Best Linux Distrobution For a Beginner

[Jfdude]

Okay everybody, I have a really (hopefully) quick question. I was wondering what the best Linux distribution was for a beginner of Linux, for the purpose of learning about the operating system. My ultimate goal is to be able to run Arch Linux, but I read plenty of places that I should start with a simpler distribution. I do not really want Ubuntu or Mint, though, because I really want something that is going to challenge me a lot. I know somebody can help and thanks in advance for the answers!

 

[skittle]

Ubuntu and mint are good for beginners because they "just work" out of the box with zero configuration and lots of stuff installed.

If you want something a little more 'customized':

Can't go wrong with Debian!
https://www.debian.org

 

[junkeymonkey]

mint seems easy to use I got this one but yet to load or try

http://elementaryos.org/

there free to use just start with one and play around with it and if you don't like move to the next

 

[runswindows95]

If you never used Linux at all, nothing wrong with starting with a distro like Linux Mint as a base. The main thing with advanced Linux distros is learning terminal, which you can do through the Ubuntu / Mint.

 

[junkeymonkey]

this may help you along the way if needed

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

 

[skittle]

Or if you want to get sucked into the rabbit hole and learn your system inside and out, Gentoo.
https://www.gentoo.org

If you want to grow a beard while you install your OS: LFS.
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org