New to Linux

[shaker718]

I will be installing and dual booting Ubuntu on my PC this week (after I back up all my files ) and have a few questions.

My questions are about hardware. I wonder if I will have any problems installing drivers for the parts I have already.

I am running a raid array using my onboard Via Sata ports, will Ubuntu recognize the array (ie will I be able to install to the array? Or will I have to install drivers right off the bat?)

will my current chipset drivers work with Linux or will I have to find new chipset drivers? I ask because I have yet to find any for my motherboard that are linux specific. Same thing for my vid card and especially for my sound card since they havent even released any new Xp drivers since 2004.

if you can't tell I am treading unknown waters here with linux but I am excited about the possibilities. Also do you recommend the 64bit version of Ubuntu or the x86 version?