okay stupid question: bsd vs ubuntu? 
Hmmmm, to be honest I can't answer you directly -- it will be a matter of your personal preference. But if you're coming from a beginner's standpoint, I'd suggest Ubuntu instead.
I can give you certain points of the two:
-> In Linux, most distros automatically setup a GUI during installation (called
X Windows System). There are two major X Windows System: GNOME and KDE. Ubuntu uses GNOME; other variants uses different ones (Kununtu uses KDE; Xubuntu uses XFCE, and so on). Ubuntu Studio has GNOME as well. You can also compile and customize a different windows system if you want (just download package and compile).
In FreeBSD, you have to setup the X Windows by yourself (download package, compile, etc).
-> As we all know, you may only have 4 primary partitions in an MBR-table partitioned hard drive. For the convenience of preserving your previous OS, or setting up a multiple OS-equipped PC, Linux can be installed in an extended partition (by creating multiple logical drives in it) -- extended partitions (as a whole) are considered a primary partition.
In FreeBSD, however, you are required to have at least one primary partition for it. (it is also possible to install in an extended partition, but it is very complicated).
-> In Linux, usually little amount of disk space is required (say, around 5GB for the root partition, then 1GB for swap space); though the usual recommended disk spacce would be 10 to 15GB.
In FreeBSD, I'd recommend at least 30GB of disk space, due to compiling sources.
-> Both Linux & BSD needs some time to learn, and FreeBSD is more steep in terms of the learning curve; plus the time it takes to compile programs and stuff.
-> In Ubuntu, programs are installed by default (in Ubuntu Studio, for example, Ardour, Audacity are already installed). In FreeBSD, you have to download via ports, then compile, etc.
I'll stress this: In FreeBSD, most of the time you will be spending more time fidding commands under the terminal (the BSD/Linux version of the command prompt). The same goes to Linux, but in FreeBSD I really say A LOT OF TIME.
So there you go. If you want a multimedia-ready OS that also has a pre-installed WINE (a program that can run Windows programs with the Linux environment), go for Ubuntu Studio. If you are willing to immediately explore an advanced OS that requires more time and patience, go for FreeBSD.
And, if you want an "easier" Ubuntu that has updated drivers and media codecs, go for Linux Mint.
Lastly, for mre tips and info regarding major distributions, visit this link:
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major==========================================
Useful advice for all those Windows freaks who want to explore Linux / BSD: Have a lot of patience, because learning all of *NIX stuff can't be done overnight. As a mandatory, Google is your friend (and from the beginning, grab any e-book documentations about your distro). Prepare to spend more time googling for solutions regarding specific problems (e.g. detecting your Huawei USB Broadband) and signing up/participating in different forums (it is really important) -- this will be your tech support. Since it is open source, you have a community of Linux/BSD users that can help you on the long run.
More explanation can be read here:
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htmGood luck and welcome to open-source, 100% free software.
