If you want to be with apt-get/dpkg, install ubuntu and apt-get the kubuntu, by this you can get all the debian repo software. and the desktop is the most practically usable for newbies. My friend who never used Linux used ubuntu and didnt had any problem with viewing VCDs ;-) and yahoo chatting
But if you want to use Debian itself, install the newest stable release of gnome current is 2.10.x it has nice ways to connect and disconnect modems I personally hate FCs so I hate redhat monopoly No Offence to anyone, and correct me if I'm wrong. -- http://mm.ilug-bom.org.in/mailman/listinfo/linuxers
