While everyone runs on about this or that Linux distro,
don't forget there are very good Unix'es to be found in
both FreeBSD and OpenBSD. Unlike the typical Linux
distro, BSD doesn't have layer upon layer of system to
user abstraction and bling. Their model is central and
simple. If you're tired of dealing with distro of the day
and the Linux s/n ratio, and want something stable and
secure and focused... give them a look.
I'd never use Ubuntu, maybe Debian or likely Arch.
I don't really have time for them, BSD just works.