I'll be frank--I have mixed feelings about Ubuntu. I have used Ubuntu off and on. The experience was more than satisfying. Yet, unlike what some say, Ubuntu isn't perfect, and it's absolutely, positively, and certainly not--and I repeat NOT--for everyone.

First, why even think of running Ubuntu? Well, there are many reasons. Ubuntu is a Linux distro (or distribution--in plain English an operating system and application package based around Linux). Here are a few advantages of Ubuntu:

*Highly immune to virus problems and other "malware." No anti-virus program needed. No anti-spyware program needed. Far more safe than Microsoft Windows XP--even when XP is loaded with all security patches, and the best protection software.
*Available for free, and can be freely (and legally) copied and installed as much as you desire.
*It's typically stable.
*It includes all the basic software you'll need--web browser, e-mail client, office suite. Even more is available--also for free.
*Philosophically, Ubuntu offers freedom--the freedom to control your computer. It's not under the control of some mega-corporation "mother ship."
*Ubuntu has good support--better than most commercial software! One can buy official technical support. Ubuntu has user forums. Plus, many user groups specialize in Ubuntu. Unlike some distros, the people involved with Ubuntu are--usually!--friendly and helpful to new users.
*Ubuntu is designed to be easy to use. At it's very best, it "just works."

I've run Ubuntu and other Linux distros because of these reasons. I have consistently found that the overall experience is less frustrating than any flavor of Microsoft Windows.

So, what's not to like? A few things:

*First, if you've never used Linux, there is a learning curve. Ubuntu is easy to use--but things are different.
*Ubuntu is not the best choice for older hardware--it tends to be too slow, too sluggish. A computer made the last few years is more than OK. Or should be. A computer made when Bill Clinton was still in office is too likely to be frustratingly slow. In this sort of case, consider a derivative. Xubuntu (www.xubuntu.org) is based on Ubuntu, but it runs more smoothly on slightly dated hardware. (Think--early Windows XP machines.) Or, consider Vector Linux (www.vectorlinux.com) or Puppy Linux (www.puppylinux.com).
*Ubuntu, to make things simple, automates a lot of the install process. For many computers, there is never a problem. For other computers, there is a problem--things aren't configured quite right. The biggest culprit is the video display. Fixing these problems can be more than a first time user wants to deal with. Frankly, I wish they had the setup others have--automation, with the ability to use a graphical tool to easily change things. This is getting better--but Ubuntu still has a ways to go.
*Some people have had problems with Internet connections. (I had some, with dialup, back in 2006.) Other people have no trouble. Still, enough people have had trouble that it needs to be mentioned.
*IPv6 is on by default, and hard to turn off. IPv6 is a long, boring discussion, but it involves Internet addresses. Not all ISPs support IPv6. Mine doesn't, so Internet speed is slow, until IPv6 is disabled. (This is easy to do--details available by a Google search. But it's not as easy openSuSE (www.opensuse.org), which has a simple check box.)

Overall Conclusion
Linux is definitely worth using. The only other operating systems I'd use are BSD (another "free" system), or Apple OS X. Ubuntu is one the better distros--particularly for new users. And it keeps getting better.

Some Practical Tips For the First Time User

*If Ubuntu doesn't seem right, there are other choices to consider. Some are a better choice for some users.
*Many problems can be solved with a Google search.
*It can help having an expert about. Many areas have Linux User Groups (LUG) that can help solve problems.
*The easiest way of getting Ubuntu (or any Linux-based system) is to buy it pre-installed. There are many choices. Dell now offers some models with Ubuntu preinstalled.
*There are many books aimed at first time users. Often, these will include a copy of a Linux distro on a CD.
*Really Linux has a lot of helpful tips about Linux systems in general. (http://www.reallylinux.com.

Recommended: Yes