Ubuntu vs Xubuntu
[edit] Summary
Ubuntu is the most widely-used Linux distribution. Xubuntu is an Ubuntu-based distribution which provides the Xfce desktop environment instead of the Gnome environment. It is designed for old or low-end computers. Xubuntu is also suitable for users who want quicker performance on their computer, those who prefer to have more control over their configuration (Xubuntu comes with a lot less enabled out of the box), and users who prefer the Xfce environment.
[edit] Fit and Finish
Both provide a high level of "fit and finish" in a linux distribution - easy to configure, and set up "out-of-the-box" to work on a wide variety of hardware, and to meet a wide variety of users' needs. Both come with feature-rich programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing. The programs are compatible with Microsoft programs for the same purposes. Ubuntu's LibreOffice, though, is much more well-known than Xubuntu's AbiWord/Gnumeric. So if you are looking for word processing and spreadsheet software that is very well-known and compatible with other other systems, you might prefer Ubuntu.
With Xubuntu, you can't set up your computer to automatically log in to a secured wireless network when it starts up. As a solution use Gnome's NetworkManager for that. Mine with xubuntu logs in the wireless network right away as soon as I log in the computer.
[edit] Preinstalled Software
Xubuntu does not come preinstalled with a presentation program, while Ubuntu does (OpenOffice Impress). Ubuntu also comes with a quality video editor (PiTiVi) and music library manager (Rhythmbox). All of these programs can be installed in Xubuntu, but installing them takes time and uses hard disk space, as with package management of any kind. This may be worth it anyway to users who prefer Xubuntu's speedier performance on low-cost computers.
