ok.. dudes, slackware is NOT for beginners (or faint of hearts..).. it require huge learning curve, for a graphic user interface user (IE. windows), it will kill linux experience extremely fast (i've been there, tried debian as first, biiig mistake.. turned me off linux for about 5 monthes, as i can't get it to install for me, i don't understand half the stuff it's asking..)
for beginners, you want a distro that gives you extremely good hard ware detection (assuming ur using a desktop?? please use one, as laptop isnt' something you can pop in and go kinda thing), you also want something that will install a good windows like GUI right at the beginning, and gives you a good selection of software that will get you up and running immediately upon installation... Slackware (from what i heard, don't kill me for this), isn't really for beginners, it's for linux user who want a true unix experience without going to a unix, it's for linux user who want to customize, who knows enough to get around on text console..
what i would recommend for a good fit between true linux experience (at least without a corporation behind it.. for some reason i hate that, as i believe open source should be prodominately community based..) and a nice interface for beginners, would be ubuntu/kubuntu (it doesn't really matter, it's just a matter of desktop preference, though, kubuntu (kde) will be more like windows)).. i have also used mepis (it's so damn easy to install, you can pop in the cd, boot from cd, open a app, and click 3 buttons, you will be on your way
), it is also a more debian like OS than ubuntu, as it uses fully debian software tree.. in ubuntu, you have to use debiain package designed for ubuntu, but it has a nice selection
now, when you get through that, and wat to experience true linux, you can then have enough knowledge about linux to make an informed choice on which distro (or dump linux and join freebsd community (wat i did))..
again, the above opinion + facts is derived from the extensive time spent in
www.linuxquestions.org please don't kill me if you don't agree with me fully.. i welcome challenges