Yeah, I think that if your going to get ubuntu you must have an alternative computer that runs either windows or mac. Ubuntu doesnt allow you to stretch much futher than internet, email, instant messaging and music / video. You should check compatibility for any devices you want to add to your computer before getting it such as wireless adapters, printers, scanners, webcams etc.

One of the best things has to be the amount of speed that I have found using it, with xp which I had previosuly it was so slow but with ubuntu it just feels like a completely different pc.