New to Linux

I'm asked to make a first post, so here it is. I'm not a computer expert by any means, but do use a computer. I have a good friend who is an expert. I was complaining about how my Windows 7 laptop was going down hill in the way it booted up and shut down. Always running hot and a few other things. He suggested converting to Linux Ubuntu. WOW, what a difference. Opens and closes in the blink of an eye. Runs cool, the fan never comes on. And with my Firefox browser the Internet looks the same as before. I don't understand much about the operating system yet, but hope to learn as I go. This forum looks like a good place to gain knowledge.