FreeBSD5.3 (Score 1)

Assuming "experienced linux user" doesn't mean you want security above all else, or the most 'underground os'- I would give FreeBSD5.3 the first shot. You can have it up in running in a kde or gnome environment (or whatever desktop environment you like) in less the fifteen minutes by simply following the standard installation. A couple more tips though-- Make sure that you also install cvsup(net), portupgrade(sysutils), bash (not the default shell), and the editor of your choice Afterwards edit the supfile, i.e add the lines ports-all tag=. docs-all tag=. $ cvsup supfile then upgrade the ports $ portsdb -uU then portsupgrade -arR Edit the kernel ( the easiest/powerful kernel edit i know of!) adding support for sound and vesa among others. Buts all thats covered in great detail at freebsd.org This os has by far the most documentation and support of the BSD kidz and that is whats most important when learning BSD of course. Besides that no ones going to think your "inexperienced" if your using FreeBSD. :) Then, like others suggested, move to mac and join the revolution! viva la *BSD!