What flavor of Linux is best?

Question

THIS IS LONG SORRY

I know there are about 50 million variations of a handful base designs.
Pros and cons of your top picks would be great
over the next year I will be saving for and building a 64bit system
I am looking to install it on my current system just so I can get the ends and outs of it
I am familiar with Linux enough to play solitaire and get on the internet and install a few packages but there is usually a pop up that say hey get this.
I would like it to be customizable as far as what resources are used when but i guess that is the idea of Linux: Customization
good windows emulation so I can run the things that may be windows only (random game ect)
I am so fed up with windows my ten year old computer runs better on XP then my girlfriends computer on windows 7
I imagine having an operating system pretending to be windows wont be any worse then windows and I will only have to use it when absolutely necessary.
I am savvy enough to figure it out (I think) I just haven't a lot of experience using it; hence, me putting in the request now so by the time I NEED it I should be good and broke in.
Free is always good but I am not averse to getting a pay version if there is a significant advantage


THANK YOU

Answer 1

This Lifeacker article was just published, and will answer your question.

http://lifehacker.com/5889950/how-to-find-the-perfect-linux-distribution-for-you?utm_source=Lifehacker+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8241e6a406-UA-142218-1&utm_medium=email

Answer 2

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi



I thoroughly recommend the Linux Mint 10 which is based upon Ubuntu 10.10 Its easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 10 has a feature called mint4win which is almost identical



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



Linux Mint 10 Release Notes/User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive





LUg.

Answer 3

Tough question. People have favorites.



I will cut it down two two, imho.



Fedora. Most directly related to red-hat enterprise which I use work, but fedora is free.



Ubuntu, this is also used as a work system.



SO there you go.

Answer 4

unbut is good try linux mint its really good