Being fairly new to Ubuntu Linux, I've been told how great it is to install, update and remove program using package management. But it's also possible to download programs in other ways. I don't know all the ramifications of these two approaches.
On the Windows side, some programs require installation, and others can just be run. I have a vague idea that installation involves the registry, which can contain settings and say things like "always play mp3s using me!"
I'd like to have a deeper understanding of how these two operating systems work and how they differ. Can anyone recommend a good book on the subject?
Clarification
I should have said that I do some web programming and am generally an advanced user in Windows. I'd just like to know more about how things work.