Mandrake.

Red hat is more supported, but Mandrake is easier to use and has almost as much support for packages as Red Hat.

Make sure you don't have a Winmodem. In some cases you will be able to use winmodems but not unless you compile and install the drivers yourself, and that's not a task for most newbies.

Winmodems are... modems wihout crucial peices of hardware that tell it how to work, so that drivers are made to give it these instructions instead. The drivers are NOT open source and only made for windows, hence the problem. Before you install RedHat or Mandrake, be sure to go to their websites and run most of your major hardware through their compatibility list.

If you don't like downloading the CD's you need, no problem. Redhat can be found cheaply in most office supply stores like staples or office depot. I even saw mandrake once included with a "Linux for Dummies" book. :lol: