choice. Now make the file executable by right clicking on it in the file manager (you need to press Ctrl+H to show the file because it is hidden) and clicking 'Properties' then click the 'Permissions' tab. Tick the 'allow executing file as a program' box.

Now, when you log in choose "User Defined Session" from the drop down menu on the bottom right. This will run your gnome-panel free desktop.