Ubuntu Anyone?

I just built a PC using some old parts and decided to install Ubuntu Linux on it to see how it would work. Actually, I installed a copy of Win-XP on it first and then did the Hardy Heron dual boot full install. Aside from the fact that the initial installation did not recognize my bluetooth keyboard/mouse and I had to get an old wired kb & mouse, the installation was very smooth and didn't take that long at all. I was able to connect to the internet immediately to look for updates. First time I tried the built-in update service it locked the computer. I rebooted and tried again and it downloaded and installed all 99 updates without any issues.

Next I tried to add a few programs using the Add/Remove Programs option. I tried 3x to get a program to download and install but every time the computer would lock up on me and I had to reboot. I gave up on that for now and started to play with a few of the appearance options. The fist thing I looked at was the themes and changed to a blue theme. Then I went to Visual Effects and changed that from 'None' to 'Extra'. Problem was it made me download a new video driver and reboot because the basic driver by Ubuntu wouldn't do the advanced graphics. Once the driver installed and I rebooted, I was able to go into the Visual Effects and make the change. 'Extra' makes a big difference in the way the operating system feels. It feels more advanced now. I like the way the windows fade in and out when opening and closing. The "rubber window" effect is neat but I think I will grow tired of it quickly.

Next I went and changed the theme of Firefox 3 to a 'Vista on XP' theme. I like the way the buttons look now but the menu headers disappear when I mouse over them. Firefox loads quickly but I'm having quite a few problems with the way the text is rendered on some websites. It's like the video driver resolution is not set to the native resolution of the monitor even though it is. AOL mail is difficult to read and even this site has some issues with the spacing of the letters. Some letters are spaced nicely, others overlap while others seem a little too far apart. On AOL, some of the text on the buttons is actually larger than the buttons. It's just odd. It's a small thing on this site but it is noticeable to me...

This is only my 2nd day with it and I can't say I'm hugely impressed just yet. It's locked up on me much more than I expected. I've read that "it just works" but that hasn't been my experience. I think I'll need to play with some of the settings to see if I can get it to render pages better. That will help a lot. I also need to see if I can get the thing to play videos. I tried one that was sent in an e-mail and it said I needed to download something but I couldn't figure out exactly what or how to get it. I also need to see if I can get the bluetooth working and find an open source Virus Program.

Has anyone else out there tried Ubuntu or other Linux distributions? Any advice or thoughts?

FYI - the PC has an ASUS P4C800-E Motherboard, a P4 3.2 GHz processor, a WD 80 gig HD (split into 40 gig for XP and 40 gig for Ubuntu), 1 gig of RAM, an Nvidia gForce FX 5500 video card, a floppy drive, a CD-RW drive and a DVD Reader/CD Writer Combo Drive. I'm also using the built-in sound and network adapter.