_HOW TO INSTALL LINUX OR TRY IT_

>Linux is easy to install
http://www.howtogeek.com/192462/linux-was-once-hard-to-install-and-use-now-its-easy

>Video tutorial on how to install or try it on a virtual machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R33sFFhgkWk

>Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer

>How do I determine if I have 64-bit vs. 32-bit CPU?
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001121.htm

>How to Choose a Partition Scheme for Your Linux PC
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/35676/how-to-choose-a-partition-scheme-for-your-linux-pc

>The Beginner's Guide to Creating Virtual Machines with VirtualBox
http://lifehacker.com/5204434/the-beginners-guide-to-creating-virtual-machines-with-virtualbox

>Check Linux in wikibooks
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Linux_Guide


_SOME DISTROS FOR BEGINNERS_

>Mint Cinnamon
For people just switching from Windows, very pretty and excellent first experience. You can commonly also use software from Ubuntu and Debian.

>Lubuntu
If you want more minimalism or to install Linux into an old computer.

>Debian Netinstall Stable
If you want to customize ("rice") AND you are willing to spend time to build your Linux from scratch. If you are willing to spend that time, is good for you.

PRO TIP: Try them first on a virtual machine.

BONUS: 
>GParted Live
Exclusively for partitioning and troubleshooting the computer. Just install this on a USB or CD and boot from it.

>Choco-script
You may also try the following script on a fresh Debian to auto-supply your machine of software: https://github.com/Chocolate-Chip-Computing/DebianNewbieScript


_ DISTROS FOR SERVERS_

>CentOS
For a very stable and really long time support (like for 10 years), with the plus of adding experience for a Linux job.

>OpenMediaVault
Quick and friendly NAS/server.

>Alpine Linux
Ultra secure Linux server and firewall.


_DISTROS FOR POWER USERS_

>Arch Linux
For learning more about Linux, having the newest software or for extreme personalization, it has the best wiki to go from intermediate user to pro.

>Parabola GNU/Linux-Libre
Using only free software to avoid propietary software, removes binary blobs and any obfuscated code. Fully compliant with the Free Software Foundation.

>Qubes OS
Security exponentially increased, but at a price.

>PupNGo Linux
For a more minimalistic distro or for really (REALLY) old computers, has an impressive set of software.

>Replicant OS
A replacement for the closed sourced Android, this is meant for your smartphone.

>Metasploitable (and Kioptrix)
Used for penetration testing AS A TARGET. NEVER connect this disto directly to the internet, configure the virtual machine to a bridged connection BEFORE booting it.

MAGE NOT DEAD
Reminder to advanced users (and only advanced users) to try Source Mage. True source-based distribution that can "heal" broken installs, like "magic". And in contrast with Gentoo:
>It is free from obfuscated and pre-configured code
>Uses only free software (as in freedom) in their main package
>Without 3rd party patches, "sensible defaults" or masked packages
>It doesn't need obfuscated python libraries neither, only bash
>Uses clean dependencies as they came from upstream developers, which by the same provides instant updates
http://beta.sourcemage.ru/Intro


_WHAT IS LINUX RICING_

>GNU/Linux ricing - InstallGentoo Wiki
https://wiki.installgentoo.com/index.php/GNU/Linux_ricing

>Comparison of X Window System desktop environments
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_X_Window_System_desktop_environments

>Comparison of X window managers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_X_window_managers

>Comparison of file managers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_file_managers

>Comparison of desktop application launchers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_desktop_application_launchers


_THEMES AND ICONS_

>Numix GTK And Icon Themes
http://www.webupd8.org/2013/08/new-ppa-for-numix-gtk-and-icon-themes.html

>Arc, a GTK Theme for Linux Desktops
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/06/arc-gtk-theme

>Install Wingpanel From An Ubuntu PPA
http://www.webupd8.org/2011/01/install-wingpanel-from-ubuntu-ppa.html

>Avant Window Navigator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant_Window_Navigator

>Cursor themes on the ArchWiki
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Cursor_themes

>Phosphene - A flat theme for GNOME 3.10
https://github.com/hdni/Phosphene

>How to install zukitwo
https://askubuntu.com/questions/610141/how-do-i-install-zukitwo

>Greybird theme
http://www.webupd8.org/2012/08/greybird-default-xubuntu-theme-gets.html


_GRAPHICAL EFFECTS ON LINUX_

>How To Use Compiz
http://www.webupd8.org/2014/11/how-to-use-compiz-in-ubuntu-mate-1404.html

>How to Enable and Tweak Ubuntu’s Flashy Graphical Effects
http://www.howtogeek.com/167674/how-to-enable-and-tweak-ubuntus-flashy-graphical-effects/?PageSpeed=noscript


_LOOK LIKE A HAXXOR_

>Conky - System monitor like you were a haxxor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conky_%28software%29

>Conky - Documentation
http://conky.sourceforge.net/documentation.html

>A GUI For Managing Conky Configurations
http://www.webupd8.org/2013/07/conky-manager-gui-for-managing-conky.html

>SettingUpConky - Community Help Wiki
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SettingUpConky

>Conky on the ArchWiki
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/conky

The CLI system monitor you see other places is called htop


_TERMINOLOGY FOR ULTIMATE SHOW OFF_

>Terminology Linux Terminal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DPeEfPzBg

>How to install Terminology
http://www.webupd8.org/2013/04/terminology-more-than-terminal-emulator.html