Suggestion on Distro

[J.J.]

Hi everyone. I am completely new to these forums (1st post) and equally new to the many flavors of Linux available. I have an extra PC I want to use to get a bit more familiar with the Linux world.
I have two lists of what I'm looking for. The what I'd like but can live without and the what I want from the distro.

Sorry for the long first post, but I want to be as thorough as I can!

What'd I like:
DHCP (Currently using a win2k3 domain controller.)
DNS (Same as above.)
Web Hosting (Same as above's above.)

What I want:
Net browsing and Trillian Compatible
'Decent' video editing software
OpenGL Desktop / XGL / Beryl / Whatever name it goes by or one would like to call it!

What I have to work with: (i.e. the distro has to support...)
P4 @ 2.8Ghz w/ HT (Using Win2k3 Server I noticed some 'weird' issues with HT enabled. Not overly concerned with keeping it on if Linux has seen similiar.)
2GB Memory
256mb GeForce FX5900 Ultra (Assuming it's enough power to use the 3D desktop)
Sound Blaster 5.1 Live
Dual WD SATA 2's in RAID 1 (My file storage)
Dual LCD's for the display. Absolutely loved the look of Beryl with dual screens.

So as you can see, it's not the most powerful machine in the world but should be more then enough to make my first experience with Linux a pleasant one.

I've always been a windows guy until recently (via a promotion) I was thrown into a Unix/AIX whirlwind with TSM. In dealing with our AIX team, I heard a lot of positive things about where Linux has come to today.

So any suggestions on a distro that would meet what I'm looking for? I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty nor am I afraid to use something that may be a little past my skillset but does what I'm looking for. I'll take the time to learn it.

Someone had already suggested Ubuntu so that's what I'm leaning towards so far just based on what I read. I figured here would be the best place to get honest non-biased opinions. I appreciate any help and recommendations!

Thanks.

[techieMoe]

Welcome to the forums, and to Linux in general. I suggest you read this thread:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...e-posting.html

Most of your requirements can be met by all major Linux distributions out there. The only difference you're likely to find between them is the style in which they carry out your tasks (window themes, software installation/management, etc). It's a very subjective thing to pick a distribution that's right for you, which is why we don't like to just toss a name out there.

A word of warning: you're likely to have issues with your RAID in Linux. Some controllers are supported, others aren't. Once you settle in on a distribution you want to try, you can start up a thread in that distribution's appropriate section and we'll do our best to help you out if you're having RAID issues. The rest of your hardware is pretty standard and shouldn't give you any trouble.

As for Trillian and other MS Windows programs, there's a list of Linux equivalents in this thread that might help you:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...ead-first.html