What is the best Linux operating system to use if you are getting started?
I am a Computer Science student looking into developing a stronger Linux background. I plan to buy a new harddrive and install a partition to it.
Ubuntu is highly regarded as a starter edition. they even have a "live cd" you can burn so you can try before you make any changes to your system.
Just download the .iso file, burn it to a cd, and then boot to it. No changes are made until you run the "Install" file on the desktop. Everything else seems to be fully functional.
Try Ubuntu;
http://www.ubuntu.com/
Nothing is better than Puppy Linux. Its small (about 80 megs) and downolads quickly.
I can suggest u SuSe Linux, i tried to start some years ago with RedHat now known as Fedora, but i feel that SuSe Linux has more capabilities that are similar to Windows, as plug and play devices recognition (USB pens). Good luck!!!