OpenSource OS's that Don't Suck?

Do they exist?

I liked Windows XP and Vista is a horriffic pile of fail but I don't have an actual XP CD. I don't really know anything about open source OS so I don't have a clue where to start.

Bonus if you can actually run programs on them instead of just have a machine sitting there you can't run applications on because it sucks. If I want that i'll use Vista.

OP here.

Now I know better than to come to this forum expecting coherent answers. Maybe i'll go look up some website on how to make Vista work better.