I recently put Ubuntu on my system (again) and have been very happy with it. I run Sidux on the other partition, and I recommend it as a cool version of Debian. I also like Puppy Linux, though it has a more restricted scope than most Linuxes, meaning you are sort of stuck with its selection of software, whereas with Ubuntu or Debian- related Linuxes, the world is your oyster.

The easiest Ubuntu version is called Linux Mint, and you don't have to hassle to play your dvd movies, it is very easy to set up.

But as suggested above, the best way to decide is not to decide, just try various Linuxes and go the way you choose.

For more endless discussion of the merits of various Linux distros, see www.distrowatch.com and check out the comments in its weekly news, which comes out on Monday mornings.