Ubuntu is Debian-like Linux. You can use different setting/versions for your own purpose. From Ubuntu official website (http://www.ubuntu.com), you can choose Ubuntu (Gnome), Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu, and edubuntu.
You will also be able to choose whether you'd like to have a desktop version or server version etc.
Installation is quite simple.
1. Download the ISO file and burn it on a CD;
2. Boot the system up using the CD; (Set up the boot up sequence 'CD ROM' to be the first in BIOS if you have other OS installed)
3. Choose 'install Ubuntu' when it boots up and you will get into the Live CD mode;
4. Double Click the installation icon and follow the instructions you can have Ubuntu installed;
5. Reboot the system once the installation is finished;
6. Update the system by clicking the small icon on your up-right corner of the screen;
7. The first account you created during the installation can be acted as root when you need to install software or create new users;
