There is a light learning curve , but only a slight one . Debian based Linux distros have come a long way .
Discussion
what does Debian based mean?
The core of all the linux operating systems is called the linux kernel , and from that base , different projects , that use different software and so on have developed from that linux kernel .
Ubuntu runs on a "debian" based operating system , it's just a name that they give it to distinguish it from other "flavours" of linux .
I could be wrong on all of this btw .