So... Is arc really that hard to set up, and install/use? Im coming from Ubuntu, and what they're doing with 18.04, doesn't seem amazing. I'm afraid because I'm not using a very well known laptop, so I fear I'd get trapped with setting up wifi or something. I just really want a Linux distro, with SPEED. That being said, I still want compatibility with both my hardware, and the programs i use on a regular basis. This also may sound like a terrible question, but do all Ubuntu programs work on arc and other distributions? I doubt it, but worth asking 😅

Ubuntu uses DPKG for package-management,
Arch uses pacman.
So , Ubuntu packages aren't compatible with Arch.
If there aren't any pacman-packages, you'd either need to compile them from source or hope, that there is a port in the Arch-User-Repository.

Antergos/Manjaro is the way to go if you want Arch but don't want to do it yourself.

How about Fedora? Would it be easier to install and faster than Ubuntu?

First thing that comes to my mind:
Mint sounds like a good option for you.

Whatever you do I would still recommend a Debian-based distro. One that uses dpkg.

Why? Cuz most of the biggest distros right now, including Debian itself, Ubuntu, Mint, ElementaryOS and Kali are Debian-based and are getting more and more popular so you're gonna get the best support with dpkg package managing systems.

Not sure what specifically you're disliking about Ubuntu 18 (I personally think it's looking good). But if it's the desktop environment, then maybe just check out some of its flavors. You say you want speed so maybe a more lightweight desktop environment like Xfce (Xubuntu) or MATE (Ubuntu MATE) is what you're looking for. Budgie is kinda lightweight too. Still based on GNOME tho.

Orrr if you want to go into the dark world of other package systems, that's your call. But you've been warned.

As per why I don't like 18.04 so far, honestly, I just hate the start menu. It reminds me of the Windows 8.1 days, whats the point of a start menu that takes up all that room? I havent seen an option to make it smaller based on the previews i've seen, like how it is in 16.04. Also, just was hoping for a faster os in general, but don't know if 18.04 will give a substantial change.

@coder67 Try out some different desktop environments to see what you like. You wouldn't even really need to uninstall to do so.