I got a free netbook. Do I install Linux knowing jack about it?

A bit more information: I got a free HP Mini 210-2070NR. I am writing a novel for National Novel Writing Month right now, and right now I want to use this netbook for that purpose. My chief concern is boot time (I'm not going to be doing anything beyond Office and browsing the web). I want to be able to boot and be typing yesterday when I get an idea.

I've heard that some Linux distros have a power on-to-usable time of 10 seconds. I know jack-shit about Linux as I've used Windows all my life.

Questions:

1. Are there Linux distros that feel like Windows? Ubuntu, I think, is the one for this. (?) The closer to Win7, the better.

2. My impression of Linux is having to perform arcane wizardry and goat sacrifice to install things like drivers. How incorrect am I?

3. I don't think I can use MS Office - what do I use instead, LibreOffice or OpenOffice? I understand the former recently split from the latter. If I can use MS Office, no worries here.

I'm a giant noob and I know it. Thanks for your time.