I'm considering switching to Ubuntu with no previous Linux experience. Also, I'm no techie. If this is a dumb idea, tell me why. If not, do you have any tips for making the transition? My family has always used Windows computers, which I feel pretty comfortable on. However, I hate some aspects of it - the constant updates, crashing, etc. For these reasons I got an ibook 5 years ago. Despite the supposed ease of use, I've never really gotten used to the interface and am uncomfortable with it. My computer is about to bite the dust and I'm not sure I want to go back to Windows.

My dad (an engineer who uses Linux at work) suggested I run Linux Ubuntu. However, I have NO experience with it. I've never even used it and I don't know anyone who uses it on their personal computer. Also, I am not the most computer savvy person (consider that after 5 years I still can't figure out Mac OS X).

Here is what I use my computer for: word processing, email, watching youtube, downloading music, uploading photos, and the calculator. Literally, that's it.

Am I crazy to install Ubuntu on my old, but still functioning computer to see if I like it? Any resources for adjusting to the new system? And, what are the fundamental, superficial differences between Ubuntu/windows vista/mac os?