I only run linux in virtual machines to augment my software toolbox so I have never had to rely on any one distro to keep my precious files safe. I am not sure which is actually the best but here is a thought: you should try PCLinuxOS. I found that the GUI resembles the Windows paradigm. A familiar look might help you with the transition. It is a live disc so it wouldn't hurt to try, even as an intermediate before diving in headfirst. Just a thought.

Anyone had mcuh experience with mythbuntu? It's a ubuntu distro with mythTV integrated into it. I've been thinking of using it for a mate's media PC so he doesn't have to buy XP MCE or vista but I'm not sure how easy to use it is. It'll have to be pretty similar to XPMCE if it'll be acceptable

MythTV is very nice, but the install process is a nightmare. Never tried mythbuntu, I did install MythTV on Fedora on an old computer once.

Give this a shot:
http://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.html
Uses Knoppix's famous hardware detection.

While Linux mint is based on Ubuntu and most of the routines(?) (eg. setting up init levels) are the same, Linux Mint offers a bit more "eye candy" and end-user friendliness. As an example, you can left-click on any menu item and instantly uninstall the program, add it to favourites or make it launch when you start up. This makes it easier to use if you're new to linux, and don't want to fiddle with the session manager and synaptic/aptitude. And of course it has the most used codecs and drivers installed, which makes it perfect as a live cd on my machine (which, for some reason, neglects to recognize any IDE hard disk).
By default, Linux Mint uses the same desktop environment as Ubuntu (namely GNOME), the devs/artist have just used another theme and added some functionality.
As for the topic, I would probably recommend openSUSE with the window manager Enlightenment (E16, not E17 as its main selling points are eye candy, eye candy and animated desktops). When you're getting more familiar with the command line, try wmii (a window manager) for lightning fast'n'easy window switching and control.
Also, use Slackware ;)

Ugh. Slack was my very first distro over 10 years ago, installed via something like 27 3.5 floppy disks. Haven't used it in years, is it still the Linux distro designed for the sado-masochistic geek (i.e. possibly the most difficult to use)?

Well, it depends on how you prefer to work. Often, when I've got the time, I like to fix things manually on the command line. And when it comes to that, Slackware is far more friendly than eg. Ubuntu, as it has readme files in every major folder, and everything (read: most) can be configured by editing text files. That being said, it took me several hours to set it up the way I wanted it, and I heartily miss Yast/aptitude/synaptic whenever I install or upgrade software.

Kubuntu, i.e. Ubuntu with KDE, because
- you get customizable keyboard shortcuts everywhere (it's hell with gnome)
- Amarok is a great music played (better said: Amarok 1 is great and Amarok 2 will be great in near future)
- Krusader definitely is the best file manager out there
If you have more than one machine, be sure to install an openssh server on all of them and read this!
I'm in it since 3 or 4 years now and I cannot and will not go back. ... under no circumstances. ... NEVER!!
Have fun! :)

Since you are new to Linux, I would wholeheartedly recommend Ubuntu. It really is a distribution that cares about being easy to use, and fairly fast. I used Red Hat variants, SUSEs, Slackwares, Gentoos, and I find Ubuntu is the best because I don't want to spend weeks getting everything to work good. Linux in general has this issue with all the features not working like they're supposed to, and Ubuntu was always the best. I had the least headaches with it, let me put it that way.
You could use Kubuntu, like someone said, it's all the same to me. I just like Gnome a little better.

Well i installed openSUSE on my sisters notebook. It was my first contact with linux, and i have to say its really nice. But i have one problem with media players.
On max volume everything is really quiet, divx movies have weird collors, and amarok don't play .mp3's.
I installed divx and xvid codec, anf FLV media player coz no other player could open divx.
So could any one give me some clues what should i do?
Some info about system:
1.8 celleron D
1024 of Ram
intel integrated graphics and sound card (not sure of sound card)
openSUSE 1.11 GNU