[CentOS] Are these steps for re-installing Gnome correct/safe?

[Dave Gutteridge]

>mkdir ~/gnome-backup-$(date +%F) && mv ~/.gconf/apps/nautilus
>~/.gconf/apps/metacity ~/.gnome* ~/gnome-backup-$(date +%F)
>
Okay, so if I understand these commands correctly, this will back up my 
current Gnome settings in case anything goes horribly wrong.

But I still need to know if the steps I intend to take are correct:

1. Stop X (By running telinit 3 at a command prompt?)
2. Use YUM to remove Gnome and KDE (#yum remove gnome kde?)
3. Use YUM to install Gnome (#yum install gnome?)
4. restart X (#telinit 5?)

I'm a newbie, and if I get to the command line and something goes wrong, 
I won't be able to easily get back to a GUI interface, and then I won't 
be able to access email or the web to seek help. So I need a little 
guidance before I get in there and do these things so that I know I'll 
come out the other side.

Dave