Linux Newbie Help

[rover220]

At the risk of repeating a question prob already asked.
I am a complete noob to Linux and would like some advice on which version/manufacturer to use.
It will have to be almost Windows like in appearance and feel until I get to grips with it ,then I'll move on to more adventurous forms.
Any advice is welcome.
just not wanting to pay MS$ big money for new OS.

[Shagbag]

Just to name a few, you could try:

Kubuntu
Freespire
PCLinuxOS

These all use the K Desktop Environment ("KDE") by default, which is the most 'windoze like' of the desktop environments.

If you'd ask me this question in 12 months' time I'd point you to Ulteo.  However, Ulteo is still in alpha phase so I would only recommend it if you were curious and weren't going to use it as your production OS.

Also take a look at PC-BSD.  OK, it's not linux, but it's very user friendly and you might find BSD more to your liking.  Who knows?

There is a linux distro called Linux XP but I believe you have to pay for it.  Only you can determine if you think it's worth it.

[hydran]

I would just straight into Ubuntu, it is the easiest one to set up and configure, and you can use it pretty easily if you are a windows user.