Yes it will automatically detect the hardware and install the drivers for them if you are not installing ubuntu from a quick install.visit some ubuntu forums or ubuntu faq all your queries will be resolved lot of geeks are sitting out there to help juvenile like us.
I installed Ubuntu on the two Dells that I had and I was amazed at how well the hardware identification and driver installation had improved. But the key is, you will never know, if you don't try, regardless of what I or anyone else says.