Now, as for distros...
I don't reccomend any linux newcomer use anything but Ubuntu. Ubuntu is, really, the end all be all for newbie friendliness. Its not the end all be all for linux like some people think...but its really newbie friendly. The forums have thousands of active users and answers to questions are immediate and there are tutorials for EVERYTHING available out there.
Plus, the ubuntu linux community is very friendly.
They'll even MAIL you a free copy of ubuntu. Don't even have to pay shipping.
http://shipit.ubuntu.com/
but its quicker to just download it at
Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu