Yes, there is a learning curve associated with Linux. One of the biggest drawbacks to Linux is hardware support. A good strategy when considering installing Linux is to use a slightly older computer with common device cards. You should research, the specific device card and see if it’s on the supported hardware list of that particular distribution. If you stick in the latest and greatest sound card or video card, you may have problems.
Here’s some a sound card troubleshooting link:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoundTroubleshooting
Another approach is to download and create an .iso image (bootable version of Linux) and run it on your machine. You don’t have to install the operating system, just boot your computer to run it from a cd rom or thumbdrive. If you don’t notice any hardware problems while running the OS from a cd or thumbdrive, you probably are safe to permanently install it on your pc.
Often times, changing the card in question is an easier fix.
Let us know how it turns out.