ecchi,
I've used Linux for over 12 years. [If it weren't for a couple of programs that will only run properly on Windows, that's all I would use.]
Try
Linux Mint. Based on Ubuntu, it is currently the most popular form of Linux. It tries to ease Windows users into the new OS with a familiar look and feel. If you're machine is really old and slow then try
Lubuntu. You can even dual boot with XP if you want. You'll get access to latest open source software plus Chrome, Skype, Flash amongst others.
Cheers,
Art