Advice for first Linux, please

There are literally hundreds of Distro to chose from.

The "best" Distro is the one YOU like and which suits YOUR computer. We can't tell you what you will like - you will know that. People will advise you to use the Distro they use and like - you can try them, but don't just accept what others say.

You can try lots of Distros without affecting your Hard Drive at all - unless you tell them to install. Look at:
http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2012/09/5-ways-to-try-linux-without-messing-up.html and http://www.livecdlist.com/

Then look at things like:
http://www.linux.com/news/software/applications/775873-the-best-linux-distribution-for-new-users/
http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/best-linux-distributions
http://m.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/best-linux-distro-five-we-recommend-1090058

A lot depends on how much RAM you have got.

Jarfulous wrote:

I've got 8GB o' RAM. I'm thinking probably either Ubuntu or Fedora. I mainly use my computer for games, if that matters.

just so you know, like ubuntu, its not running windows programs, but linux programs is then free, for games you will have to install wine for some games. ive ben ubuntu for a cople of days, and its pretty easy to get around with all the youtube movies and the community forums, so there is nothing to worry about if you get alittle stuck ! but you will be stuck at some point as windows, but nothing you cant handle if you seach alittle.

ubuntu is fast, and its free. and its pretty easy to fix problems, couse the salution is over the whole internet, and there are far far far less viruses!.

try it out and if you get stuck, dont worry ask for help, and there could be a salution