Yes, Linux is very different from Windows when it comes to drivers. You might
want to give an exact identification of the Aspire, since that describes a very
large family of computers.

Generally speaking, if you install Linux, it will have basic support for all the
devices. One exception is wireless: sometimes you need to connect by Ethernet
cable, then install an "additional driver" to get the wireless working. (Some
wireless adapters will only work by using the Windows driver and a major PITA
called ndiswrapper, and some will never work.)

Likewise, the video adapter will probably work right away, but it might support
more functions if you install an "additional driver."

Do you know how much memory is in the laptop? If it's 512 MB, I suggest you
install Lubuntu 12.04. If it's more, you might want to consider Linux Mint 13,
Kubuntu 12.04 or Ubuntu 12.04.