I agree with Ubuntu and Mint as recommendations. Ubuntu has a windows installer. http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...dows-installer You click on the exe, download and reboot.


I would add http://crunchbanglinux.org/ It's not as friendly, but it's fast. PCLinuxOS http://www.pclinuxos.com/ is newbie friendly. it has good hardware support and easy configuration tools. And puppy linux http://puppylinux.org/ just because it's fun. WOOF

You could and should try linux live cds, or put it on a usbck.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ that way you can try different linux distros and you won't hurt your windows install.

If you're interested in the few people suggesting Gentoo, I would suggest sabayon http://www.sabayon.org/ instead. It's Gentoo with no fuss.