Ideal Linux System for Newbies?

spiffyman asks: "In the next year, I'll begin advanced work in mathematics, and I'll also be upgrading my desktop box. In light of the advantages of Linux and FOSS in the area of science and mathematics, I want to convert from a Windows system to a dual-boot one with Linux. Primary tasks aside from math/logic activities will include learning intermediate programming, web maintenance, some computational linguistics (in Python), and LOTS of LaTeX work for my publishing activities. What do Slashdot readers recommend in terms of hardware, OS, software, and perhaps reading for a quasi-power Windows user (with no previous Linux experience) to convert to an all-Linux system?"

Comments

OSX

[krunk7]

OSX Leopard It had to be said.

I've repeatedly suggested Linux...

[mark-t]

... to my wife to run on our family PC... every time we have to reinstall Windows.

The reply is something to the effect of "Nobody else knows how to use YOUR computer, do you want nobody to use even the computer that is supposed to be for the whole family?"