It’s not so much that Linux, Ubuntu specifically, has spotty hd support, it’s the fact that the standard downloadable distribution only comes with free and open source drivers and software.
I’ve seen some exceptions in the last 2 releases of Ubuntu, namely 8.04 and 8.10, in that they have a pop up dialog that offers to download propriety drivers for nVidia, ATI, and Intel drivers for you-once the systems recognizes those as being installed.
The trick is, and I really wish someone would write a short install note that downloads with every download, you need to add the repositories for non-free (open source), proprietary and 3rd party drivers in the Synatpic Package Manager, or using the command line.
8.10 was the easiest, and most full featured, Ubuntu I have ever installed. My GeForce card, Belkin USB Wireless, Sony Mavica, everything was recognized at install and drivers offered for them.
Right out of the box, I can play, rip, and record CD and DVD, Flash is present and working. I’m very pleased. This release knocks LinuxMint into second place for me.
OK, you convinced me and I got the torrent running.
I installed and fought with Kubuntu 8.10 KDE 4 for a day (trying to get the file manager to tell me where everything was) and am now looking for something a bit more straight forward. Am I the only one here ticked off at Dolphin/Konqueror?