I know there are a couple of linux versions out there, but what is the best in your opinion?

Ubuntu or Redhat.

Ubuntu by miles

Ubuntu!

windows.

Uber

Maybie Suse?

If you are just curious about how linux works
just get a live! linux like Knoppix

It simply depends on what you want to do with it or how easy it should be.

Have a look here

ubuntu for desktop use, debian for anything else, at least until you know your way around

thanks all, the usage would probably be mainly for running a soldat server, gonna play around with it a bit.