As Linux can be tailored to suit different needs, many contradictory, there is no single distro that is perfectly adapted to all of them. And "best" is a matter of opinion; some may think one looks better than another; some may want more features while others want better performance on lower-end hardware.
Several Linux distributions can be considered "easy to use" or "newb-friendly", such as Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xandros, or OpenSUSE. Rather than recommending just one, I would suggest you try several of them. That way, if one of them isn't to your liking, you aren't put off from Linux altogether. All of the distros I named above, and many more, can access Windows partitions, run Wine (for running some Windows programs), and can import bookmarks and settings from Windows if you choose to dual-boot. Xandros costs about $85; the rest are free. You can even order Ubuntu and Kubuntu CDs free of charge.
That is really a matter of opinion; many distributions are touted as being "easy to use." Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva, Puppy Linux, Xandros, OpenSUSE, and others try to make this claim to fame. I would recommend, if you have the resources, to try all of them and see the wide variety of choices you have, before making your decision.
This is fairly subjective but:
Linux Mint (fairly easy)
Ubuntu (most popular)
Arch Linux (very well documented)
Whichever distro you're most comfortable with.
Linux Mint to learn. Ubuntu for gamers/programmers & Kali Linux for penetration testers and hackers.
Linux can run with virtually any hardware configuration, but it is best to check the system requirements for your Linux distro.
There are many media players available for Linux. The best location to download them is from your distro's package repository.
Kernel, but I guess when you will learn, you will have to switch (Ubuntu for programmers and gamers and Kali Linux for penetration testers and hackers)
Depending on the agency or section you are in, they may have various policies and guidelines about what Linux distributions are to be used or not. If you work in security or defense, they may have special standards that the distro is required to meet.
I don't think so.
There are many different websites that distribute a variety Linux operating systems. The most popular place for desktop distributions computers is Ubuntu.
Linux cannot be learned from reading a book. It can only be learned by hands-on experience. If you really want to get into the guts of Linux, get the Linux From Scratch manual. This manual will instruct you in building your own Linux distro from the ground up.
There aren't many good Linux distros that work well on notebook computers. However if Ubuntu is the standout choice if you really want Linux on your LapTop computer.
quicker answer is which linux distro does not work? Pretty much all will work
That depends on what steps you used in the installation program.