I did install the SimplyMepis and like it much better than Ubuntu or Kubuntu - and it recognized my wireless card without me having to do anything
[DLink WDA-1320]

I still have my XP installed too as a dual boot option - since I paid for the XP I'll use it as long as I can

But it is fun to change it up and use Linux sometimes.

There are package managers with the Linux OS - you click and it will download a list of every new program or update you could want.
then you can pick and choose what you want to add to your system.