I have no experience with Linux. I bought a book (Beginner's Guide) but it is for 10.04. Should I download 10.04 so it matches the book or use 11.10 with the book, assuming they are pretty similar?
Ubuntu – Differences Between 10.04 and 11.10
release-management
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Best Answer
The key difference between 11.04/11.10 and 10.04 is the default interface called Unity.
picture from this AskUbuntu question
This compares to the Gnome-2-Panel interface used by 10.04
Some of the terminology changes between the two due to the incorporation of elements from Gnome-Shell & Unity compared to the standard Gnome-2-panel interface.
Thus - as a beginner, can I suggest you use 10.04 until you feel more comfortable before progressing to later versions of ubuntu. However saying that - if you are feeling adventurous - jump straight into 11.10. If you have any issues, come back here or the ubuntu-forums. You'll find us a friendly lot offering lots of advice.
As an alternative/or addition to your book, can I suggest the second edition of the Ubuntu Manual Project book - written by many contributors specifically from the new users point-of-view.