I didn't have to install any audio drivers, however I do have a few problems with my headset. Sometimes I plug it in and it works and other times it wont. I tried installing the proper drivers and that didn't help.
I formatted and then installed Windows 7. Its my only OS and I haven't had any problems at all. It is really running well for a beta release. I definitely have no stability issues, and the performance is so good.
If the one installed by default works fine leave it how it is. Try gnome-look.org for themes, that's where I get mine. Not sure about the gDesklets problem... I used gDesktlets once, but it was quite some time ago, you might want to try screenlets instead... or google desktop.
Great! Should work fine, just make sure you get the driver for your 4850 from the ATI website. Once you get the file (it should be a .run file) just open a terminal (don't worry, there's not much terminal work you have to do... it's just when you're installing drivers and such), and type "cd /home/username (or whatever your username is)/Desktop/" Then type "sudo sh nameofdriverfile.run" A window will pop up and the rest is easy. Have fun!
A locally owned Source store (The Canadian equivalent to Radio Shack). We stock what we want of The Source's, but we can also get what we want from other suppliers.