FreeBSD because you don't have Slackware on the list

This shouldn't cause any instability. But running ram like this will force the faster ram (333) to run at the speed of the slower stick (in your case 266). So in reality your only running 512 of 266, even though you have a stick of 333 in there.

I would choose FreeBSD. Even though it's not Linux. Ports is very cool.

If you like ports, but want Linux, then Gentoo is your bag.

I would say that Mandriva is clearly the most beginner-friendly, as that is its purpose for existing. However, I soon got frustrated with the distro and switched away. Mandriva's not the best on functionality. It's not bad for learning your way around, as long as you have no aversions to switching distros once you get the hang of linux.

If I preferred Gentoo, I would have voted for it. Ports is cool, but it's not what sells me on an OS. Simplicity, stability, and a BSD-style init are very nice features as well

Ubuntu. Honestly, I don't think your gonna get far with asking questions like this, everyones answer is diferent. Try the Linux distro Chooser.

I'll stick with Suse and Mandriva..

Typical mis-information about Slackware...

It has KDE, XFce, FluxBox, Blackbox...Many DE and WM to work with X.

Just because you have to set it up and make it yours, everybody gets scared of it, Too scared of speed and ease of configuration, just because it doesn';t have fancy GUI tools like Windows...

From that list I'd choose FreeBSD and Gentoo.

I have been a subscriber to Linux Format magazine for a couple of years and receive 2 or 3 distributions per month on their DVD - So I have a rather daunting array of distro's to chose from and I operate a test computer that changes every 30 minutes it seems. Having run all of the above I have no hesitation in chosing SuSE. It is by far the most complete and the easiest install - it comes with automatic update services, it has all of the most popular applications and lacks almost nothing. In making an install about the only thing left for me is adding the extensions to Firefox to screen out the ads.

I run SuSE 10.1 on all the production machines as well as all of the laptops. It has yet to miss the right configuration of a display or a network connection. And once installed it requires no maintaining by the Admin.

I'd choose Gentoo. But if you don't like command line work it's probably not for you.

I have been thoroughly enjoying ubuntu. Have you considered ubuntu (gnome), of kubuntu (kde)?

From that list, Fedora. otherwise - in one word - Debian

My linux experience started with Mandriva (Mandrake whas called then) about two years ago. I believe Mandriva is really good for a beginner (installs and ready to use). Nevertheless, I started to wanting more control and understanding what was happening in the computer I am now using gentoo.