[tlug] Free Linux for Desktop Newbies ?

[bofh@example.com]

Hi All,

Its been a long time since I used Linux for a workstation. In fact its been
a long time since I used Linux at all - I mainly use FreeBSD for servers (and
some workstations).

I have a guest room that visitors stay in, which has had a WinXP machine in
it for some time now. After some recent troubles with the XP box, I've
decided that I want to try a Linux distro instead. So I'm looking for a Linux
distro for a desktop/workstation which will be used mainly for websurfing,
email, Skype, etc. by users with any level of computer knowledge (assuming
basic keyboard and mouse knowledge as a lowest common denominator :)  ).

Its been a long time since I did anything with Linux, so I'm wondering what
the current landscape is like as far as distros for this kind of environment
go. I went over to redhat.com and had a look, but didn't see anything free. I
had been hoping that there are still some free distros out there which will
have good hardware support, be easy to install, and be easy to use as a
desktop machine for the non-geek.

Any suggestions?

( I don't mean to start a distro war here, just wondering what is currently
the most popular distro for this kind of environment. )

Thanks, and Happy Holidays to all,

Shawn