RedHat 8 is the perfect choice for first time Linux installers.
Easy install, has recent versions of the must have software - KDE, Gnome,OpenOffice, Mozilla,etc. and most importantly if you ever want too install software it's easiest if RPM's are available. And rpm's for Redhat8 are the most available on the internet.
You can find RH8 in many books available from your local library.
Also it's the latest linux version which supports(needs fiddeling) HomePNA network cards for those that have them.