New to Linux

Good morning all!
I am new to Linux and I would like to try it out.
What version do you think is right for a new Linux user?
I have looked at Mandrake, SuSE, Red Hat...
They all different things. I was swaying toward Red Hat 7.2.
Thanks for any input!
-patrick

hi Patrick

It doesn't really matter which verion to use but if you're an absolute newbie I would choose Mandrake because of it's easy setup

anyway I can recommend you some newbie articles that will help you allong
http://www.linux-mag.com/depts/newbies.html
(read from bottom to top)

regards,
Dave

I get asked this a lot, but the most important part of the discussion is often the one left unasked.
What do you intend to do with this system?
Most modern distributions are largely the same as far as the core operating system goes. But there is a large amount of choice in which applications, servers, user interfaces, libraries etc. are supplied. In particular, there is a large variation in which of the above are installed by default.
To sensibly answer this question, we need to have some idea of what you think you might use the system for, and what other systems you have experience of which might colour your judgement.
For example, I (and many other Linux users) never bother with a GUI, and rely on the superbly flexible and programmable command-line interface, but if you really want a GUI, then whether Gnome or KDE (or one of the several other choices) is installed by default might make a big difference.
Do you plan on doing a lot of network stuff - running servers, sharing files with other machines etc.? Do you want your machine to act as a gateway or a firewall for sharing an internet connection for other machines?
All of these questions and many more could have a bearing on which distribution is right for you.
Always bear in mind, too, that it is not just the well-known distributions. There are literally hundreds of linux distributions, all with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Thanks for the input!
I am looking at command line as well.
I would be programming.
What would you suggest?

Hi - I think your leaning towards RH should be fine for programming and a command line environment. Additionally, you can always start and stop a GUI as required.
What programming language(s) will you be using?
Regards, Guy