Hey, I have been a XP user for the past I don't know how long, and I have been wanting to make the switch to Linux.
Just to start off, my computer's specs are:
Pentium D dual core 3.2 Ghz
4 GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT
1.3 TB total HDD space
64 bit OS

In XP I always prefered to turn off all visual setting and run it like 2000. Other things to note are that I like to watch videos, and sometimes the formats are MKV, or OGM. Other than that I will be playing music , and editing images.
Recently, I downloaded Ubuntu and have been running that on a separate hard drive to get the feel of it. My GFX card works, the GIMP is working for my image tasks, (I can't find any good video programs) but basically the groundwork is in place for me to have what I need.
But, there are things about Ubuntu I don't like.
One big thing I should mention is it is running slower than my XP does. Is there another Linux build to suggest that might better suit my needs. Also, I am generally pretty well technically oriented, and I don't need the OS to baby me or anything like that as long as I can get a push in the right direction.
Thanks in advance!

I prefer Ubuntu-SE-8.04, great graphics with aurora-gt, has full ubuntu support and lots of apps.
You can't go wrong with either Ubuntu or Slackware 12.2/current.
Ubuntu is nice for all my work, while slac gives me a chance to really learn linux.
I had XP too, and I would've never learned the stuff I have had I not went to Ubuntu.

I highly suggest you dual boot XP/Ubuntu and you'll have the best of both worlds!

I also recommend slackware, but make sure to look through the installation part of the slackbook, because the install is different from others, it's very manual, not like the Ubuntu installer. The link is in my sig.

Strange that it is operating slower. I have been with Ubuntu since the 6.0X days. I am extremely please with Kubuntu 9.04. The new KDE is phenomenal. Otherwise, OpenSuse works with a 9800GT also; A co-worker tried it out...

I might suggest that you install VMWare Server2 if you would like to try out other linux distros. Otherwise, you will have to keep creating/writing over partitions.

It seems like most Linux complaints stem from video and flash editing incompatibilities. You are not alone.

that size PC will run just about any modern O/Ss.
but try LinuxMint 64bit, if you are a noobie.

Thanks for suggestions, guys. I'll look at a few of the ones you'd mentioned.