Of course, if you’re on linux brand 1, then want to blow it away and install linux brand 2, etc., you’ll want to have all your files under one directory. Then you can just copy that to your new install and you’re right back where you were.
Of course, you should keep backups of your data should anyhoo as a matter of routine.
Per Distrowatch:
Ubuntu, Linux Mint and PCLinuxOS are considered the easiest for new users who want to get productive in Linux as soon as possible without having to master all its complexities. On the other end of the spectrum, Slackware Linux, Arch Linux and FreeBSD are more advanced distributions that require plenty of learning before they can be used effectively. openSUSE, Fedora, Debian GNU/Linux and Mageia can be classified as good "middle-road" distributions. CentOS is an enterprise distribution, suitable for those who prefer stability, reliability and long-term support over cutting-edge features and software.
That being said, I think I opt for one of the "middle of the road" distributions.
Any recommendation?
**correction: VirtualBox **
sorry for typo :p
P.S. You can even install it on your WinBlows to run Linux inside it too.