Let it be known that I am a computer ninny. All replies to this post should be in baby talk.
Here goes...
I just got an MSI Wind Netbook (U100-843US) with MS Windows XP Home installed. I wanted to try Linux Ubuntu, so I found the [I guess official?] download site, got it onto a memory stick, and then couldn't figure out how to run it (naturally). Luckily, I found the "Newbie Guide" YouTube tutorial, which got me to the point where I could try the Ubuntu Netbook Version (without installing). Thanks Ali!
So, I really liked what I saw, and what I played with on Ubuntu. It seems more "streamlined" for lack of a better term. Before my questions, I'll tell you how I'd like to use my new netbook, and what I'm looking for in an operating system:
I want to browse on the web, do light office type stuff, use Voip, get my podcasts, and store music files. I like things uncluttered, and straightforward, yet flexible (in all aspects of life!). It should be noted that I've used both Windows Vista, and Mac OS 10.2 with relative success in the past (i.e.- I was able to do everything I needed to do). Windows' alarms, alerts, etc drive me nuts. I find Mac proprietary hurdles lame. I don't think I'm keen on switching back-and-forth between OS's; I'd rather just have one or the other, and have it wired and good-to-go for my needs.
That all said, my questions are:
Does it sound like Ubuntu might be right for me?
If so, do I even need Windows on my machine? What are the advantages/ disadvantages of keeping Windows on my netbook with Ubuntu?
Can I transfer stuff from Windows to Ubuntu (like my dailed out Firefox browser for example) before making a full switch?
Is Ubuntu a good OS to have during international travel? Will it jive with most all the other modes-of-operation out there in the world?
Am I so stupid that I shouldn't even be allowed to have a computer?
That's all I can think of for now.
A big thanks to anyone who had the patience to read this. An even bigger thanks to anyone who has the compassion to reply!
Catch up on the latest ULNG Announcements at our 
"Does it sound like Ubuntu might be right for me?" It might be. You don't have to stick with Ubuntu if you don't want to. There are lots of other Linux distros.
"If so, do I even need Windows on my machine? What are the advantages/ disadvantages of keeping Windows on my netbook with Ubuntu?" You are the best person to answer that. Are there any Windows apps you can't live without? You might be better to start by Dual Booting both Windows and Linux, or installing Ubuntu inside Windows as an app using Wubi.
"Can I transfer stuff from Windows to Ubuntu (like my dailed out Firefox browser for example) before making a full switch?" You can transfer mostly data files e.g. documents, pictures, music. Ubuntu has it's own Linux install Firefox so you don't need to bring the app. SOME Windows apps BUT NOT ALL will work under "Wine". Experience suggests that there is a kind of hierarchy from Wine, Wine-Doors, PlayOnLinux through to the commercial versions like Cedega or Win4Lin.
"Is Ubuntu a good OS to have during international travel? Will it jive with most all the other modes-of-operation out there in the world?" Ubuntu is distributed throughout the world and should work in most circumstances...
1) Download the Linux Starter Pack from http://www.tuxradar.com/linuxstarterpack
2) Download Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference from http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/index_main.html
3) Look at the unofficial Ubuntu Guide at http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/index_main.html
4) Look at Psychocats at http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/
5) Ubuntu Forums is at http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php
"I found the [I guess official?] download site, got it onto a memory stick, and then couldn't figure out how to run it (naturally)" You could have used the app called Unetbootin. There are Windows and Linux versions available.
(It is sometimes better to install from the Alternate Disk (a straight install) rather than the Desktop Disk (a LiveCD). Certainly the Alternate uses about 64Mb of RAM to install, whereas the Desktop takes about 300+MB (?).)