Ubuntu is no longer the Linux distro. That others aspire to. Canonical have become arrogant and ignored users needs however well voiced across the many Forums that make reference to Ubuntu.
For example Ubuntu 11.10 will not offer the classic GNOME Desktop and it will not include the Synaptic Package Manager despite the fact many users do not want these changes. I used to have much time for Ubuntu starting with Ubuntu 6.10 finishing with the last decent release which was Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a proprietary platform using OSS. Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming.
I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 11. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled. Linux Mint 11 Download http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=... How to dual boot Windows XP and Linux (XP installed first) http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windo... Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/User Guide http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php You download the ISO.
Image of Linux Mint 11 above distros. Then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto Linux Mint 11 can also be run straight from the LiveDVD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive LUg.
Better to use windows is best because you can get many software and games what do you want but in ubuntu you many games will not support.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.