i dont mean to be rude but whats the point of asking so many opinions and going your own way anyway??? not even a single dude suggested you suse. also its not like once you install a particular linux you are going to use its thousands of applications or immediately start shell programming or something like that. there are lots of good distros around .try googling for it. also lookup sites like
linux.org and
linuxdistros .
Also what you have to realise is that different distributions are basically built on the same kernel , they just differ in their applications and customizability. so try finding as to what suits you. there are also some live cd's available so you dont have to install before you canb use it.
i am currently using mandriva (gnome) and i am quite satisfied with it. especially its "control panel" or "control center" is quite user friendly and lets a newbie "do" something without any harm to the system.
i am also a newbie and i dont have a great knowledge about linux but i am telling you my opinion . so best of luck with your linux!! have fun!! c ya!!!