People have very mixed opinions about what linux distribution, for example Redhat linux imho is good for the first time user. But seen as that's not one of your options , some people would say that slackware is one of the hardest to setup / use e.t.c.. I used it as my first distribution and I found it easy to pickup, just add tweaking!

In general the difference in distributions is the way they are initially configured and what applications there are. I.e. Slackware will boot staright into the CLI the first time it boots unless you change it, others will bring up a GUI.

If you had the resources (money / space / bandwidth) maybe you could try out a few different distributions till you find one you like.

If your a first time user maybe you should try the boot off cd knoppix and play with it before you try a hd installable distribution.

Starts arguement over best distribution "Slackware" .........