I realize that everyone has their own preference and favourite, but is there any distro which is better suited to a beginner than others?

some people would suggest to use anything from the Ubuntu family.
or a derivative, such as LinuxMint.

or a application designed for N00Bs such as Zorin O/S.
or maybe Linux lite.

- depends a little on your hardware specs, as well.

Hey StuartK24

i asked the same question when i joined here a while ago...

everybody told me if you really want to get under the hood of linux...and really learn how it works

Slackware

u nuts 'pal'(thus between qm)!



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http://lmgtfy.com/?q=best+distro+for+newbies

i suppose i should have asked him first if he wants to just use linux as a basic os for reading email, surfing the net etc...or if he planned to learn it on a far more technical level...depends on the user

gor0, sigint-ninja made a perfectly reasonable post IMO.

Did you miss 'everybody told me if you really want to get under the hood of linux...and really learn how it works'? There are other distros that will teach you how things run 'under the hood' but slackware is a great way to learn about that sort of thing.

Sure, StuartK24 might not actually want to learn that, but sigint-ninja didnt just say 'slackware!' with no warning that it will be a learning curve. I might have let the txtese slide, but 'let me google that for you' links are insulting....If you want to say something, just say it, no need for histrionics....

In respose to StuartK24, pierre2s post is the standard approach. I personally wouldnt touch a *buntu, mostly for political reasons. Zorin is just as bad, maybe worse. Mint is OK, but you wont learn much apart from 'windows application XXXX can be replaced with AAAA, BBBB or CCCC which are linux native'.

What is you the goal StuartK24? A system where you learn very little, but its easy? (eg *buntus, mint) A system which is a little difficult, but you lean more? (eg debain, fedora) Or a system which is more difficult, but you learn a lot? (eg slackware).

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I wonder if those who say Slackware isn't for newbies have actually tried it for themselves, or if they've just read some negative reviews and believed them? All you need to run Slackware are the abilities to read and follow instructions, and to think.
Anyway, like I've said before: the best distro is the one that suits you best. Try a few 'til you find it.

I have tried slackware, & yes the install is quite easy but, you do have a little more fine tuning of theOS than say like Debian.

alphabetically

antix, debian, mint, salix, slackware

would be my suggestions for a newbie

it depends on your hardware and on your needs

+1
And I've said it before too. Burn a few live CD's and enjoy yourself.
jdk

For a Debian based distribution, I would recommend Ubuntu because it is the most popular Linux distribution and there are many online guides and tutorials available. (www.ubuntu.com)

For a Red Hat based distribution, I would recomnmend Fedora (fedoraproject.org)

I always say you need to consider the desktops. Think of all the moaning when Ubuntu switched to Unity, or when Windows 8 came out. Some people look at KDE and say "wow!", while other say "Calm down, you're only a GUI!"

For those who like animated eye-candy, and hence KDE, PCLinuxOS.
For those who like the tablet-style look and are not fussy over customisation, Gnome from Arios or Pinguy.
For traditionalists, Xfce from Salix, or Mate from Mint or PCLinuxOS.

And for those giving a good home to an ancient computer, AntiX.

Hi. Try them all plus (DEs)desktop environments (depending on your hardware specs and no I didn't read past OPs#1...)
second link in my signature. Best wishes and have fun.

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I think this is one area that personal preference is just going to play a huge role in. I personally preferred CentOS compared to Ubuntu, but that might not be the same for you. Just get a few different distros and try them out in Virtual Box and see which one you like best.

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CentOS is 4 SERVERS!!!