I'm running Ubuntu on my server, and I'm quite pleased with it. If I didn't have MacOSX at home, I'd be using Ubuntu there as well.
If you're new to Linux, please-pretty-please try a
LiveCD first. It's just like the real deal, except you're booting from a CD instead of your hard drive. With the LiveCD you can see if this is the thing for you. Saves you the hazzle of modifying partitions, MBR's, etc.
Some adjustments may be required if you're used to the Windows world only. But believe me, it pays off later.
Ubuntu, as most other distros featuring the Linux kernel, is loaded with drivers.
So, is it worth ditching XP Pro for it? It all depends on what you want to do. If you want to surf, read mail, do some programming and/or run a server, then Linux is your best choice. If you want to play games, then stick with Windows.
Linux can be extremly powerful, so watch your step.
