WOW! Thanks for all (so many and sooo fast) replies!!!!
you guys are really great!
after reading the replies i guess my choice will be ubuntu because y'all say its good for beginners and i dont really have "a network of local geeks"
i would probably ask about dual booting and stuff like that but i'll try to put minimum stress on you guys and maximum on my friend google
thanks again and i promise i will be back with more questions
AND RESULTS TOO!!!! i would absolutely love to contribute to the linux 'society' as much as possible!

regards,