Which Linux distro? (me=noob)

[nybergh]

I'm a complete n00b when it comes to Linux, but since I'm going online (NO MORE DIALUP ) in two weeks I want some kind of server.

I have an extra Pentium III/800 mhz, and since most of my friends have a server (at least for ftp-sharing some mp3s) I feel that I should have one too.

The thing is that this computer is going to be used for light desktop applications by my sister (mostly word processing, irc/im & of cource solitary/mine sweeper ) and now and then too, so what I want is not a dedicated server/firewall distro. There should be no problem running an ftp server for small stuff and chatting in KDE at the same time, right?

One of my Linux guru frinds forced me to test Slackware (10.1), but nothing works properly out of the box. No support for any media (everything related to cd, 3½", audio & usb is dead, but everyting works fine with the knoppix live cd) and I have no idea about how I should configure anything myself at this point.

My friend is willing to administrate/fix my linux box with terminal access from his house, but I want to learn soemthing myself. In other words, Slackware is not the right thing to start with. Now this fiend of mine told me to install Suse instead (he started to laugh when i mentioned mandrake). What should I do?