Ubuntu

Computer maker Dell has chosen Ubuntu as the operating system for its range of Linux computers for consumers.

Fans of Linux hope that the move will persuade more mainstream PC users to abandon Microsoft Windows and opt for the open-source operating system.

London-based firm Canonical, the lead sponsor of the Ubuntu project, will ensure the software works on Dell PCs.

Ubuntu includes software like office programs, e-mail, a browser, instant messaging software and a media player.

Now this is something real cool. Ubuntu, The Linux Distro that "Just Works", may well be the first distro to support those notorious winmodems, OUT OF THE BOX.
Check out this discussions.

Support for Winmodems under Linux had been a constant annoyance to many people, especially those from the third world countries like India. It was also a major road block for lot of people. I personally know about guys who almost coverteded but when they came to know the fuss they had to go through to set up modems, they said we are fine wihout it.

There are quite a few packages you need to install and the easiest way to do that is to use Synaptic package manager, but if you prefer you can use apt-get or anything else you fancy. Before you continue make sure that you have enabled Universe repository (how to add repositories), otherwise some of the packages might not show up.

You need to install following packages as well as all dependencies for them (Synaptic will let you know if some package needs additional packages):