These are my tricks and tips for Gnome 2.18

Tip N. 1:
The gconf-editor will allow modifying various gnome settings as well as gnome application settings.
One of these setting is to increase totem buffering time or to use wirefire when moving windows to save system resources. That is done by going to /apps/metacity/general and toggling reduced_resources.

Tip N. 2:
If the icons on the desktop look too big, click on some folder, go to preferences and modify the icon zoom level to be 75 percent or less.

Tip N. 3:
We have selected a text on some website and we want to create a new file with that text. All you have to do is to drag that selection to the desktop and magically a new file will be generated which will contain the selected text.

Tip N. 4:
You can speed up the menu unfolding in the panel by editing your ~/.gtkrc2.0 file (it may not exist) and adding it this line:
gtk-menu-popup-delay = 0

Tip N. 5:
Create a shortcut of a webpage on the desktop... Just drag the link to the desktop and a shortcut will be created.

Easter Eggs:

EE 1: First, hit the Alt-F2 keys together to bring up the Run Applications dialog.
Type “gegls from outer space” (sans quotes) and hit the enter key. You should get the below game, a la space invaders.

EE 2: Try then to enter "free the fish" to see a wanda fish on your desktop.

EE 3: In a terminal, type:
zenity –-about
Now, with Zenity’s “About” dialog focused, type:
zen
A new window will open, containing a wee guy with fashion accessories to drag n’ dress :^)

EE 4: In GDM write "Require Quarter"