Hi,
I am a n00b to linux and I want to know which distro is the most user-friendly among Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu.
I also want to know which other linux distros have
Free CD + Free Shipping like Ubuntu (if any :d)

Thanks in advance,
Karthik

The shipping costs you should check from the distributions' sites. Probably only the "biggest" distributions would ship for free, but I might be wrong.

Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu are just the same distribution, they only have different-looking desktops (and therefore a bit different sets of applications -- they all have apps for the same needs, but Kubuntu has KDE-based apps for the tasks whereas Ubuntu has Gnome-based etc.). Kubuntu has KDE, check out kde.org for screenshots -- Ubuntu has Gnome, check out gnome.org for screenshots -- Xubuntu has XFCE, so check xfce.org for screenshots. Decide which one looks the best for you and grab the U/K/Xubuntu you like. KDE is probably most Windows-a-like environment, Gnome is maybe a bit slicker ("not-so-complicated-looking") and has some fancy features, XFCE is like a light version of Gnome, consumes less resources but on the other hand isn't as big set as Gnome or KDE.

Yes Kubuntu and Xubuntu ship for free as well as Ubuntu. I would agree with b0uncer, take a look at the screenshots on the websites and choose for yourself. Also you can change you mind later, if you install Ubuntu for example, all you have to do to add Kubuntu is install the meta-package "kubuntu-desktop" same for Xubuntu "xubuntu-desktop".

Hi,
But which do you feel the best???

Neither is better for everyone. Either can be better for you. If you want to read hundreds of differing opinions over which is "better," check out this thread. If you want a general idea of the differences between KDE (Kubuntu) and Gnome (Ubuntu), read this: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/kdegnome

XFCE (Xubuntu), until you actually experience it, can be best described as Gnome without the bells and whistles--it's ideal for low-spec machines (less than 128 MB of RAM).

If any were really "the best" by some empirical measure, Ubuntu wouldn't have supported the others. There is no "best." Get used to the idea.

The good news is that you can install all three on one Ubuntu installation. For example, if you have Kubuntu installed and want Xubuntu and Ubuntu, too, you just paste this command in the terminal:

Thanks for the help aysiu

Just my 2 cents but you should also know that you can mix and match all three. If you where to install one, you can easily change environments by installing any or all of:
ubuntu-desktop
xubuntu-desktop
kubuntu-desktop

All with the synaptic package manager or through apt-get. Nice way to be able to test drive all of them.

But, which is the most user friendly?

IMO KDE has the reputation of being user friendly and XFCE, if you have never used it before, isn't very user friendly. Having said that, it depends what you're used to. If you've used Gnome for a while, you'll be used to the Gnome way of doing things, the same is true for KDE. I would suggest you get both Kubuntu and Ubuntu LiveCDs and try them out for your self.

For anyone coming straight out of Windows, Kubuntu is the best in my opinion. Ubuntu the GNOME interface a close second. XFCE has come a long ways from the very minimalistic days and it is now semi-userfriendly. Like someone else suggested, get the Ubuntu CD shipped to you then install the kubuntu and xfce desktops. Try them out for the same amount of time and you're sure to find one you like best for every day use.

Thanks man...
I will try Kubuntu as you say. You are the only one to give a straight answer.

Its not that anyone wasn't giving you the straight answer, its just most peoples opinion differ widely on the 3 desktop environments. You'll probably find an equal number of people who like Kubuntu/Ubuntu/Xubuntu. I just installed X-ubuntu over my Ubuntu install yesterday, and I kinda like it, but still prefer the Gnome interface. I don't particularly care for KDE, but many say its the most user friendly for a Windows transplant, I feel exactly opposite and always recommend Gnome. They all do exactly the same thing, they just look different while doing it. So it all boils down to opinion.

When you ask an opinionated question, you get an opinionated answer.

IGF

In my opinion, it is valid to state that the majority of people who regularly use Windows and want to consider Linux will prefer KDE, since the KDE setup is more "Windows-like" than Gnome. I know that is the initial reason I developed a liking for KDE several years ago. On the other hand, I have heard (but do not know if it is true) that someone used to a Macintosh will tend to prefer Gnome. That is, the choice often depends heavily on a persons "computer history," rather than on which is more user-friendly.

I've never used a Mac computer(just occasional browsing while at CompUSA).. But I agree with what you're saying. The KDE interface will be familiar to those who have a history with Windows. GNome will probably be more familiar to those who have a History with the Mac. I don't know where X comes in..

IGF

Depends on the day. Sometimes I'm all over Gnome (Ubuntu), but most of the time I'm on KDE (Kubuntu.)

I like to have both installed (at the same time) so I can just randomly decide to change whenever I feel like it.