All Linux distros run in 'non-admin mode'.
The difference between the *buntus are that they use different GUIs. Xfce is a GUI. KDE is a GUI. GNOME is a GUI. I strongly suggest you look up the terms GUI, Xfce KDE, and GNOME in Wikipedia to gain a better understanding of what they are, do and how they do it. (If you're not willing to do that, then the suggestion that you NOT use any Linux Distro at all could be proven quite sound.)
Second, there is no such thing as a "garbage" OS....even hasta-la-Vista has its "place" [...where ever that may be]. However, there _is_ such a thing as *PEBKAC* (Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair). The PEBKAC thing is part of what got you so many negative responses here....in addition to the attitude thing.
In other words, you possibly feel that _Xubuntu_ is "garbage" _simply_ because you are new to Linux in general and simply _don't_ understand it yet. Why not turn your 'stubbornness' into a positive and use it to knuckle down to learn about another great OS in general, not to mention how to use some of its different distros from Live CD, FIRST? This way you can be better informed enabling you to more easily choose a distro that will suit your particular needs/wants/tastes as well as being able to run smoothly on your particular hardware.
****Here, I'll further help you start on your journey to learning about a Linux world without walls & fences, therefore, without Windows & Gates....
*Exactly WHAT is Linux?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
*What precisely is the Linux "Kernel"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
*What is the definition of "Distribution" in the Linux World?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distrobutions
**How to pick your distro(s):
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/opensource/?p=382&tag=rbxccnbtr1
Be sure to follow the link embedded within that article to “10 things to consider when choosing a Linux distribution” in order to learn more. To learn yet more, read the Comments made to find out what Pros are saying about the articles and other topics related to them.
**Where to learn even more about Linux and start shopping for distros to try:
http://distrowatch.com
Simply follow the supplied link to the site of what ever particular distro catches your eye to download the ISO of it. Since you already have Xbunut I guess you already know how to burn an ISO to bootable CD.
**Where to get help:
*If you are _truly_ serious about learning about and how to use Linux in any 'flavor', I strongly suggest that you find a Linux User Group near you to attend for person on person/computer help when you need it and have simple camaraderie with people who share a same interest as you. Find a LUG near you by using this handy site:
http://www.linux.org/groups/
That site is also packed with other Linux related topics to learn from! ;)
*In addition, there are Forums run by the different distros (for that particular distro), and there are numerous forums on the web that give Linux related help (But to use them you must become humble, polite and use this info http://catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html if you expect to get any useful response from them and/or the ability to stay a member of that forum).
***I agree with the other answerer who uses PCLinuxOS that PCLOS is much easier and uses much fewer resources than Ubuntu, Kubuntu and even Mint...which surprised me given all the "press" it's been getting lately. I use PCLOS, myself. I didn't like any of the *buntus so I switched to PCLOS, instead, and like it MUCH better! If you would like to check it out you can do so here:
http://www.pclinuxos.com/
If you've gotten this far down in my answer to you AND have done as I suggested, I feel that in the long run you may just change your mind about Linux in general and Embrace The Penguin as so many of us have. After all, how long did it take you to learn about Windows?...AND how much about Windows DON'T you know, yet? Think about that.
I hope this helps. Good Luck!