Hi, I'm installing Ubuntu for the first time in my laptop, whose O.S is in japanese... this is a FUJITSU, Windows Vista and Core Duo, but I don't know which characteristics are relevant, I would like to know the procedure to get necessary information(drivers are the only ones I think I should get, but I don't know where to get them) to install Ubuntu...thanks!

Try the Ubuntu Desktop LiveCD. You can run the Ubuntu OS off the CD to test things. There may be a strong possibility that Ubuntu installs without any problems and everything works out of the box.

You can also check Google to see if anyone else has installed Linux on the same laptop model.

Information you may want to eventually gather even if Ubuntu installs without any problems:
1. Boot options (from CD, usb, netboot, hard drive, etc.)
2. video card info (name of the graphics card, video memory)
3. monitor info (horizontal/vertical refresh rates, monitor resolution)
4. network card manufacturer and model number
5. audio/sound card manufacturer and model number

yes, I have the Ubuntu Desktop Edition 9.04...I'll try with your suggestions, if something unexpected happens i'll post it here..thanks a lot!

if you such type of problem then do following nothing bad will happen

step 1: partiton your hard disk
supoose if your hard disk is of 100 gb
then divide it into two parts
like 60-70 gb for windows and remaining for ubuntu

step 2:
if you already installed window to all the hard disk
then
you have to format the last partition for ubuntu,
means if you have c:,d:,e:,f:,(then format that(last drive here we have f: drive) drive but before formatting, you have to copy data in this drive (if any) to any other drive ).

step 3 as you told that you are new to ubuntu
then manual partitioning will be difficult for you ,then what should you do,just put your window cd in cd rom and reboot or restart the system,
then start booting your system from xp cd by pressing any key if it ask initially.

step 4: keep on going untill you will see the all partioin list with there alloted space.
then you will see the last partition at the bottom of the list.
then( delete or format or both) that partition.
then simply exit from this installation process,dont,move further,
you can do this by simple removing the cd out.

step 5 now put your ubuntu cd start ubuntu install option also choose any langauage you want to like english ,japaneese etc in the starting of the installtion of ubuntu. then keep on going untill you see the partition option at some stage it will ask you to install your ubuntu on whole hard disk ,side by side installation ,or install ubuntu in the free space
check that free space option
then click next or forward,then follows steps eaisly,dont need to worry,

geekvikrant

ubuntu has a netbook edition when may be more suited for you. Just wanted to let you know that.