Please don't preach about Ubuntu being the definitive Linux as all Linux is good,but some are more user friendly than others,disk contented is right to suggest distrowatch.
I personally use dual boot xp pro and Fedora core 8 (soon to be 9,when I get round to installing it).
I have also used suse,red hat,and about 28 different operating systems including Debian all of which are good if you know how to use them.
For ease of use and ready to go packages I would recommend Fedora Core,I have tried Ubuntu fiesty and found it lacking in its packaging to be honest so let the individual make up their minds as to what they require from distrowatch as although we have a range of experience with this operating system a newcomer to Linux needs it all done for them and lets face it if they need to ask about it they are newcomers.
FC8 does it step by step and has full documentation as was asked for in original thread ,my 11 year old has installed it successfully and uses it daily to play Nexuiz and do his school wok on.
If you wish to view documentation in regard to this distro go to fedora core and as with all GNU distros it is freely available for your scrutiny,good luck with whichever distro you finally decide on ,its all good with Linux.