What Linux distribution is most like Windows XP? I am inexperienced using Linux and want a program that is user friendly.

Ubuntu or Fedora are both good, ubuntu may slightly edge out fedora for the true newbie.

ReactOS is most like WindowsXP, but I dont think its linux.

In what way do you want linux to be like XP? Filesystem, ability to play media, DVD's... what is it you find to be the defining features of XP that you would like linux to mimic?

If you want something just like Windows XP, why don't you use Windows XP? Linux with modern GUIs is user friendly. Making something with the same problems as Windows wouldn't be any kind of upgrade.
Linux is not Windows. Embrace the difference, don't fight it.

--- rod.

PClinuxOS
http://www.pclinuxos.com

Linux Mint
http://linuxmint.com/

Both distros are user friendly and include the codecs and web plugins out of the box. PClinuxOS prints a monthly magazine for users new to PClinuxOS and linux.

You're correct.

An excerpt from their homepage http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html

This is not a Linux based system, and shares none of the unix architecture.

Mandriva has DrakeTools and MCC (Mandriva Control Center) which are sensible compared to the rest of the Linux distros. I'm currently using Fedora because Mandriva 10 needed to many updates to be considered an O.S and I lost my patience with their repositories but not having these two things that come with Mandriva is still a beyond my understanding. MCC keeps your utilities in one menu and Drake tools are basically these utilities. If Mandriva
s utilities are not good enough you can always use BASH commands. Additionally Mandriva gets a lot of respect for a first Linux operating system. If I did not want (command terminal) experience I would seriously consider trying Mandriva 10.02 or their new release out this May I think. Ubuntu is confusing with there not having a root user account thing but their over all community is by far the strongest. If you can get a reliable Mandriva Release it is hard to beat.

When it comes to a comparison with Windows, especially regarding user-friendliness, you should at first read this.
After you have done that, go to Distrowatch and have a look at the Top 10 distributions. Almost all of them offer live-media, so that you can try them without installing. You also can use virtualization software like Virtualbox to try how to install them without bringing your existing Windows in danger.

Welcome to the Linux world.

http://www.ylmf.org/en/

Also, there is a Mac themed one too, and both seem to work very well.

I run YLMF off of a flash drive and Macbuntu on a dual boot Win7 system.

The menu system on the Ylmf is almost perfect. They did their homework.

Packrat1947

Zorin

"Here, I’d like to share a short story with you. Once, on a celebration party for Columbus discovery of New Continent, some celebrities were in envy of Columbus’s success and they decided to embarrass him. They asked Columbus, “is there anything worth showing off? You have only discovered a bizarre continent! How easy it is that everyone can achieve the task.” Columbus did not reply. Instead, he raised an egg and asked, “Dear gentlemen, who can successfully set the egg upright?” All of these celebrities tried and failed, and some people even gave up without attempt because they thought it was impossible. However, Columbus knocked one end of the egg, and easily erected the egg on the table. Then he turned to the stunned guys, “it is a simple task, but you failed and I succeeded.” What I’d like to mention is “The principle of success is very simple, but simple is quite different from easy”. It is Columbus “simple” discovery that the Americas appeared in front of us and a completely new sea route was opened. Similarly, I hope everyone can find your “new continent” by your own means. Last but not least, on behalf of YlmF, I wish you a happy and brilliant new year!"
-- Mr.Lailinfeng, CEO of YlmF OS
The last three letters say it all!
Columbus did not "discover" anything!! He was lost! And this guy is FOS! (Just my opinion)