Best Linux Distro

What I mean by windows is just a windows like interface. I sent this question using Ubuntu 10.04. I am just looking for a something a bit different now. I am burning OpenSUSE right now to try that out. I will also probably try Debian too because I have heard good things.

If stability is the main concern I'd go for Red Hat or one of its derivatives; but then you lose on compatibility and installed packages.

I would agree that Debian stable is probably the best compromise between stability and software availability... Ubuntu is more up to date, but it also has a lot more bugs as a result.

You may also give Linux Mint a try. Its based on Ubuntu. The latest version is 9.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

At the risk of seeming heretical, if you want to understand UNIX then go for UNIX - FreeBSD (or OpenSolaris if you must).

I think before making any changes in your pc to do the following

Dowload some distro, I would recomend ubuntu, kubuntu, fedora, mandriva, openSuse and Debian and specially linux mint. You can look for their kde or gnome versions. Mint would be ok for your windows-like-ui requirement

Install virtual box install some distros and try them there. In this way you will become familiar with the installation process (belive me not all of them are graphical 7 steps), and you can explore the surroundings, install things, become familiar with them.

If you have found the right one for you, and if you do not want to give up windows, you can consider dual booting. Nevertheless, you must backup your data, find specific instructions and go for it.

One place you can start is www.distrowatch.com. You can fin all the relevant information on linux distros as well as particular information, reviews, etc... really worth checking. Also, as someone told you before, do not think that linux behaves like windows, no sir. You have a lot of differences, for instance

a) Installing apps (forget *.exe!!)
b) Managing files and apps (where is c:?)
c) Connecting to the net (in fixed ip's could be a little bit of trouble if you expect a windows like behavior)
d) Drivers

to mention a few, so after you choose a distro, it is also a must to have information about how your particular distro handles all of the above.

Cheers

Antropoid

Obviously never played with windows power shell have we... It will blow your mind compared to a standard Bash shell.

I have not. I'll have to look into that

most like windows i would say that would be either Kubuntu or Fedora

IMO best distro ever is Arch linux (as by the title), but you don't want to delve down that path unless you actually want to learn how it works and use the terminal (you don't get a GUI, you have to choose and install one)

that's why i said only to grab it if you want to learn how linux is setup and configured as opposed to just working (in a manor of speaking)

for a new person *buntu and Fedora are good places to start