Really? I find it (like everything in linux) a lot less user friendly to use.
Totally disagree here. For instance, here is what I see when I insert a blank cd into my CD burner (Linux/Gnome):
Or how about when a system/software update is available?
Or how about when I want to easily install a peice of software, say a well known open sourced application. On linux, I dont have to crawl the internet for it, I can just use gnome/debian's/ubuntu's package manager (AKA synaptic)
That's just to name a couple. Take a look at Gnome's menu structure if you can find a screenshot of it. (i.e. the Start menu). Observer how well laid out and categorized the programs are into their respective categories. There is no nested control that you have to fight your way to get to it, it is all laid out there. Wish I could give you a screenshot of my Gnome system preferences menu. Much better than windows IMO.
As for GIMP, IMO it is equivalent in features as Photoshop 7.0, it is just harder for a photoshop user to get into using the Gimp because it requires you to re-learn what you know about Photoshop editing in order to get the results you want.