I went ahead and downloaded Mint, thanks for all the suggestions
[quote name='plasticbathmonki']I guess my only question is, other than fulfilling curiosity, what do you what to use Linux for? The only reason I ask is because even the most user friendly distro will often be a pain and I want you to be prepared for that.[/QUOTE]
I just want to know how to use Linux -- I don't necessarily want to use it, I just want to know how.
[quote name='ducttapeBigSexy']As for needing Linux experience, it doesn't hurt, but I don't think it's as important as many people make it out to be. I work for a software company and, although our product does run on both Unix and Windows machines, most of the projects I've been on have been run on Windows machines. However, it doesn't hurt to know your way around a *nix machine; every now and then I need to jump on a Unix box at work, and it's nice to know what I'm doing.[/QUOTE]
I'm not kidding when I say every panel mentions Linux / Unix. Whether it's being on a research project with a professor, getting a co-op, internship, job, whatever, they all recommend getting accustomed to common industry software and programming languages. I'm currently learning Java, Python, Mathematica and MATLAB. I want to learn Perl, Labview and get familiar with Linux. Those seem to be all the hot-button languages/programs that, if you're able to claim proficiency on resumes/in interviews, give you a leg up in the fields I'm interested in.