Open Source and Free Software

well, you will have difficulties with 10.04 since it's outside of the support period. You won't be able to use the newest kernels either. If you are into the old platforms maybe it's the desktop you are thinking about since 10.04 used the old version of Gnome. Now they use Unity which some people like... I do not. You can get other Linux versions that come with Gnome classic desktop or you can put Gnome classic on a new install of Ubuntu. That way you will have the updated version that most likely will match your hardware as well as the newest versions of Firefox etc.. There are also a ton of other desktops you can use too; that is a vast and fun subject.

If you're really set on the old Ubuntu style, look at Mint. (among a gazillion others)

I don't really think it's a good idea to go with Lucid Lynx after it's been out of support for so long. You'll end up upgrading it anyway which could be a huge hassle since other LTS versions have come out since. With 10.04 all the newest versions of most everything won't be available and you will be stuck with the 2.6.x kernels; I'm using 3.2.x on basic machines and 3.6.x on my experimental machine. It may also get you into some slight but possible security issues that are long ago closed. The only updates that will be available will be the most basic security updates.

I could be a lot more detailed if I weren't so tired tonight. Long day.

Have fun!

P.S.... If you are into compiling your own OS and you want to mix and match stuff you'll be fine if you know what you're doing. I'm just not sure of your expertise on the subject. Most people don't go there.