Unfortunatley answering this with "yes" or "no" might be oversimplifying the problem of it.

To my understanding, Linux does have security holes (all Unix-based systems do, I guess, just like any system), but they're both harder to get into than Windows and there are fewer people who have the motivation to exploit them.

In theory, yeah, Linux gets viruses, but in practice it isn't really a problem because so few people try to make them.

Most Linux distributions do not have antivirus programs.  The automatic software patcher does a very good job of keeping your system secure.  Also, most antivirus programs you can install on Linux do not have an active scanner by default.  They are mainly for scanning files so you don't pass viruses on to Windows based computers.

If you want a distribution with the most things included like codecs, java, ect., look into Linux Mint.  It is Ubuntu based, so you still have the benefit of it being the most popular distribution.

my logic

1. I shouldn't have to spend a bunch of time on forums and special case downloads/ installs to run/setup my pc.

2. When windows slows down that means you need better precautions. Some of which I can't tell you to do on this site, but, as someone who fixes/cleans pc's on the side, it always is due to the user.

Ubuntu requires a lot less tinkering with drivers than Windows XP, in my experience.

my experince

1. Linux OS installations are faster and easier than Windows.  Linux Driver installations are faster and easier than Windows.  Linux Program installations are afster and easier than Windows.  The difference is that you are used to Windows, and not used to Linux.  If you don't have the time or desire to change, I can respect that.

2. The user is typically the reason that Windows PCs slow down.  That being said: Linux checks the filesystem itself, does not need defragmentation, and is 99% immune to viruses. (I know that Linux can get viruses, but I have never gotten one).  Once I think about it, there is not one thing the user has to do for regular Linux maintenance.

I recently switched from stock Ubuntu to Xubuntu myself, and I really like it. Most of the good looks from stock Ubuntu, but much more responsive.

This. Most Linux users don't use antivirus; it isn't necessary in general.

I'm.... downloading Ubuntu again.

I'm gonna see if I can figure out how to get the partition manager in the installer to work this time.

Guess I better defrag first!

You need to defrag first? That does not make sense. You need to have an unused partition to install Ubuntu on. If you dual boot into Windows, you need Windows installed on one partition, and then install Ubuntu on the other partition.

If you want to install Ubuntu and not have to re-partition your hard drive. Look into Wubi. It should allow you to install Ubuntu without messing with partitions.

I openly admit I have no idea what in the Sam Hell I'm doing.