Linux has a huge number of possible configurations. It is possible to configure almost any distribution into almost any configuration. The art of configuring a distribution to the way you wany it has a steep learning curve. So when you first install a Linux distribution you should try to find a distribution which has a default configuration as close as possible to the configuration that you want to run. Then over time you will figure out how to change a few things in your configuration and eventually become comfortable with reconfiguring Linux to your taste and needs.

You can get an idea of what each distribution provides as a default configuration at the DistroWatch website:
http://distrowatch.com/

You can probably get decent guidance from the DistroWatch descriptions of the target audience that each distribution aims for. Check out a distribution or two which comes closest to describing you as a member of its target audience.

-----------------------------
Steve Stites