Did my first ever install of Linux last week. Used the latest version of Ubuntu which is Hardy Heron (8.04).
Got to say that it was very easy to get running, even on a hard drive on a SATA raid chip. And required little or no tech ability.
If you have a spare PC I would definitely give it a go, I doubt you will be anything but pleasantly surprised. If you are thinking of dual booting then someone else can advise you on that.
The install comes complete with open office and firefox (and lots of other useful stuff no doubt!) and completes in less time than a win2k or XP install. And its legally free. What more could you want?